The best types of fixed dental implants

Questions are increasing about the latest methods of replacing missing teeth, and dental implants are one of the most prominent of these methods. What are dental implants, and what are their advantages and disadvantages? And how do titanium implants contribute to restoring the ability to speak and smile? We will review all of this in this article through the Dalili Medical website.

 

**Can I eat normally with fixed fixtures?**

Yes, you can eat normally with fixed fixtures, as they provide stability and fixation strength that allows you to enjoy hard foods such as meat and vegetables without any restrictions.

 

**Do fixed fixtures cause pain?**

You may feel some discomfort at first after installing fixed fixtures, but this feeling will disappear over time. If the pain persists or increases, it is preferable to consult a dentist.

 

**Can I remove removable fixtures myself?**

Yes, you can remove removable fixtures yourself, but it is best to consult a dentist for accurate instructions on how to remove them safely and effectively.

 

**Can I use removable fixtures while sleeping?**

It is recommended to remove removable fixtures while sleeping to give the oral tissues a chance to relax. You can use them in special cases based on the advice of your dentist.

 

**Which is better: fixed or removable dentures?**

Both types of dentures have advantages and disadvantages. However, most dentists prefer fixed dentures because of their stability, as there is no risk of them breaking or losing, but they are usually more expensive. Removable dentures are often used for the elderly.

 

**Removable Prosthetics (Removable Dentures)**

 

When a person suffers from the loss or damage of several teeth, a cost-effective option to replace them is to use a removable prosthetic device, which is a type of dental implant. At the Dental Center at Al-Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah, our dentists have extensive experience in all types of dental prosthetics, and have helped many people regain their confidence by providing removable dentures. These devices consist of specially designed replacement teeth inside a frame that supports the replacement teeth, and can be easily inserted and removed.

**Types of Removable Dental Prosthetics**

There are several types of removable dental prosthetics, including:

1. **Partial Dentures**: They help replace several missing teeth, as they are installed around the remaining natural teeth.

2. **Complete Dentures**: They are considered one of the most common removable prosthetic devices, as they replace all the teeth in the mouth. However, they may not be completely safe and require an oral adhesive.

3. **Implant Dentures**: While many people prefer dental implants for their quality, there are dentures that can be fixed using dental implants, making them removable and safe thanks to the implanted supports.

**How ​​Removable Dental Prosthetics Help**

These devices offer many benefits to their users, including:

- **Face Filler**: They help restore the natural shape of the face when teeth are lost, giving the person a healthier appearance.

- **Improved Comfort While Bite**: They allow people to bite more comfortably.

- **Boosting self-confidence**: A person may feel a loss of confidence when they lose teeth, but having natural-looking prosthetic devices can restore their confidence, which is what dentists at the Dental Center at Al Batal Specialized Complex provide.

- **Relieving oral pain**: Damaged teeth can cause severe pain, but this pain can be relieved by removing the damaged teeth and replacing them with removable prosthetic devices.

**How ​​to get a removable prosthetic device**

To get a removable prosthetic device, the following steps must be followed:

1. Consult with your dentist.

2. Perform any necessary procedures such as tooth extraction.

3. After the gums heal, an impression is taken.

4. Consult your dentist about the desired color and shape of the new teeth, as the partial teeth are matched to the remaining natural teeth.

5. The device will be installed for the first time, and it is likely that it will need adjustments.
6. The removable prosthetic device is placed.

**How ​​to install teeth**

The dental implant process takes longer than an hour or two, as it consists of a set of various medical procedures that extend for several months until final, confirmed results are obtained.

This process begins with a comprehensive treatment plan prepared by the doctor, which includes all the stages before and after the implantation.

**Steps of the dental implant process:**

1. **Step One:** Getting rid of any remnants of the old broken tooth, removing its root, and treating any decay or inflammation in the gums before starting the implantation process.

2. **Step Two:** Implanting the tooth root, which is a screw screw that is fixed in the jawbone in place of the missing tooth. At this stage, we wait until the gums recover completely and the screw fuses with the jaw, which may take from 6 to 12 weeks depending on the speed of recovery.

3. **Step Three:** Installing a support over the screw, which is responsible for connecting the crown of the tooth to its root, making them one cohesive piece.

