What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a Titanium or Zirconia screw that is anchored into the jaw bone and acts similar to the root of a tooth. Unlike a traditional “screw,” your bone integrates and fuses to the implant creating a strong and stable foundation (commonly termed Osseointegration). The process often takes between 4 and 6 months.
Finally, an implant crown is then custom made and attached to create the full functioning replacement tooth.
Single Implants
Single implants replace a single tooth and are the most commonly provided implant treatment. They consist of a dental implant, an implant crown, and a connecting screw.
There are multiple treatment techniques that can be used for a single implant including immediate implant replacement, where the tooth is extracted and immediately replaced with the implant and crown, as well as delayed treatment for areas in the mouth that have suffered more long term damage or trauma.
Multiple Implants
In areas of the mouth where multiple teeth are missing, implant bridges are the treatment option of choice. These consist of 2-3 implants supporting up to 7 teeth. Each replaced tooth does not need its own individual implant as this not only increases the cost, but can negatively impact the long term health of the implants. Our surgeon will extensively plan your treatment to ensure that the implants can adequately support the load from your mouth.
Full Arch Implants
In cases where patients have lost all of the teeth on the upper and/or lower jaws, implants can be used to replace up to 14 teeth in each jaw. This has commonly been known as the “All-On-4” treatment option whereby 4 implants are used to support a full bridge of teeth. We assess each patient on a case by case basis to plan how many implants are required to support a bridge.
There are several methods to this treatment including what is known as the “immediate load” option where the teeth are removed and the implants and bridge placed at the same time, as well as the “delayed load” where the implants are able to fully heal before the bridge is made. Our treatment coordinator and surgeon will discuss these options in depth during your initial call and consultation. As with most treatments, there are advantages and disadvantages, and we feel that it is vital you understand these before making your decision.
Sinus Grafting
Due to the presence of the sinus spaces in the cheeks (Maxillary Sinus Spaces), there is often a limited amount of bone height in the posterior regions of the upper jaw. Bone height is key in implant dentistry as it determines the length of the implants that can be used. The bone height in these regions is the lowest in the mouth and measurements are often shorter than even the shortest implants that exist.
The result is that dental implants would need to exist partially within the sinus space which can cause long term complications.
Sinus grafting is a process whereby bone graft material is gently placed into the sinus space to allow for the placement of dental implants. The process can be seen in the diagram.
The benefit of this treatment option is that longer, more stable implants can be used to support the final crown. Ensuring that these implants are fully covered by healthy bone provides the best environment for long term success.
Our team provides this treatment for our own patients as well as for patients referred to us for this specific type of treatment.
