Maybe you’re frustrated after losing a tooth, or have spent years struggling with dentures that slip and leave you anxious about eating. Whether you are living with one missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or are missing a full arch of teeth, dental implants offer a long-term solution.
The benefits of implants include:
- Functionality: No more anxiety when eating or belly laughing. Your teeth aren’t going anywhere.
- Longevity: Implants are the longest-lasting tooth-replacement option.
- Stability: No need for adhesives. They are just like natural teeth.
- Bone Health: Implants become integrated with your jawbone, helping to mitigate bone loss.
- Stabilization: They keep your natural teeth from shifting due to missing teeth.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth replacement that is usually made of three parts. The root, which simulates a tooth root, is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth root used to live. Titanium is a material that integrates well with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This means that during the healing phase, the post becomes integrated directly with the jawbone, creating a firm foundation.
The abutment (or connector) attaches to the top of the post and serves to connect the crown to the post. Finally, there’s the crown, which is the visible tooth that’s attached to the implant. Crowns can be custom-made to match your existing teeth.
Implant Options
There are several dental implant options available to fit your unique needs.
Single Tooth Replacement: For a single missing tooth, a single implant is the preferred option. One titanium post supports a custom crown.
Multiple Missing Teeth: If you have several missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge might be the best option. Rather than getting an implant for every missing tooth, implant-supported bridges can support multiple crowns. This is more cost-effective and gives you full functionality.
Full Arch Solutions: If you are missing all your teeth in the upper or lower arch (or both), there are several options available. The all-on-x implant procedure involves placing four to six implants, which can support a full set of teeth. Implant-supported dentures are another option. This involves placing several implants into the jawbone, on which a denture can be placed, creating better stability than regular dentures that simply adhere to the gums.
Interested in Getting an Implant? Consider Giving Us a Call
Deciding which implant option is right for your particular needs should happen through a conversation between you and your dentist. If you’d like to schedule an implant consultation or simply have questions, our friendly staff would love to speak with you.