Losing a tooth can be a deeply personal and challenging experience, impacting your smile, confidence, and quality of life. Whether due to an accident, decay, or other health issues, it can feel overwhelming to consider the next steps. Thankfully, advancements in dental care offer hope and solutions for residents of Yellowstone County, MT. Dental implants are a transformative option that can restore your smile and self-assurance. As you navigate your choices, Brewer Dental Center’s professional team of orthodontists in Billings, MT, are here to help you find the best path to regaining a complete and healthy smile!
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an advanced solution for replacing missing teeth. They offer a permanent and natural-looking alternative to dentures and bridges. Implants are designed to mimic the structure and function of natural teeth and consist of two main parts: the artificial tooth root and the prosthetic tooth.
The Artificial Tooth Root
The artificial tooth root is the foundation of the dental implant. Due to its durability and biocompatibility, this component is typically made of titanium, which is surgically inserted into the jawbone. The process begins with a small incision in the gum to expose the bone, followed by the creation of a hole where the titanium post is placed. Over several months, a process called osseointegration occurs, during which the bone grows around the implant, firmly anchoring it in place. This integration ensures that the implant provides a stable and permanent base for the prosthetic tooth, functioning similarly to a natural tooth root and helping to preserve jawbone density.
The Prosthetic Tooth
The prosthetic tooth is the visible part of the dental implant, designed to replace the missing tooth. After the artificial root fully integrates with the jawbone, a connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment links the implant and the prosthetic tooth, which can be a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on the patient’s needs. The prosthetic tooth is custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of the surrounding natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural appearance. This final restoration improves the smile’s aesthetics and restores function, allowing the patient to chew and speak comfortably and confidently.
When are Dental Implants Necessary?
Dental implants become necessary when one or more teeth are missing or severely damaged and cannot be repaired through other means. Here are some common scenarios where dental implants are recommended:
- Missing teeth: Implants are an excellent option for individuals who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or periodontal disease.
- Damaged teeth: When teeth are damaged beyond repair and need to be extracted, implants can replace the lost teeth.
- Bone loss prevention: Implants help maintain jawbone density, which can deteriorate after tooth loss.
- Support for dental prosthetics: Implants can stabilize dentures or bridges, improving their fit and function.
Dental Implant Options
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. These implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. Endosteal implants are particularly popular because they provide a strong, long-lasting foundation for artificial teeth and have a high success rate. They are ideal for patients with sufficient jawbone density and volume to support the implant.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are an alternative to endosteal implants. They are primarily used for patients who do not have sufficient healthy jawbones for the placement of endosteal implants and cannot or do not want to undergo a bone augmentation procedure. Instead of being placed in the jawbone, subperiosteal implants rest on top of the bone but under the gum.
A metal frame with a post attached is fitted onto the jawbone. As the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone. Posts attached to the frame protrude through the gums, and artificial teeth are mounted to the posts. Subperiosteal implants are less commonly used today due to advancements in bone grafting techniques, which allow more patients to be candidates for endosteal implants.
Types of Dental Procedures
Single Tooth Implants
Single-tooth implants are ideal for replacing individual missing teeth. The procedure involves inserting a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a root. After the post integrates with the bone, a custom-made crown is attached, seamlessly blending with the surrounding teeth.
Multiple Tooth Implants
For patients missing several teeth, multiple tooth implants can be used. These involve placing two or more implants to support a bridge or a partial denture, providing a stable and long-lasting solution.
Mini Implants
Mini implants are smaller in diameter than traditional implants and are used in cases where there is insufficient bone density to support standard implants. They are less invasive and often used to stabilize lower dentures.
All-on-4 and All-on-2 Implants
The All-on-4 technique involves placing four implants in the jawbone to support a full arch of replacement teeth. This method is advantageous for patients with significant bone loss, as it maximizes the use of available bone. Brewer Dental Center also offers All-on-2 treatment for patients in need of only two implants.
Bone Grafting
In cases where the jawbone is not dense enough to support an implant, bone grafting may be necessary. This procedure involves transplanting bone tissue to the implant site, promoting new bone growth and providing a solid foundation for the implant.
Sinus Augmentation
Sinus augmentation, or sinus lift, is a specialized procedure performed when there is insufficient bone height in the upper jaw, particularly in the area of the molars and premolars. The procedure involves lifting the sinus membrane and adding bone graft material to increase bone volume, creating a solid foundation for implants in the upper jaw.
Ridge Modification
Ridge modification, or ridge expansion, is used when the jawbone is too narrow to support implants. The procedure involves dividing the ridge bone and inserting graft material to widen the jawbone, making it suitable for implant placement. This technique ensures that the jawbone can adequately support the implants, providing a stable base for the replacement teeth.
Find the Best Option for You at Brewer Dental in Billings, MT
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the “gold standard.” Brewer Dental Center (BDC) is the only practice in Yellowstone County to offer both general and specialty services, including dental implants. Providing exceptional care for our patients is at the heart of everything we do. With two convenient locations in West End and Billings Heights, our practice is open six days a week to support you. There are many great options available for using dental implants to restore the health and beauty of your smile. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!