Structure of Dental Implants
Part of the reason why dental implants are so much like natural teeth is that their structure is not that different from natural teeth. Natural teeth have a root that anchors in the bone and a crown that shows above the gums and functions for chewing, speaking, and smiling.
Similarly, a dental implant consists of the implant itself, which is an artificial tooth root, and the dental restoration or prosthesis, which is the visible replacement tooth and functions for chewing, speaking, and smiling. The dental implant is most often made of titanium, a metal that your body can integrate into your bone. Dental restoration is a crown, bridge, or denture that can be made of many materials, from acrylic plastics to advanced ceramics even stronger than titanium.
Most of the time, there’s also a connector piece between the restoration and implant, called an abutment. The restoration might be secured to the implant with screws or the two might be bonded together.
Types of Dental Implant Restorations
Many different types of dental implant restorations are available to help everyone who wants to get dental implant restoration for their smile.
Dental implant crowns: Dental implant crowns are single-unit restorations for replacing just one tooth. Each implant crown connects to a single implant. These implants are almost always fixed, not removable, though they may be bonded in place or secured with a screw.
Dental implant bridges: Dental implant bridges are multi-unit restorations for replacing more than one tooth. Usually, these connect to at least two dental implants. For the most part, people use the term “dental bridge” to refer to a replacement for more than one tooth, but less than a full arch. However, sometimes people refer to an All-on-X restoration as a dental bridge, even though it’s a full arch replacement. These are typically fixed, not removable.
Dental implant dentures: Dental implant dentures are typically replacements for an entire arch of teeth. Both fixed and removable implant dentures are common.
Fixed implant restoration: This describes a dental implant restoration where the patient can’t easily remove their restoration. These may be secured by screws or bonded to the implant or abutment.
Removable implant restoration: This describes a dental implant restoration designed so a patient can remove it. Snap-in dentures are a common type of removable restoration, but there are many different attachment schemes possible.
Patient Testimonials
“My experience with South Bay Prosthodontics was extraordinary. My father, who is 68 years old, needed dental care, and Dr. Rodriguez and her team went above and beyond to provide him with the best possible treatment.”
– Antonio Rosales Villagrana
“Never have I ever experienced this kind of excellent service. From Brian, working with my appointments and finances at the front desk (he is awesome) to the professionalism and expertise of the doctor. She is amazing. I’ve never had so much detail go into the process of creating my new smile and I’m very excited to finally see what she has created just for me!! This is the best experience I’ve ever had with a dental office. I really can’t put this into words, but I’m trying. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking to have dental work done you won’t regret it that is for sure! My next post will be showing you guys the work that was done. I can’t wait to show you.”
– Susan Gutierrez
“Always a great experience. Dr. Rodriguez immediately discovered an issue that had somehow gone unnoticed at my previous dentistry. Very helpful in weighing my options and the procedures have been very gentle. I can tell they really care about patient comfort.”
– Justin Bates
Dental Implant Restoration Challenges
Dental implant restoration can be difficult for many reasons. Here are some of the most common challenges that dental implant restoration dentists face.
Fit to the Implant(s)
In an ideal situation, fitting a restoration to the dental implant is simple. The implant is at the proper angle and has adequate space around it.
However, the situation is not always ideal. One or more implants might have been placed at a slightly different location or angle from the surgical plan. This can make it hard to get an attractive and effective restoration. Sometimes angled abutments can help, but it only does so much.
Material Selection
Modern dentistry offers a wide variety of dental materials for dental implant restorations. Finding the right one requires a detailed knowledge of the cosmetic and functional benefits and limitations of each dental material.
Bite Force
Dental implants don’t have the same cushioning built into them that helps protect natural teeth from excessive bite force. This means that dental restorations shouldn’t expose implants to more bite force than necessary. However, bite force is important to stimulate the body to keep and maintain bone around the implant, so dentists must ensure they get some bite force. A dentist must balance these concerns effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
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Why Choose South Bay Prosthodontics
At South Bay Prosthodontics, our specialists have the training, experience, and technology to address all the dental implant restoration challenges. When it comes to fitting restorations to an implant, we can take advantage of our precise implant capture (PIC) system. This system shows us exactly where implants are and helps us design restorations that fit them. It works for both new and old dental implants.
Our specialists are knowledgeable about the materials available for dental implant restorations. We can choose a material that works well for any patient, balancing cosmetic and function concerns.
Our extensive experience with dental implant restorations means that we have real-world knowledge of how best to balance bite force on dental implants for long-term success and survival of the implant and restorations.
We accept referrals from implant surgeons. We also welcome patients who haven’t found an implant dentist. If you want, we can refer you to one of the numerous implant surgeons we work with at our practice.
Get Dental Implant Restorations in Torrance, CA
A dental implant needs restoration to achieve your functional and aesthetic goals. At South Bay Prosthetics, we can help you get a restoration that will meet all your goals.
Please call (310) 378-9261 or use our online form to request an appointment at our Torrance, CA, dental office.
