Implant Restoration
Dental Implant Restoration in Newport News, Virginia
If the placement of implants is successful and they become firmly attached to the surrounding bone, the next step is to utilize the implants in replacing missing teeth. This can be done in a number of ways: implant crowns, implant bridges, implant-assisted dentures, and implant-supported fixed appliances.
When single teeth are to be replaced with implants, then implant crowns are used. The implant crowns can be attached to the implants with either a screw or an implant abutment. Each method has its advantages, but the most common way is with implant abutments. The process for making implant crowns is as follows: first an impression post is screwed into the implant, then an impression is made. From this impression a model is poured up, then an implant abutment is fabricated to be screwed into the implant and to provide a foundation for the crown. After this, the crown is made, to be cemented onto the abutment so that a patient’s chewing ability is restored.
Implants can also be used to support bridges. Two or more implants are placed and spread throughout the region of the mouth in need of replacement teeth. After this, abutments are usually made, as described in the above information. These abutments will form the support for the bridges that are made next. Bridges include crowns that go onto the abutments, as well as false teeth that are connected to the abutment crowns. A bridge can be as small as three teeth – one false tooth and two abutments – and as large as an entire arch of teeth, perhaps as many as 14. It is important for there to be implants of sufficient size and length to support the forces that will be put on them by the bridge.
Dentures can also be supported and held in place by implants. The most common way is with an implant overdenture. Implants are placed in the mouth – usually either two or four – and then after healing, male and female attachments are installed. The female attachments are screwed into the implants, while the male attachments are inserted into the denture. In this arrangement, the denture snaps onto the implants, holding it securely in the mouth. While as few as two implants can secure a complete denture, it normally takes four to create stability.
There is a special type of implant-supported denture called a hybrid denture, in which implants are used to securely attach the denture in the mouth, so that the patient would not need to remove it. This is the most comfortable type of denture because it is firmly connected to the mouth, so that there is virtually no movement during talking and chewing. In order to create the necessary stability for a hybrid denture, it takes more implants than are normally required for an implant overdenture.
In addition to the above denture options, another possibility is a bar overdenture. In this option, a cast bar is attached to two or more implants, and then a denture clips onto the bar. This is a removable option, such that the patient can insert it and remove it as desired.
As can be seen from all of the possibilities listed above, there are a myriad of options when it comes to replacing teeth with implants. To find out which option might be best for you, talk with a professional at City Center Dental Care.
