What is a Dental Implant?
Milwaukie, OR
 A healthy smile does more than brighten your appearance, it also plays a vital role in your overall health and confidence. When teeth are missing, everyday activities like chewing, speaking, and smiling can feel more difficult. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a long-lasting solution. Dental implants are one of the most reliable and natural-looking tooth replacement options in Milwaukie. At Downing Dental we help patients restore their smile in both function and appearance with dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots designed to replace teeth that have been lost or extracted. Made from biocompatible materials such as titanium or zirconia, the implant is surgically placed into the jawbone where it fuses with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. This creates a secure foundation for a custom-made restoration, such as a dental crown, bridge, or denture.
A complete dental implant is made up of three main parts:
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Implant post – placed in the jawbone to act as the new tooth root
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Abutment – connects the implant post to the replacement tooth
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Restoration – the visible replacement tooth, designed to look and function like a natural tooth |
Because dental implants integrate with the bone, they provide stability that traditional dentures or bridges cannot. They not only restore the appearance of your smile but also protect your oral health by preserving bone structure and supporting natural facial contours.
Types of Dental Implants
The two most common types of dental implants include endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants.
Endosteal Implants Procedure
An endosteal implant is the most common type of dental implant. It is placed directly into the jawbone and acts as an artificial tooth root. Typically shaped like a small post or cylinder, it provides a strong foundation for a replacement tooth, bridge, or denture.
The placement of endosteal implants involves several stages. The first stage is consultation and planning. A thorough dental examination determines bone density and structure, ensuring the jawbone is suitable for implant placement. Those who lack sufficient jawbone may have to use other types of implants or undergo bone grafting.
Once bone density examination is assured, the procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia. An incision technique is used to expose the jawbone. A hole is then made inside the jawbone, and the implant is inserted. The gum is stitched back, and the implant is left to heal and integrate with the bone over several months.
Once the implant fuses with the jawbone, a second minor surgery is performed to attach an abutment to the implant. This abutment protrudes through the gum and serves as the attachment point for the artificial tooth. After the gums heal around the abutment, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant, completing the restoration.
Subperiosteal Dental Implant Procedure
The subperiosteal implant is similar to the endosteal implant procedure. However, the difference is that this procedure has no drilling into the jawbone. For subperiosteal implants, the gum tissue is opened to expose the jawbone, and the custom-made framework is placed directly on the bone. The gum tissue is then stitched back in place, allowing the posts to protrude through the gum.
The two stages start with an initial surgery that takes an impression of the exposed jawbone. A second surgery to place the framework onto the bone is done with the posts left protruding through the gum. A dental prosthesis is attached after the gums have healed around the posts. This results in functional and aesthetic solutions for missing teeth.
Zygomatic Implant Procedure
A zygomatic implant is used when a patient has severe bone loss in the upper jaw and does not have enough bone to support traditional dental implants. Instead of anchoring into the jawbone, this type of implant is placed into the cheekbone (zygomatic bone), which is naturally dense and provides strong support for a dental restoration.
Zygomatic implants are typically recommended for patients who are not candidates for regular implants and want to avoid extensive bone grafting procedures. They are often used in full-arch restorations for the upper jaw, offering a stable and effective solution when other implant options are not possible.
The placement of zygomatic implants is a complex procedure that requires specialized training and expertise. Although it is similar to endosteal implants, the procedure is more invasive and could be more risky.
The procedure starts with examination and planning. A thorough examination, including imaging studies like CT scans, is conducted to plan the implant placement precisely. The next step is placing the implant in position. The implants are inserted through the alveolar ridge (where the teeth used to be) and anchored in the zygomatic bone. The procedure can be completed in one surgical session. After placing the implant appropriately, temporary prosthetic teeth may be attached immediately. After a healing period of a few months, permanent prosthetic teeth are fitted.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a wide range of benefits that go beyond simply replacing missing teeth. Because they fuse with the jawbone, implants provide unmatched stability, allowing patients to chew and speak with confidence. They also help preserve bone health by preventing the jawbone from shrinking, which often occurs after tooth loss. Unlike traditional bridges, implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, keeping natural teeth strong and intact. Best of all, implant restorations are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, giving patients a comfortable, functional, and long-lasting solution that can greatly enhance both oral health and overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Are dental implants painful?
Most patients report little to no discomfort during the implant procedure, as it is performed with local anesthesia or sedation. After placement, mild soreness is common but typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last many years, often a lifetime. Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups play a key role in their long-term success.
Can anyone get dental implants?
Most healthy adults with sufficient jawbone density are good candidates for dental implants. However, a dentist will evaluate your oral health and medical history to determine if implants are the right option for you.
How do dental implants compare to dentures?
Unlike removable dentures, implants are fixed in place and function like natural teeth. They offer greater comfort, stability, and protection against bone loss in the jaw.
Dental Implants Milwaukie OR
For tooth replacement options in Milwaukie, contact Downing Dental at (503) 534-6829 to set up an appointment. We look forward to discussing your dental implant options. |
