By Gentle Touch Dentistry Richardson
Zirconia, a hard white ceramic material, has become increasingly popular in the last five years. The dental implant, typically small titanium or titanium-alloy screw inserted into the jawbone by a dentist, is used to secure a custom-made dental crown. The Food and Drug Administration has since approved zirconia implants.
You’ll need a bone graft if there isn’t enough bone to support the implant. Aging, gum disease, injury, and other factors can contribute to bone deficiency. If the implant is going into the upper jaw, the bone around the sinuses will need to be built up first, which may necessitate a sinus lift.
Dental Implants Come in a Variety of Shapes and Sizes
Other options for potential implant candidates who have particular issues include a lack of supporting bone. Here are a few you might come across.
Zygomatic Implants
A zygomatic implant is a long implant that anchors in the upper facial bones for those with severe bone deficiencies (the zygoma is the cheekbone). This method replaces an entire set of upper teeth rather than individual teeth.
Because multiple teeth are supported on only four posts, it can be less expensive than individual implants. It does, however, carry the risk of additional complications, so choose your dentist wisely.
All-on-Four Implants
The All-on-4 procedure, which is patented, uses only four standard implant posts to secure a full-arch bridge (eight implants total for a full mouth). While this option is usually quicker and less expensive, the prosthetic bridge is bulkier and less responsive than natural teeth, and it feels more like wearing traditional dentures.
Implants that are small and short
The terms “mini” and “short” implants refer to skinnier (mini) or shorter versions of standard implants. When there is a bone deficiency, they can be used, but the rate of success isn’t as high.
Dental implants are not recommended for children whose facial bone structure is still developing, but they are possible for older teenagers. Implant surgery is also less likely to be successful in smokers, immunosuppressive drug users, those who have recently undergone head or neck radiation therapy, those with uncontrolled diabetes, and those who grind their teeth at night.
Contact us to get a dental implant from an expert dentist in Richardson, TX.
