Dental Implants

Missing teeth can cause a range of problems, from self-esteem issues to difficulties with eating and speaking. Here at Dental Arts, Dr. Cris and Dr. Phil are proud to offer dental implants as an option for tooth replacement for our patients.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a fairly modern advancement in dentistry, allowing a missing tooth to be replaced with a similar artificial tooth. The implant itself replaces the root of the original tooth, allowing for the placement of a crown or other restoration with stability and function similar to the natural tooth that was replaced.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Ordinarily, in the case of missing teeth, bone loss will result in the surrounding area. However, the titanium posts of dental implants bond well with the jaw bone and help stimulate growth of the surrounding bone structure, minimizing the loss of bone.

A dental implant in place of a missing tooth can prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting, resulting in bite issues or other problems.

Dental implants can be used alone or in combination with other restorations such as dentures and partials, allowing for much better bite strength than would be had without them.

Who are dental implants for?

Dental implants can be used for those who are missing only a single tooth or used in combination with other restorations to give back the smiles of those who are missing many or all of their teeth. Below, we’ll go over some of the possible ways dental implants can be used to address the problem of missing teeth.

Single Tooth Implants

When a patient is missing one or more teeth, Dr. Cris or Dr. Phil may recommend single-tooth implants. Generally, during this procedure, the dentist will create an opening in the jawbone in order to place the implant. This is done because the implant will act as the new root for the crown that will eventually be fixed to replace the missing tooth. The procedure will go as follows:

The implant, which is made of titanium, is placed in the opening that the dentist has created along the jaw bone. Using a screw, an abutment is attached to the top of the implant. This piece has been shaped to resemble a natural tooth. Finally, the artificial crown is either screwed or cemented to the abutment.

Traditionally, the entire procedure can take up to a year to complete. Dr. Cris or Dr. Phil will perform a comprehensive examination of the patient so that he has a complete understanding of the patient’s needs. He will also take dental x-rays and create impressions of the patient’s teeth and gums during this time. Then, the first surgery will include placing the new implant. A healing period of 3–6 months is required before the second surgery can commence in order to place the abutment and crown.

Implant Retained Dentures

Unlike standard dentures, the benefits of implant-retained dentures involve much more stability. This means that patients who choose to receive implant-retained dentures have less fear about their dentures becoming loose or falling out, and they can also enjoy a larger variety of foods because of this stability. So what’s the difference between normal dentures and implant-retained dentures?

As the name implies, implant-retained dentures are dentures that are attached to the jaw using dental implants. These implants have been surgically placed inside the jawbone. There are two types of implant-retained dentures:

Bar-Retained Dentures – Using up to five implants that have been installed in the jawbone, a bar-retained denture is made of a small metal bar that matches the natural curve of the patient’s jaw. The denture is fitted over the bar and clipped into place.

All-on-4

Missing a significant amount of teeth can really impact your health and confidence. Across America, there are close to 36 million adults who do not have all of their upper and/or lower teeth.

There are many replacement options to go with, such as dentures. There is also an option that is cost-efficient and gives quick, permanent results. With All-on-4, Dr. Cris and Dr. Phil can help restore a patient’s smile in one visit!

What is All-on-4?

With All-on-4, only four dental implants need to be placed in the upper or lower jaw in order to secure all of the teeth being replaced.

What makes All-on-4 a good option?

Unlike other restorative dental procedures, All-on-4 has a shorter recovery time which enables patients to enjoy their smiles just one day after their procedure! The reason for this is that the procedure permanently replaces a full arch using only four implants, all done in one appointment.

There are many other advantages to this procedure, listed below:
• There isn’t a need for messy adhesives and temporary dentures
• The implants help prevent further bone loss
• With proper care and regular cleanings, All-on-4 can last for a lifetime
• It is easy to maintain and care for

Traditional Overdentures

Traditional overdentures are a removable type of denture that attaches to implants using attachments such as locators or ball-and-socket mechanisms. The attachments allow the patient to snap the denture in and out of place for cleaning and maintenance.

The use of implants for this type of denture can provide greater stability and prevent denture movement or slipping while eating or speaking, while not requiring the same expense as All-on-4.

With all tooth replacement options, your dentist can help guide you through finding the best solution for your needs.

If you are interested in dental implants and would like to know if they are right for you, contact Dental Arts to schedule an appointment today!