Dental implants are artificial dental roots that are connected directly to your jaw bone. These implants are generally made from titanium and can be coated by certain substances to prolong their lifespan. There are many different types of dental implants, but modern types have a tron conic or cylindrical shapes to resemble the natural dental root. Attached to the dental implant is a crown or other dental objects such as a prosthesis. Dental implants can be fixed or removable.
Dental Implant Surface
To allow for osseointegration, contemporary types of dental implants have the bone surface in rugose topography. This means that the bone cells from the jawbone can settle and integrate with the implant. The higher the degree of rugose and process, the better the quality of integration with the jawbone.
The connection of Dental Works with Implant
There are two ways the dental works can be attached to the implant. The one way is by means of a prosthetic abutment that is screwed directly to the implant. The dental works are then connected to the prosthetic abutment with a dental cement. This is one of the better ways to connect the dental works to the implant, but the procedure has to be carried out with caution as the dental adhesive can infiltrate underneath the gum and damage the dental implant.
Another way to connect the dental works to the implant is to screw it directly to the implant itself. With this type of dental implant, there is no prosthetic abutment or another type of intermediary piece. The access hole is then covered with an obturation material that matches the color of the artificial tooth. Using this type of dental implant also has its pros and cons. The biggest advantage is that the dental works can easily be removed for cleaning or other reasons. One of the biggest cons of this method is the fact that the screw may not be able to withstand the high pressure and that it may weaken with time. This means that it may require routine tightening with special instruments.
Mini Implants
This type of dental implants is used for mounting artificial teeth in narrow spaces. These thin implants can be attached to the jawbone with limited resistance, but it is not recommended for regular sized dental works.
They can also be used to provide stabilization for elderly people when their mastication forces are starting to weaken. Additionally, these mini dental implants can be used as temporary implants or to aid in integration with the jawbone. This is typically when the low bone volume is still in the process of restoration.
Zygomatic Implants
These implants are placed at the rear of the maxillary bone where the bone has the lowest density. The tips of the implants are mounted to the zygomatic bones which keep its density and strength through time. These implants are typically used in cases of severe maxillary atrophy and there is no bone left that can be used as an anchor for the implants.