4. **Step Four:** Getting a new tooth or molar. At this stage, the doctor will measure your mouth and the size of your teeth, and take a print of your teeth to build a complete picture of the shape and size of the required crown. This information is then sent to the laboratory along with the color of your teeth to make a crown that is exactly like your natural teeth. When it is ready, you will return to the doctor to implant it over the abutment and screw, and it will be fixed with final touches.

**Is dental implantation painful?**

The degree of pain tolerance varies from one person to another, and dental implantation may cause some pain that varies in severity and cause. Usually, in the first few days, you will suffer from pain due to the instability of the implants in the mouth, and you may feel some pressure

On the teeth and jaw. These symptoms, which usually last from 3 to 7 days, can be controlled with simple painkillers.

**How ​​to care for fixed and removable dentures:**

- **Fixed dentures:** They require care and attention after each meal, while reducing the intake of colored foods, tea and coffee. You should visit your doctor regularly to check the durability and performance of the dentures. It is preferable to avoid chewing hard foods such as ice cubes and nuts, as well as opening cans using your teeth, as this may damage the fixed bridge. You should use a toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice a day to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

- **Removable dentures:** A brush and toothpaste designated for cleaning the dentures should be used, and the denture should be soaked in a medical solution for 7 or 8 hours a week. You should be careful when cleaning the denture, by washing it over a plate filled with water to avoid breaking it if it falls. When sleeping, it is preferable to place the denture in a cup filled with water to protect it from drying out, which may cause inflammation. The gums and roof of the mouth should also be cleaned with a soft brush to improve blood circulation in the mouth, as paying attention to the cleanliness of the implant and mouth enhances its stability and reduces gum inflammation.

Common characteristics between types of dental implants

Despite the diversity of types of dental implants, they share some basic characteristics, including:

- All types of dental implants are susceptible to falling and breaking.
- All types lead to a change in the color of the gums.
- The body may be sensitive to their presence, which leads to their rejection by some people, and this often happens with all types.
- It is necessary to see a doctor regularly after installing any type of dental implant to ensure its condition and stability.

 How to install fixed teeth

The installation of a dental bridge begins with filing the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth and reducing their edges according to the type of implant to be used, such as metal implants covered with porcelain, zirconium, or E-max. The bridge usually consists of three crowns, but it may consist of two or four crowns depending on the condition and the number of missing teeth. They are fixed to the filed teeth using a long-term medical adhesive.

 The difference between a dental crown and a dental bridge

A dental crown differs from a dental bridge in that it is installed on only one tooth without replacing the missing adjacent tooth, so it is used more for cosmetic purposes or as a final installation after nerve treatment, and the dentist determines it in certain cases.

 Do fixed dental implants appear like natural teeth?

When installing fixed teeth, the dentist is careful to choose the color of the implant to match the color and shape of the natural teeth. He also takes into account the position of the gums with the implant to avoid any black parts appearing behind the implant in the mouth. The implant must perform its function excellently to be close to natural teeth. The doctor discusses the types of materials that can be used in the implant, focusing on choosing the material that is closest in shape and function to natural teeth.

 Are there any side effects to fixed dental implants?

In some cases, tooth filing may affect the dental nerve, which requires a nerve filling to get rid of the pain if it lasts for more than a week. Dental implants can also cause gum inflammation due to the accumulation of food debris, so it is recommended to regularly use a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss to maintain healthy gums and teeth.

 Reasons for dental implants

People resort to dental implants in the following cases:

- To replace missing teeth.
- To protect a tooth that is at risk of falling out due to decay.
- To replace a broken tooth.
- To cover a large filling to keep it from falling out.
- To cover a deformed tooth or one that is of a different color than the rest of the teeth.
- To achieve coordination between all the teeth in the jaws to ensure an effective digestion process, which protects the stomach from digestive disorders, which is known as proper occlusion.

Losing a specific molar and leaving the jaw without an implant can lead to problems, such as:

- If the missing molar is in the upper jaw, the teeth in the lower jaw may elongate towards the resulting space, which hinders proper occlusion in the long term.
- In the case of tooth extraction, the adjacent teeth may migrate to the space and sometimes close it, which hinders the implantation process.
- Losing the front teeth and leaving them without a crown negatively affects the aesthetic and psychological aspects of the person. Leaving the jaws without crowns with any type of dental crown can lead to absorption in the jawbone, which hinders the installation or implantation of teeth, especially with age, as it becomes difficult to install a denture due to the melting of the jawbone.

