Dental Implant Options for Multiple or Single Tooth Replacement
Don’t let missing teeth cause you embarrassment. Get back your beautiful smile.
A dental implant provides a permanent solution for the replacement of single or multiple teeth. Consider this overview of dental implant treatments for single or multiple tooth replacement and realize that the often embarrassing events of missing teeth and removable dentures can be a thing of the past.
Replacing Teeth with a Dental Implant
A dental implant offers the greatest solution to permanently replace one or more teeth. Dental implants are titanium screw-like posts that are surgically placed within the jawbone. The jawbone heals around the implant to form a permanent, secure bond. A dental implant basically acts as a “natural” tooth root to which different types of teeth can be attached. The type of tooth replacement used generally depends on the number of teeth needing replacement as well as individual preference. Teeth used with dental implants include dental crowns, implant-supported bridges, and implant-supported dentures.
Dental Implant with Dental Crowns
A dental implant used with a dental crown (cap) restoration is best used for replacing a single tooth. If you are only missing one or two teeth, a single tooth dental implant with crown restorations are typically the best treatment. This also prevents the alteration of adjacent natural teeth, which would be necessary if a normal bridge was used instead of dental implants. Implants also preserve your natural teeth and jawbone in comparison to dentures or a bridge.
Though a full set of teeth can be replaced with individual implants and dental crowns, this is not the most time or cost effective treatment. For multiple tooth replacements, implant-supported bridges or implant supported dentures (in the case where all the teeth are missing) may be a better option.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported dental bridges are used to replace multiple teeth with two or more dental implants, making them best suited to situations in which two or more consecutive teeth need replacement. Implant-supported bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth that bridge the gap between missing teeth. The teeth are permanently placed and are not removable, just like natural teeth.
Dental Implant-Supported Dentures
Full sets of teeth can best be replaced with implant-supported dentures. Implant-supported dentures use three to five dental implants to securely attach the dentures within the mouth. Implant-supported dentures attach to the implants in a way that allows them to be removed for ease of cleaning. Implant-supported dentures allow you to eat and speak with the confidence of knowing your dentures are securely in place. Implant-supported dentures eliminate the need for messy adhesives while still allowing you to enjoy foods that removable dentures wearers generally need to avoid. No food restrictions!
Experience the Benefits of a Dental Implant
Dental implants offer many benefits including increased self-esteem, great looks, and vastly improved chewing function. Though many people make great candidates for dental implants, implants require minor surgery and as such, are not suitable for everyone. Fortunately, the vast majority of patients can experience the joy of dental implants. Candidates for dental implants should be healthy enough to tolerate surgery, and have good oral health to properly maintain a clean mouth. Candidates must also have sufficient jawbone. Fortunately, a bone graft may be performed to rebuild the jaw if needed. See for yourself how dental implants are changing patients’ lives!