Dental Implants
Rochester, NY
 Dental implants are posts crafted from titanium or ceramic and meticulously inserted into the jawbone, serving as sturdy anchors for prosthetic teeth. These implants emulate the vital role of natural tooth roots, offering a robust foundation for either fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth. At Rochester Periodontal & Dental Implants, all implants are meticulously tailored to harmonize with your natural dental aesthetics. We pay detailed attention to your needs and preferences before prescribing, customizing, and implanting the prosthetics.
Components of Dental Implants
A dental implant consists of three main parts: the implant body or screw, the abutment, and the crown. The implant body, also known as the screw, serves as the artificial root of the tooth being replaced. Its purpose is to secure the replacement tooth or teeth in position. This requires a surgical procedure for placement, followed by a healing period of three to six months. Next is the abutment, which links the implant to the crown. It is attached to the implant once the surgical site has adequately healed. Placing the abutment involves a partial opening of the gum, which is also done through a surgical procedure. Finally, the crown is the false tooth or teeth placed onto the abutment after the gum has fully healed. Typically made from porcelain to match the natural color of teeth, some individuals may opt for a differently colored crown for aesthetic reasons.
Different Types of Dental Implants
Various kinds of dental implants are available based on the requirements of the patient. In this case, the implant type used will depend on what the patient needs. These include:
Single Tooth Implant
For individuals with a single missing tooth seeking a replacement for aesthetic, comfort, and functional reasons, single tooth implants are an option. This procedure involves implanting a metal post into the jawline or placing it on the gum tissue, followed by affixing a crown atop the post. This implant stands independently and does not affect the neighboring teeth. The dentist takes precise measurements of the teeth to ensure the replacement closely resembles and functions like the original tooth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is recommended for those with multiple continuous missing teeth. Here, a dental implant is positioned on each side of the gap to support all the missing teeth. The replacement teeth closely mimic the originals, with minimal discernible differences. The bridge comprises two crowns on each implant end, connected by replicas of the missing teeth.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants are utilized for individuals who have lost many teeth and require multiple tooth implants for an entire jaw of missing teeth. In this procedure, four implants are strategically placed in the jawline, supporting a set of teeth replicas with four crowns. Although considered a permanent tooth restoration method, the teeth can be removed for cleaning or examination when necessary.
3-on-6 Dental Implants
3-on-6 dental implants are a variation of denture-supporting bridges, with three separate bridges supporting either the upper or lower jaw, each carrying six dentures. This option is also suitable for those who have lost all their teeth and seek a permanent replacement instead of conventional dentures. While offering a permanent solution for teeth replacement, the teeth can still be removed for cleaning or examination as needed.
Dental Implant Procedure
The process of a dental implant must adhere to specific steps to ensure its success. Depending on patient needs, the procedure may be lengthy, lasting a few months, or brief. The following steps are involved in a dental implant procedure:
Assessment and Preparation
The initial phase of dental implant surgery involves assessing and preparing the patient for a successful procedure. If the damaged tooth remains in the socket, it must be extracted first. If the tooth is already missing, the dentist will assess the jawbone to determine its suitability for the procedure. If the jawbone is inadequate, the patient may require a bone grafting procedure, which can involve either synthetic or natural grafting.
Implant Placement
Following assessment is the placement of the implant. During this stage, the surgeon exposes the jawbone using special tools. Once the bone is visible, a hole is drilled into it, and a metal rod (screw) is inserted into the bone to serve as the tooth root. Depending on the location of the implant, the surgeon may place a temporary removable solution for the front teeth or leave it open for the back teeth.
Integration and Healing
Subsequently, the implant undergoes a period of integration with the jawbone. This fusion process typically takes several months. The integration and healing process must be completed on time, as the primary goal is to ensure the implant becomes strong enough to support a dental crown or artificial tooth.
Abutment Placement
Once the implant has fully healed, the next step is to place the abutment. The abutment is used to extend the implant above the gums. This procedure involves making another incision in the healed gum to expose the implant. The abutment is then attached to the exposed implant, initiating another healing phase.
Crown Placement
After the gum has healed with the exposed abutment, the final step involves placing the artificial tooth or crown. The dentist takes an impression of the missing tooth by measuring the empty socket. The crown is then fabricated in a laboratory and designed to resemble your natural teeth closely. The crown is placed on the abutment, becoming the only visible part of the implant.
Who Is Eligible for Dental Implants?
The majority of individuals who have lost one, several, or all of their teeth are suitable candidates for dental implants. Typically, if you are healthy enough to undergo a tooth extraction or a root canal, you can be considered for a dental implant. Even so, it is required that all implant patients maintain high standards of hygiene during and after the process.
Dental implants offer distinct advantages over other restoration treatments in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. Unlike denture wearers who may constantly worry about their dentures becoming loose, falling out, or restricting their diet, individuals with dental implants can enjoy the confidence of having teeth that feel and function naturally. If you are considering getting implants, you need to talk to a dentist first. Our dentist at Rochester Periodontal & Dental Implants is open to discussing your options. All you have to do is give us a call at (585) 651-3194 to arrange a consultation.
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