Dental Implants at Cosmetic Dental
Center of Fort Lauderdale
Types of Implants
There are many implants available, each designed for
a specific function. Most are made of titanium, and
inert metal which has been proven to be effective in
fusing with living bone; a process known as "osseointegration."
The cylindrical or screw type implant called "root form" is similar in shape
to the root of the tooth with a surface area designed
to promote good attachment to the bone. It is the most
widely used design and generally placed where there
is plentiful width and depth of jawbone. Where the jawbone
is too narrow or short for immediate placement of root
form implants, the area may be enhanced with bone grafting
to allow for their placement.
When the jawbone is too narrow and not a good candidate
for bone grafting, a special narrow implant, called
"plate form", can be placed into the bone.
In cases of advanced bone loss, the "subperiosteal"
implant, may be prescribed. It rests on top of the
bone but under the gums.
The actual implant procedure involves the surgical
placement of the implant or implants, a healing period
(osseointegration) and implant restoration to replace
the missing tooth or teeth. The treatment may be a
cooperative effort between a surgical dentist who
actually places the implant and a restorative dentist
who designs, prescribes and inserts the final replacement
teeth. Some dentists have advanced
training and provide both of these services.
Root Form Implants
Root form implants are the closest in shape and size
to the natural tooth root. They are commonly used
in wide, deep bone to provide a base for replacement
of one, several or complete arch of teeth. After application
of anesthetic, your dentist will expose the area of
the jawbone to be implanted and prepare the bone to
accept the implant. the number of incisions and bone
preparations depends upon the number of implants (and
teeth) being placed. The implant is carefully set
into place and the gums are closed with several stitches.
The healing period usually varies from as few as three months to six or more.
During this time osseointergration occurs. The bone
grows in and around the implant creating a strong
structural support. In fact, this bond can be even
stronger that the original tooth's. When healing is
complete, your implant is uncovered and an extension
or abutment is attached to it. Now the implant and
abutment act as a solid unit until ready to support
your new tooth or teeth.
Plate Form Implants
 Plate
form implants are usually used when the bone is so
narrow that it may not be suitable for the root form
implant and the area is not suitable for bone grafting.
The plate form implant is flat and long so it can
fit into the narrow jawbone. After application of
anesthetic, your dentist will expose the area of the
jawbone to be implanted and prepare the bone to accept
the shape of the implant. The number of incisions
depends on the number of implants being placed. The
implant is carefully set into place and the gums are closed with several stitches.
Like root implants, there is usually a healing period
for osseointegration, although some plate form implants
are designed for immediate restoration.
Subperiosteal Implants
 With
very advanced jawbone resorption there may not be
enough bone width or height for the root form or plate
form implant. In these cases the subperiosteal
implant may be prescribed. The subperiosteal implant
is custom made and designed to sit on top of the bone,
but under he gums. There are two methods for its placement.
The "dual surgery" method. After application
of anesthetic, your dentist will expose the jawbone
and take an impression or model of the bone using
special materials. This model is used by a dental
laboratory to carefully create the custom implant
to fit your jaw.
A second procedure is then carried out where the jawbone
is exposed and the implant is placed. The gums are
closed with several stitches and replacement teeth
are put into place.
For the "single surgery" method, your dentist
will order a special CAT scan of your jawbone. Using
the CAT scan data and advanced computer modeling techniques,
a model of your jawbone is constructed. This model
is used by a dental laboratory to
fabricate the custom subperiosteal implant to fit
your jaw. A surgical procedure is then carried out
where the jawbone is exposed and the implant placed.
The gums are closed with several stitches and the
replacement teeth are put into place.
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