Dental Implants in Basking Ridge: Types and Procedures

If you have a dental emergency or are just looking for a great tooth replacement option, then our oral surgeons can help. We offer a number of dental implant types and procedures for those who need them.

With that being said, let’s dive deeper into the world of dental implants and their respective procedures.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are essentially artificial teeth that are made to function and look like any other tooth in your mouth. Just like a normal tooth, a dental implant has a “root” in the form of a screw that is typically fastened directly into your jaw bone.

Then an abutment is attached to the screw followed by the crown—a fake tooth that is modeled to look like your natural tooth.

Though artificial, they are designed to be long-lasting and may even last a lifetime. There are also many different types from single implants to implants that are designed to replace a whole row of teeth!

Different Types of Dental Implants

There are three main types of dental implants:

Single Implant

With a single implant, your oral surgeon will only insert one screw that will act as the anchor for your artificial tooth. These implants can be a great option for those who lost a tooth in an accident and would like a replacement.

Bridge Implant

For those with multiple missing or injured teeth in a row, a bridge implant may be a good option. If, for example, three teeth are missing, then an oral surgeon can place two screws and abutments where the two outer teeth were. 

Then, a group of three interconnected artificial teeth are placed with the two outer teeth being connected to the two outer abutments. The middle tooth then acts as a “bridge” between the two outer teeth.  

Multiple Implants

In the case where multiple implants are needed, an oral surgeon will create a plan for the best course of action. If a whole row of teeth needs replacement, the bridge method will likely be used. 

On the other hand, in cases where random teeth are missing, your oral surgeon may decide to do an individual replacement for each tooth.

Types of Implant Procedures

There are two main types of implant procedures when it comes to fastening an artificial tooth in place. 

1. Endosteal Implants

In cases where the individual has a healthy jawbone, the oral surgeon will place a screw directly inside the jawbone. Then, after a couple of months, the jawbone will have grown around and fused with the screw—cementing it in place.

2. Subperiosteal Implants

While not as common, subperiosteal implants are used when the individual either doesn’t want an endosteal implant or can’t have one. In this case, a metal post is inserted into the gum and comes to a stop right before the jawline. The post acts as the “screw” or “root” that holds the artificial tooth in place.

Other Procedures

In some cases, a procedure needs to be performed before an implant is placed. These procedures include:

• Ridge Expansion—If the jawbone is too narrow, then a ridge expansion procedure can be done which involves adding bone graft materials to the top of your jawbone (ridge) to expand it.
• Bone Augmentation—If the jawbone is unhealthy, it may not have the strength to support an implant. In this case, a bone augmentation procedure can be done to help restore the bone to its former glory.
• Sinus Elevation—If an implant is needed in the upper back jaw, then a sinus elevation may be necessary if there is not enough bone to support the implant and the sinus is in the way. The procedure involves lifting the sinus to make room for added bone and the implant.

Conclusion

Dental implants can be a great permanent option to replace damaged or missing teeth. For those interested in learning more, it’s best to consult with an oral surgeon. 

At Ridge Oral Surgery, we offer dental implants in the Basking Ridge area and can help you determine if they are the right fit for you.

SAHIL BATRA

Hi, I’m the Founder and Developer of Paramedics World, a blog truly devoted to Paramedics. I am a Medical Lab Tech, a Web Developer and Bibliophiliac. My greatest hobby is to teach and motivate other peoples to do whatever they wanna do in life.