What is Dental Implant Reconstruction?

Dental implant reconstruction is one of the most common dental procedures performed these days. When a person loses teeth due to decay, age or injury, dental implants are used to restore a full smile and ensure that proper chewing still occurs. Dentists create teeth that anchor into the jaw bones to prevent wide gaps between the remaining teeth and bone loss in the affected area.

How dental implant reconstruction works

A dental implant works in a very similar way to a natural tooth. Dental implant reconstruction is the only method of replacing missing teeth that preserves the natural jawbone by stimulating growth.

Endosteal implant

Endosteal implants are the most common form of a dental implant. A plank screw, usually made of titanium due to its natural ability to fuse to bone, is placed into the jawbone. An abutment is inserted at the gumline to connect and stabilize the screw to the custom-made crown. Once the gum heals, the dentist will place the crown on top of the implant. The replacement will be nearly indistinguishable from the other natural teeth.

Variations of implants

Subperiosteal implants

If bones are not healthy enough to support an endosteal implant, a dentist may recommend subperiosteal implants. The processes are similar, except that a subperiosteal implant is built under the gum on the jaw, rather than fusing into the bone.

It is ultimately less secure than endosteal implantation but works for patients who do not want to undergo bone augmentation and grafts to prepare weaker jaws for endosteal implants.

Immediate load

A person with a healthy jaw may choose immediate load dental implants. Dentists can place immediate load implants in one visit, so there is no need for multiple appointments or waiting for the implant to heal before adding the crown.

Alternatives

Some alternatives to dental implant reconstruction exist but are becoming increasingly less popular as long-term solutions.

Bridges

Bridges replace a single missing tooth. They can last a decade with strong oral hygiene, but require the shaving and contouring of two healthy teeth to accept crowns. These teeth act as the roots to hold the bridge for the missing tooth in place. They are also challenging to floss which can lead to decay under the bridge.

Dentures

While partial dentures do not require reshaping healthy teeth to cover a missing tooth, they can lead to bone deterioration and misshapen jaws. They can also impact speech, making a clacking sound when the wearer speaks. They don’t look as natural as other options. Additionally, dentures can affect how food tastes.

Complete dentures rest on the gumline where teeth used to sit. They generally cost less than implants, but dentures only last a decade on average, so over time they have the potential to become just as costly. Due to age and bone deterioration, dentures often require an adhesive to secure them in the mouth properly. As dentures usually require removal every evening, this can lead to a greater need for specialized care.

Considering a dental implant?

Dental implant reconstruction is a great long-term solution to missing teeth. The process has been used for decades and perfected with time. It encourages normal function of the mouth, as though a tooth was never missing, and grafts naturally with the jaw bone. Following a process completed over several appointments, a dentist can customize a crown that has the same shape and color of the natural teeth surrounding the implant, leading to a natural-looking, beautiful smile.

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