Types of Dental Implants:
There are two distinct types of dental implants used for IRD's:
1) One-piece implants. One-stage Implants -- or "Mini-Implants -- are placed and affixed to a removable denture during the same appointment. These are popular because they are generally less expensive than the other style, but they are notably weaker and often times are inadequate for providing the result that is desired, and they have a higher failure rate, generally failing within 5 years. For the most part, this style Implant is reserved for short term or temporary uses.
2) Two piece implants -- or conventional Implants.
These are 2-stage Implants where the implant is surgically placed, and after a suitable time (two to four months depending on variables of location and implant loading application) for healing (referred to as osseo-integration)the Implant has an abutment screwed in and then either a removable denture or a tooth attsched to it. After 6 to 20 weeks for stabilization (depending on the individual case and the process to be done) they are then fitted with the "abutment" (the second piece of the Implant) and restored for their intended purpose of either a fixed restorative or a removable restorative prosthesis (meaning any replacement tooth or teeth). Technology has developed to the point that now, we can provide some conventional Implant cases with a one-stage process that do not require the 2nd Stage Surgery, but it is not suitable for every case. If you can have this style procedure, you will be advised at the time of your Implant examination.
One piece/one stage implants are generally referred to as Mini Dental Implant (MDI). Mini implants are ultra-small implants that replace the root of your tooth. MDI implants are minimally invasive and relatively painless to place. These are the ones advertised as "surgery-less" implants, but in actuality they are placed with a minimally invasive surgery. The implants can be placed and the denture is adapted to work with the implants all in one visit. Mini implants can be used in some patients with health issues, which disqualify them from conventional implant therapy. This system is also utilized frequently as short-term or temporary treatment. We utilize only the Conventional 2-piece Implants due to the limitations and short term prognosis of the Mini Implant system.
There are several manufacturers of the more conventional two-stage implants.
We generally prefer to use the Ankylos Dental Implant System but do also use both Nobel-Biocare or Straumann Implants -- these are our preferred implant manufacturers.
We have found that these implants integrate the best with the least complications and lowest failure rate due to the specialized coating of the implant surface that yields the best integration.
Ankylos, Nobel Biocare, or Straumann Implants are a broader-based more conventional implant systems that replaces the root of your tooth. These implants are placed into the jaw and remain covered to heal for approximately three to six months. Then an additional piece, called an abutment, is placed on the implant and prosthetic teeth are attached to the abutment. These implants may be used for single or multi-tooth crowns and bridges that may be fixed or removable. We use these implants to support removable dentures for patients without teeth. This style implants are most often used in very healthy patients and younger patients who need longevity for their implant.
Surgery, Stage 1
What happens during the first surgery?
After you are given a local anesthetic, your Doctor will surgically uncover the jaw bone and insert the implants into precisely measured insertion points. Very gentle, low speed drilling and extensive irrigation will be used to prepare your bone for the implant placement. Then the titanium implants are positioned and the soft tissue is sutured over the implant site to cover them. Dental implants are designed to bond rigidly with the living bone (osseo-integration) in approximately three to six months -- there are certain situations where the Implants can be placed and the denture affixed to them immediately; this is only for very specific cases -- your Doctor will advise you if you are a candidate for this process. This procedure generally results in minimal post-surgical discomfort similar to a simple extraction.
You will be given medications pre-surgically to relax you for these procedures and will not feel any pain during the procedure.
You will be given an ample supply of painkillers to handle any minor post-surgical discomfort for this procedure. It is important to understand that this procedure invokes much less surgical discomfort than the surgery to remove your teeth, and most people are able to actually go out for dinner the night of the placement procedure -- you will be sore, but strong painkillers are not needed.
Surgery, Stage 2 (3-6 months after Stage 1)
What happens during the second surgery?
The second stage surgery is the more minor surgical procedure. The gum overlying the Implants is pushed back and titanium posts, called abutments, are attached with screws to the bone anchored implants. X-rays are then taken to check the condition of the implants and to confirm the exact seating of the abutment posts.
Most cases will require a new denture, but your old denture can sometimes be utilized depending on its condition & age. The denture will be fitted with retaining devices and placed directly over the second stage posts (abutments) giving you the retention and stabilization necessary for a denture that won't move during eating or speaking.
You will be given medications pre-surgically to relax you for these procedures and will not feel any pain during the procedure.
You will be given an ample supply of painkillers to handle any minor post-surgical discomfort for this procedure.
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