**What are the alternatives to fixed dental crowns?**

Dental implants are one of the most prominent alternatives available to fixed dental crowns. The doctor implants a titanium implant in the jawbone, which allows the crown to be fixed directly without the need to file the teeth, which protects them from nerve or gum infections.

**Types of removable dental crowns:**

1. **Complete removable dental crowns:**

They are used to compensate for the loss of all teeth in one jaw, and are common among the elderly. These crowns consist of a pink base that resembles the gums and a complete set of artificial teeth, which is temporarily fixed to the jaw or both, and can be easily removed and reinstalled by the patient. These crowns are installed after a period ranging from two to four months after tooth extraction, until the gums heal completely. These fixtures are more affordable than fixed bridges or dental implants, and can be easily adjusted. However, they can be uncomfortable for some, causing pain and inflammation due to pressure on the gums, and they can break or get lost due to their instability, and require careful care such as regular cleaning.

2. **Immediate removable dentures:**

They are used to fix missing or extracted teeth until the full set of dentures is ready.

Gum healing and healing. The dentist takes an impression of the patient's teeth before extraction, and makes a temporary set that is installed immediately after extraction.

3. **Partial removable dentures:**
Similar to complete dentures, but may contain a metal bracket to better hold the partial denture. They are used to replace a certain number of teeth in people who have not lost all their teeth. These dentures have similar pros and cons to complete dentures, but removing and installing them requires a period of training to get used to them.

4. **Additional removable dentures:**
Involves installing a number of metal implants in the jawbone, and a denture containing a pink base and teeth is installed over them, so that there are spaces designated for inserting the implants. The denture is firmly fixed, providing greater stability. These dentures are characterized by their stability and comfort compared to other types, but they may be more expensive and take longer to obtain completely.

**What is the average lifespan of fixed dental crowns?**

Clinical research indicates that the average lifespan of fixed dental crowns ranges from 10 to 15 years, after which the crowns may need to be replaced or removed.

**Types of Dental Crowns**

Dental crowns have various uses, as they are used to protect damaged teeth from decay, or to cover broken teeth, in addition to improving the aesthetic appearance of the teeth. Choosing the most appropriate type of dental crown depends on several factors, such as the reason for installing the crown, whether the person suffers from sensitivity to metals or teeth grinding, the location of the treated tooth, as well as the appropriate cost. Therefore, a specific type cannot be considered the best absolutely, as each case requires what suits it. The following are the most prominent types of dental crowns:

**Porcelain or ceramic crowns**

These crowns are made entirely of porcelain or ceramic (All-Porcelain Crowns or All-Ceramic Crowns) and are considered one of the most common types at the present time. They are characterized by their simulation of the appearance of natural teeth in terms of size and color, and they fit the front and back teeth.

**Advantages:**
- They are considered the most similar to natural teeth, making them ideal for front teeth.
- Their lack of metals makes them suitable for people who are sensitive to metals.
- They are easy to clean compared to other types, which reduces the accumulation of food debris.

**Disadvantages:**
- They are easily breakable compared to metal crowns, as they can crack or break when chewing hard.
- They require more filing of the tooth, which increases the possibility of sensitivity to heat and cold.
- They are considered one of the more expensive types compared to metal crowns.

**Porcelain-Covered Metal Crowns**
These crowns are made of a metal base covered with a layer of porcelain (Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns) to fit the shape of natural teeth. They are suitable for front and back teeth, as well as for long dental bridges.

**Advantages:**
- They combine the aesthetic advantages of porcelain with the strength of metal crowns.
- Less expensive than all-porcelain crowns.

**Disadvantages:**
- The porcelain part may break when chewing hard.
- The teeth opposite the crown may wear down.
- The gum edges may appear dark due to the metal base, which affects the aesthetic appearance.

**Zirconia Crowns**
Zirconia Crowns are a type of dental crown made of zirconium dioxide, which is a very durable ceramic. Its use has recently become widespread due to its many advantages. Types of zirconia crowns include a type made entirely of zirconium and another to which porcelain or glass is added to improve the aesthetic appearance.

