If a missing tooth or a failing tooth is causing you embarrassment, a well-chosen and properly fitted dental implant can help you regain your confidence and smile with ease. Dental implants are designed to mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. They offer a permanent and effective solution, making them the gold standard for tooth replacement. Moreover, they are a great alternative to both temporary or permanent bridges and partial or complete dentures.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium or other biocompatible materials. These implants provide a strong and stable foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth that are designed to match your natural teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, ensuring a secure fit and long-lasting support.
The dental implant process involves several steps, each crucial to ensuring the success and longevity of the implant. Here is an overview of how dental implants work:
Dental implants offer numerous advantages over traditional tooth replacement options:
Dental implants are a reliable and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, offering a range of benefits that can significantly improve your quality of life. By understanding what dental implants are and how they work, you can make informed decisions about your dental health and explore options to restore your beautiful smile. Consult with a dental professional to determine if dental implants are the right choice for you.
A single dental implant is a straightforward solution for replacing a missing tooth. This involves placing an implant in the jawbone, followed by a custom-made crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. If multiple teeth are missing but not adjacent, you can have multiple single implants placed in different areas of the mouth. This targeted approach doesn’t affect surrounding teeth. However, for multiple adjacent missing teeth, patients may opt for implant-supported bridges, which can restore several teeth with fewer implants, offering a more efficient solution.
A dental implant bridge is designed to replace multiple adjacent missing teeth using two or more implants in the jawbone, supporting a custom-made bridge that spans the gap. This approach offers a stable and durable solution that looks and functions like natural teeth. Implant bridges are often preferred when multiple teeth are missing in the same area, as they require fewer implants while still providing strong support. This method is an efficient alternative to placing multiple single implants and is ideal for restoring a larger section of the mouth with fewer procedures.
The All-on-X or “Same-Day-Smile” procedure is a full-mouth dental implant solution that restores an entire top and/or bottom jaw in just one day. This innovative approach involves placing several strategically positioned implants to support a full arch of teeth. Performed in the comfort of our office, it’s a less invasive and more cost-effective alternative to replacing each individual tooth with an implant. The result is a fully restored, natural-looking smile that offers immediate function and aesthetics, making it an efficient and transformative option for those needing extensive dental rehabilitation.
Implant-retained dentures, also known as overdentures or snap-ons, are dentures that snap onto implants to stay securely in place. This can be done with an existing or new denture. While this option may seem cost-effective initially, we typically do not recommend it, as it often falls short in terms of comfort and satisfaction. Though affordable now, it’s likely you’ll want to upgrade later to the All-on-X fixed treatment, which offers a more permanent and beloved solution. The All-on-X option provides superior stability, comfort, and function, making it a more desirable long-term choice for many patients.
