D. Bradley Dean is a highly trained and experienced periodontist in the Plano, TX. He is a nationally recognized leader in dental implant dentistry. Dr. Dean has restored many smiles with dental implants, restoring their confidence and helping them regain their oral health. Offering full services for implants, he can replace one, multiple, or all of your teeth.
There are many options available when it comes to replacing missing or damaged teeth with dental implants. The type, size, and method you need are based on a thorough examination of your mouth and your oral and general health history. Thanks to advances in dental technology, there are dental implant options available for just about everyone.
Dental Implant Placement Options
Endosteal or Endosseous Implants
Endosteal (in the bone) implants are the most popular type of implants used. To place and anchor implants to the jaw is with. An endosteal implant is anchored to the jaw by surgically placing it directly into the jawbone. There are many different types of implants that can be placed this way.
Subperiosteal implants
Subperiosteal (on the bone) implants are rarely used. This type of implant consists of a wide metal framework that is placed on top of the jawbone but below the gums. Protruding metal posts are above the gum line and are used to mount the dental restoration. This type of implant is used when a patient does not have enough jaw bone.
Techniques for Placing Implants
Two-stage dental implants
The two-stage dental implant placement method is most widely used. During the first stage, the implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone. The gums are stitched up to fully cover the implants while they heal. During the second stage, a small incision is made in the gums to expose the top of them implant and then the abutment is connected.
Single-stage dental implants
This implant treatment procedure is becoming more popular as dental implants have progressed over the recent years. It provides a much shorter treatment time for the patient. Typically a longer implant is surgically placed in the jaw bone and top part is left exposed and not covered by the gums during the healing period.
A second surgery is not necessary to uncover the implant head. The abutment and restoration can be placed after months of healing without a surgical procedure.
Types of Dental Implant Prostheses
Implant-supported Dental Crown
A single dental implant will be surgically placed in the jaw bone when only one tooth is missing. An abutment and a dental crown are then attached to complete the restoration. The dental crown will be made to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding natural teeth.
Implant-supported Dental Bridge
Two or more consecutive teeth can be replaced with implants. Instead of replacing each missing tooth with a single implant, Dr. Dean will surgically place at least two implants on either side of the gap and they will support a dental bridge.
Replacement Options When All Upper and/or Lower Teeth Are Missing:
Removable implant-retained dentures, sometimes called snap-in dentures, will still require nightly care and maintenance but are much better than traditional removable dentures. They work by clipping onto the dental implants. They can be removed by simply unclipping them to care for them. There is no need for adhesive and they offer about 50% better chewing power.
There are two main types: bar-retained and ball-retained. A bar-retained denture requires two to five implants placed in the jaw bone. A thin metal bar is attached to them that will follow the natural curve of the jaw.
The denture will fit over the bar and clip into place. A ball-retained denture requires two or more implants with a ball-like attachment on each that will fit into sockets on the denture.
Fixed implant-supported dentures are non-removable and are the best solution for patients who need to replace an entire row of teeth. This type of denture can take the full force of a bite providing the most natural bite for the patient. They require at least four dental implants supporting per arch.
Depending on your unique case, up to eight implants may be needed. These dentures remain permanently attached and can only be removed by Dr. Dean.
The All-on-4 technique used to replace an entire upper or lower row of teeth. It only requires four dental implants per arch to support the denture. This technique works by surgically placing the implants at specific angles that optimizes the available bone structure.
This is a great option for someone who has suffered from bone loss. A patient can have any necessary teeth extracted, implants placed, and a temporary dental restoration attached all in one surgery. The denture is permanently secured into place and can only be removed by Dr. Dean.
The benefits of All-on-4 include reduced treatment time, only requires one procedure, and you will never go without teeth.
Dental Implant Size Options
- A standard dental implant ranges in size from about 3.4 mm to 4.2 mm in diameter. These are typically placed towards the front of the mouth because they are skinnier and shorter.
- A wide platform dental implant ranges in size from about 4.5 mm to 6 mm in diameter. These are primarily placed in the back of the mouth.
- A mini dental implant has a very narrow body ranging in size from 1.8 mm to 3.3 mm in diameter. These are typically placed when there is not enough space in between the tooth roots and a standard implant will not fit. They can also be used in patients who lack sufficient bone density or have bone tissue issues and a standard implant cannot be supported.