**Advantages:**
- Stronger and more durable than porcelain and some metal types, which reduces the possibility of their breakage.
- Suitable for back teeth due to their durability.
- Their biological compatibility reduces the risk of an allergic reaction.
- Their design and installation are faster and easier compared to other types.

**Disadvantages:** Zirconia has some disadvantages, as it appears less similar to natural teeth, which requires it to be coated or mixed with other materials to obtain a natural appearance. In addition, this crown may lead to the erosion of the opposing teeth due to friction, although it is considered less effective on the teeth compared to porcelain crowns.

**Glass ceramic crowns** are considered one of the latest types of dental crowns, as they are made of lithium disilicate crowns and fit well with the shape of natural teeth.

**Advantages and disadvantages:**
- **Advantages:** This crown is characterized by its good strength and attractive appearance, which makes it easily fit the shape and color of natural teeth.
- **Disadvantages:** One of the most prominent disadvantages of this type of crowns is its high cost, and it may not be suitable for the back teeth of some people, or in cases of short teeth or severe erosion.

**Metal crowns** are made of gold or platinum, and are considered the strongest, most durable and break-resistant type of dental crowns, and are often used for back teeth due to their appearance. Gold crowns can be made of pure gold or have other metals such as nickel and chromium added to them, or the base of the crown can be made of gold and covered with porcelain. Despite their strength, gold crowns are no longer very popular today due to their clear color and the emergence of alternative types that mimic the shape of teeth.

**Advantages and disadvantages:**
- **Advantages:** Gold crowns are characterized by their durability and low probability of breakage, and they are also suitable for severely damaged teeth, and are considered the least affected type on the opposing teeth, making them suitable for those who suffer from teeth grinding.
- **Disadvantages:** Gold crowns that contain metals such as nickel may cause allergic reactions in some people, in which case it is preferable to use Anu

High purity gold crowns. Their color is different from the teeth, which makes their use usually limited to molars, and their cost is higher compared to other types of dental crowns.

**Stainless steel crowns** are known as ready-made crowns that are not tailored to each person, but are pre-made in different sizes. These crowns are used to temporarily cover teeth until permanent crowns such as porcelain and zirconium are manufactured. Stainless steel crowns are also a popular choice for children, as they are used to protect the back baby teeth (molars) from worsening decay.

**Advantages and disadvantages:**
- **Advantages:** These crowns are characterized by their quick and easy installation, as they do not require multiple visits to the doctor, and they are strong, easy to clean, and are characterized by their low cost.
- **Disadvantages:** These crowns are not suitable for teeth severely damaged by decay, and are not used as permanent crowns.

**Resin crowns** or resin are a type of crown made entirely of resin, which is similar to the material used in dental fillings, and are considered the most similar to natural teeth.

**Advantages and Disadvantages:**
- **Advantages:** Resin crowns are the least expensive, and are characterized by their appearance that mimics natural teeth, their flexibility, and their resistance to decay, and they are free of metals, making them suitable for people who suffer from metal allergies.
- **Disadvantages:** These crowns suffer from their weakness and ease of erosion, which requires their replacement after a short period compared to other types. Their installation also requires the removal of a large part of the original tooth, and may increase the risk of gum disease. Although their popularity has declined after the emergence of other types of dental crowns such as porcelain and zirconium, they remain a good option for people who cannot afford the cost of other types.

**Types of materials for removable dental implants**

The materials used in the manufacture of removable dental implants vary based on several factors, such as the patient's needs and manufacturing costs. Among these materials are:

1. **Acrylic removable dental implants**: Acrylic is a plastic material used to make the base of removable dentures, and is usually pink or light pink in color. This material is used to fix the denture to the gums, and is characterized by its low cost compared to other types, which makes it a popular choice among patients. It is also comfortable and easy to manufacture, but it has some disadvantages, such as its exposure to corrosion over time, which leads to its deformation and loss of effectiveness. It may also be exposed to breakage, so it requires careful care, as neglecting its cleanliness may lead to gum inflammation. All of these factors may increase the possibility of needing to replace acrylic dentures within five years.

