subject: Different Kind Of Dental Implants [print this page] A Dental Implant is a part of dental surgery in which an artificial tooth root is used to implant a tooth that supports dental prostheses like crowns and dentures. A dental implant usually begins with a surgery in which the dental implant is fixed into the jaw bone. The surgery may be a two-stage surgery or a single stage one. The lower jaw treatment takes around 3-5 months while the upper jaw treatment takes 4-6 months. In special cases it might take a few more months. A single stage implant usually takes 2-3 hours.
In the first stage the implant is surgically placed and the crown is immediately attached. After a few months a CAT scan is made of the jawbone, it is studied and further treatment done. The gums are closed with stitches and replaced with a new tooth.
Different kinds of dental implants are designed to meet the specific and unique need of individual patients. The type of implant done is usually decided by the dentist depending on the quality of jaw bone, and the type of crown, bridge or denture that will be placed on the implant. They are classified on the basis of the material used or the way the implant is done. The common implants include: Root Form Titanium implant, Sub-Periosteal implant, Plate-form implant, Ramus-frame implant, Transosseous Implant.
The Root form Titanium implant being the most common is also known as endosteal implants. As the name suggests these implants are made of strong corrosion resistant metal titanium that resemble screws and nails.
The Sub-Periosteal implants are generally made from either Vitallium TM or 6/4 Titanium. Some implants are coated with synthetic bone. It is usually done on people who have a narrow jaw bone insufficient for bone grafting and thus are unable to support a root-form implant.
The method of plate form implant uses a rectangular piece of metal placed vertically in the jaw to provide a place for the artificial tooth to be implanted. These implants are done on patients whose current dental state or history is not suitable for bone grafting. Ramus frame implants are used in persons with a thin lower jaw bone and these implants are usually made at the back of the mouth or chin after which full or partial dentures are made.
Transosseous Implant is done only for the lower jaw. However, it is rarely used as it involves extensive surgery, general anesthesia and hospitalization. Gold tooth implanted by many people make use of the same process. Teeth implants are a very good option for patients to restore their missing teeth. Implanted teeth give the feeling of actual teeth and improve the face structure of a person. However teeth implants require meticulous dental hygiene and proper maintenance of oral health. They need to be flossed regularly, and brushed with equal care, as would be provided to the original set of teeth. Frequent oral check ups are also a must.
