A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. It fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement took that can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Dental implants are the solution for replacing single or multiple missing teeth. Many choose dental implants because without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink. This shrinkage will cause your face to look older than it is. Dental implants do not need any adjustments after placement and are stable, comfortable, and secure.
It is important to talk to your dentist about dental implants if you are missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or tooth decay to be considered as a candidate for dental implants. Your dentist will be able to determine if dental implants are right for you based on the amount of available bone.
There are advantages to choosing dental implants over dentures or a dental bridge such as improving your appearance, preserving your natural teeth, and providing a permanent solution. Dental implants stop the shrinkage of the jawbone that occurs when there is a missing tooth that would otherwise cause your face to look older. Dental bridges require teeth adjacent to missing teeth to be ground down to be used as anchors but dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth. Dental implants provide a permanent solution to missing teeth as no adjustment is needed after the placement.
Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. With a combination of modern restorative dentistry their appearance, comfort, and function will be hard to tell apart from your natural teeth.
Single Tooth Replacement
If a single tooth is missing, a dental implant is recommended in conjunction with a ceramic crown. The result is an implant that looks and functions just like a natural tooth. In this case, a one-piece implant is used. This means that all components of the implant are installed as a single unit resulting in immediately functioning teeth, excellent esthetic appearance, and a permanent stable solution.
In the course of installing an implant your dentist makes a first examination and takes x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure. The implant is then installed with a temporary tooth that will allow you to eat and function almost immediately as the implant will need a few months to integrate with the jawbone. After the jawbone and implant have integrated, the permanent ceramic tooth is installed and no additional treatment or adjustment is needed. The end result is a dental implant that will fit and function like a natural tooth.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
A multiple tooth replacement is needed when multiple teeth are missing and the only alternative is a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants. Having dental implants replacing multiple lost teeth will allow a stable, secure solution and will preserve your facial appearance and prevent bone loss.
Depending on how many teeth are missing, a multiple tooth replacement may be similar to that of a single tooth replacement. During a dental implant treatment, the implants are installed and are usually completed in one session. A temporary bridge may be placed at the same time to allow the implant and the jawbone to integrate for 1-2 months. The temporary bridge is then removed and a permanent bridge is attached to the implants resulting in a bridge that is stable and secure.
Full Arch Replacement
A Full Arch Replacements is a permanent solution when all teeth are missing or in such condition that they need to be replaced. The best permanent solution is a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants. This solution will provide natural looking teeth that are permanent, stable, and safe.
Before the procedure your dentist will determine things that need to be done to prepare for the treatment procedure. The first step is installing dental implants to replace lost tooth roots. In the case of a full arch replacement, five implants are used. Temporary teeth are attached to the implants allowing you to eat and function while waiting for a permanent bridge installation. Once he permanent bridge is ready it will be securely installed on top of the implants. It may take 2-3 visits to have the bridge completely attached resulting in new teeth that are permanent, safe, and look natural. |