2. **Acrylic and metal dentures**: This composition is often used in the manufacture of partial dentures, as it provides greater strength and durability compared to the previous type, and supports the adjacent teeth.

3. **Flexible dentures**: In this type, metal and acrylic are replaced with a more flexible plastic material, which makes the entire denture made of the same material. This type provides greater comfort compared to other types due to its flexibility, in addition to its compatibility with the shape of the mouth, which gives a better aesthetic appearance.

4. **Implant-supported dental implants**: These implants are more advanced than traditional types, as they combine dental implant technology with denture technology. In them, the adhesives that hold traditional dentures to the gums are replaced with metal implants that are implanted in the jawbone, or with bridges of dental crowns that are anchored to the teeth adjacent to the place of the artificial tooth. These implants include several types:

- **Implant-supported complete dental implants**:

In them, a complete dental arch is installed in the upper or lower jaw by implanting titanium metal supports in the jawbone, and usually four implants are required in the lower jaw and six implants in the upper jaw, with the number varying according to the case. The two front implants are fixed vertically, while the remaining two implants are fixed at a 45-degree angle. After implanting the supports, you must wait several months for the bone and implants to fuse, then a complete set of teeth is fixed over them, either permanently or removable according to the patient's need and desire. These implants provide great comfort, but their main drawback is the high cost and the long wait.

- **Implant-supported dental bridges**: They are used to replace a number of adjacent missing teeth, where a bridge is formed consisting of the same number of missing teeth, and metal implants are implanted at both ends of the bridge, which supports the remaining teeth. 

- **Fixed tooth-supported bridge**: They consist of two dental crowns with a replacement tooth between them. These fixtures are used to replace one permanently missing tooth, and the adjacent teeth must be strong, as they are filed down to fit the dental crowns. One of the disadvantages of these fixtures is that they may weaken the teeth supporting the bridge, which may lead to decay or infection.

**Advantages and disadvantages of fixed dental fixtures**

Fixed dental fixtures are a popular choice for many people, as they have several advantages that make them preferred. Here are the most prominent of these advantages:

1. **Stability and durability**: Fixed dental fixtures are characterized by being permanently fixed in the mouth, which provides high stability and allows the patient to perform their daily activities with confidence.

2. **Aesthetic**: These implants are considered excellent cosmetic solutions, as the artificial teeth look completely natural in terms of shape, color and texture.

3. **Improved Function**: Thanks to their stability and strength of fixation, fixed dental implants help improve chewing and speech ability, enabling patients to eat difficult foods and speak clearly.

4. **Maintaining Jaw Health**: These implants contribute to 

T in maintaining bone health in the jaw, as it prevents bone deterioration that may occur when natural teeth are lost.

**Disadvantages of fixed dental implants**

Despite their advantages, fixed dental implants may face some disadvantages, including:

1. **Cost**: The cost of installing these implants may be relatively high compared to some other solutions, due to the need for careful planning and high technical skills.

2. **Surgical procedure**: Their installation requires a surgical procedure, which may be annoying for some people and requires a period of healing.

3. **Number of sessions**: Fixed dental implants require several sessions to complete properly, requiring the patient to wait until the procedure is completed.

**Advantages and disadvantages of removable dental implants**

Removable dental implants are a popular choice for people looking for temporary solutions or who have restrictions in the bones or tissues surrounding the teeth. Among their most prominent advantages are:

1. **Economic**: Removable dental implants are more expensive than fixed implants, making them a suitable option for those looking for a temporary solution.

2. **Ease of installation**: These fixtures do not require a surgical procedure, as they can be installed and removed easily.

3. **Simple maintenance**: Removable dental fixtures require easy maintenance, as they can be cleaned using special cleaners.

**Disadvantages of removable dental fixtures**

Despite their benefits, removable dental fixtures face some disadvantages, including:

1. **Lack of stability**: These fixtures may lack the required stability, which leads to movement during eating or speaking, causing some discomfort.

2. **Discomfort**: Some people may feel uncomfortable as a result of the presence of removable fixtures in the mouth, which may lead to irritation or pressure on the gum tissue.

3. **Functional limitations**: Removable dental fixtures may affect the ability to chew and speak, making it difficult for some users to adapt to these limitations.