Patrica Hunter, DDS

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Dental Implant Options

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If your dentist has suggested having a dental implant then before making a decision you must have brief information about what dental implant is and which type of dental implant will be suitable for you. Please spend some time reading this write-up until the end to get ready for this procedure.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small device that can be used to treat any kind of loss of the tooth, individually as well as collectively. These implants are inserted into the jaw bone underneath the gum to work as the root for the tooth to replace the lost tooth. They are made of titanium. They are of different types from which your dentist as well as you can choose as per your suitability.

Dental Implant options

Commonly three types of implants including Endosteal, Zygomatic, and subperiosteal are used from which you choose to correct your smile.

Endosteal Implants: These implants are the mostly used to correct dental line. Most of the patients find it most suitable but you must have a healthy jawbone to get this implant infused into it. Their shape is like screws which are infused into the jawbone to work as the root of the fake teeth fitted on them. It takes some time to hold the bone strongly and heal after the procedure is over. On this post fake teeth can be put on along with the remaining teeth on the mouth once the implants are healed.

Subperiosteal Implants: These implants can be used instead of Endosteal implants as they are not inserted into the bone of jaw. These implants are fixed under the gum but on the apex of the jawbone. In these implants, a post is attached to a frame made of metal that is placed underneath the gum, on which false teeth can be fixed safely after the gum is healed. These implants are mainly used for patients with the insufficient jawbone.

Zygomatic Implants: The procedure of this dental implant is very complex as is performed on the patients with the inadequate jawbone. This is not a very common dental implant as in this procedure the implant is put on the cheekbone instead of the jawbone of the patient.

There are some other types of dental implant techniques that you must know before undergoing this procedure.

Other techniques of dental implant

If your jawbone is not enough for a dental implant and you do not opt for the procedure of Zygomatic implant, then you can choose from following implant procedures.

Augmentation of the jawbone: If your jawbone is insufficient to support an implant then your dentist fortifies your jawbone by using bone additives.

Lift your Sinus: When the bone under the sinus has been weakened due to loss of back teeth on the upper side then your dentist can add bone under the sinus in this procedure.

Expansion of Ridge: If the width of your jawbone is not sufficient for dental implant then the dentist Mechanicsville can add some graft material on the apex of the jaw to create space.

You can choose from these procedures if your jawbone is insufficient for dental implants.

Some of the dentists suggest a few other types of dental implant techniques like:

3D Imaging: It is a software-based procedure that allows your dental care provider to choose the best procedure for you after studying your jaw’s 3D model. It will reduce your recovery time as well as cost.

Fix dental implants immediately: This procedure is used if you have a healthy jawbone to support the implant and the pressure of the temporary tooth. The temporary tooth is placed instantly on the day the implant was infused.

Mini Dental Implants: these extremely narrow implants are mainly used to provide stability to the lower denture.

All-On-4: If a full set of bottom or top teeth is to be replaced then this procedure is used as a good alternative. In this procedure, instead of grafting the bone 4 dental implants are placed into the jawbone and a set of temporary false teeth is placed on them immediately. But until it heals and the implants are bonded to the bone you will have to eat some special diet carefully. A permanent set of false teeth can be replaced within 6 months of the procedure.

Thus, from the options discussed above, you can choose a suitable dental implant procedure for you with the help of your dentist.

Is There A Difference Between A General and Cosmetic Dentist?

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Visiting a dentist regularly is very important for getting your teeth checked and treated for any kind of dental issues as these dental professionals are entrusted with the task of keeping your smile healthy and beautiful. A general dentist is someone who will look after your teeth and help you in keeping all kind of dental issues at bay so that you don’t suffer from cavities, tooth decay or tooth loss.

This dentist also provides basic as well as preventative procedures for making sure that you will get a healthy set of teeth. But instead of keeping your teeth healthy, if you want to change the appearance of your teeth then you will need to visit a cosmetic dentist. Additionally, the cosmetic dentist will also provide treatments for making your teeth look natural, whiter and brighter with different dental procedures.

Therefore, before you visit a dentist, you need to know everything about both these dental professionals for making sure that you are getting the highest quality of treatment. You need to know the difference between general and cosmetic dentist so that you can select the best dental professionals for meeting your dental needs.

General vs cosmetic dentistry

General dentist:

This dentist is trained in taking care of your teeth, gums and mouth as they are also skilled enough to evaluate the teeth and identify the issues with teeth and gums. Additionally, the missing teeth are also filled with the use of crowns and bridges so that you will get a perfectly aligned set of teeth.

Along with diagnosing the oral diseases, the general dentist in portsmouth will also offer preventative treatments that are very important for maintaining oral health. General dentist are known to address the dental problems that are associated with pain and discomfort so that you will enjoy improved oral hygiene.

Cosmetic dentist:

Cosmetic dentist is known to offer aesthetic treatments that will help in improving the overall appearance of your teeth. Apart from treating a wide range of dental issues, these dentists are also known to improve the aesthetics of your smile.

These professionals also specialize in improving appearance of your teeth with the help of veneers, whitening and restoration procedures. This will help in creating a more beautiful and youthful appearance to your smile by treating all kind of flaws with your teeth.

General vs cosmetic dentistry- know the differences

The general and cosmetic dentist completes the basic training to take proper care of the teeth including x-rays, teeth cleaning and other techniques for oral health. Both these dental professionals can add veneers, bridges and crowns for improving the health of your teeth and gums. Additionally, general and cosmetic dentists are also responsible for maintaining and restoring the condition of your oral health but cosmetic dentistry emphasizes on the appearance of the teeth more than its health.

Therefore, it is important that you do proper research for making the best informed decision pertaining to your oral health so that you are getting the assistance of a licensed and qualified professional. On one hand, the general dentist is responsible for taking care of the oral health of a person, the cosmetic dentist are certified and approved professionals who are known to perform specialized services to the patients. While general dentists are known to offer treatments for the oral health, cosmetic dentist specializes in the dental aesthetics of the person.

When determining the right selection of the dental professional, you should select the one that is suited for your needs so that you will get the best treatment for your oral health. When you are concerned about the oral health of your teeth, then you need to visit a general dentist but a cosmetic dentist will address the issues affecting the appearance of your teeth. There are some oral treatments that are offered by both these dentists but if you need specialized service, you will need to visit a cosmetic dentist.

A healthy set of teeth can be accomplished with the help of a general dentist while getting an aesthetically pleasing look can be achieved with the assistance of a cosmetic dentist. Therefore, you should determine your needs while visiting a dentist so that you will get treatment from the best dental professionals.