If you are looking to replace one or more teeth, you may want to consider the various types of dental implants as permanent solutions. Dental implants are small titanium screws that are surgically placed beneath your gum line into your jawbone. This screw, also known as a post, will then fuse with your jawbone and create a stable foundation to place your tooth restoration. Most teeth restoration implants use a single crown to replace one tooth. However, these posts can also support multiple missing teeth with bridges and can even secure dentures.
In other words, dental implants are replacements for any missing tooth roots. Not only do dental implants fuse into your jawbone like real roots, but they also help preserve and stimulate your bone structure. If your dental implants are properly taken care of, they can last for a lifetime. Because of this, and in addition to their many benefits, dental implants are the #1 recommended dental procedure for patients looking to replace missing teeth permanently.
So, read on to learn about the three different types of dental implants to help you weigh the pros and cons of each and determine which one is best for you.
- Single Dental Implant: Replacement for a single tooth
The most common dental implant is used to replace a single missing tooth and requires only one post and one crown. Unlike many other restorations, a single tooth dental implant works by replacing your entire missing tooth from its root to its crown.
Single tooth dental implants are ideal for those missing one single tooth or multiple teeth that are not adjacent to each other. However, those missing multiple teeth adjacent to each other may save money by utilizing the following procedure.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Replacement for several teeth
As mentioned above, a person with multiple missing teeth adjacent to one another will most likely choose an implant-supported bridge. Essentially, a bridge includes two crowns on both sides of your gap, holding an artificial tooth in between. Rather than the crowns attaching to your teeth, the implant-supported bridge will have crowns that connect directly to the dental implants. While this process is very similar to single tooth dental implants, the teeth in the middle of the gap implant-supported bridge will not attach to a dental implant.
The pros of a dental bridge are that you can securely replace multiple adjacent missing teeth without having to pay to replace each tooth. However, because not all teeth will receive an implant, you will most likely lose some bone mass.
- Implant-Retained Denture: Replacement for all teeth
Implant-retained dentures are the best option for those missing a majority, or even all, of their teeth in the upper or lower arches. Specifically, a denture is a fake or artificial arch of teeth that rests on your gum line to give you the appearance of a complete set of teeth. Traditional dentures are usually removable and can slip, click, fall, slide, and make eating and talking much more uncomfortable. Therefore, many people turn to implant-retained dentures to permanently secure them in their mouths.
Your dentist will place dental implants, or posts, along your top or bottom arches during the procedure. As they heal, your dentist will most likely modify your current denture so they can be worn without disrupting your dental implant healing process. As soon as the implants have healed, your dentist will install your new, custom denture that attaches to your dental implants permanently.
If you would like to learn more about dental implants, give Carlsbad Dental Associates a call today.
Located in Carlsbad, California, Dr. Edward Adourian is an experienced, renowned specialist in all things dental. From general dentistry to family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Adourian and his team can help you and your loved ones with all your dental needs. Our experienced professionals here at Carlsbad Dental Associates are more than happy to help you with Invisalign, CEREC same-day crowns, dental implants, and so much more. Give us a call today at (760)918-9000.
