What issues can dental implants fix?
What Issues Can Dental Implants Fix? Understanding The Basics
Interested in restorative dentistry in Lafayette? Not sure what dental implants can fix, or if they’re right for you? In this blog, the team at Life Dentistry will explain how dental implants can be used to restore your smile. Let’s get started.
One Or More Missing Teeth (Single-Tooth Implants)
Dental implants are commonly used to treat a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth throughout your mouth that have been lost due to oral disease or trauma.
Single-tooth implants are, by far, the most widely-used type of implant. This type of implant has two parts. The first part is a small, screw-shaped piece of titanium. This piece of metal is surgically placed into your jaw bone where your missing tooth used to be, and bonds with the bone tissue over a period of 3-6 months.
Then, when the implant has healed completely, a dental crown is attached to the implant. This crown functions as an artificial tooth, restoring both the natural function of your bite and the natural appearance of your smile.
One implant can be used to replace a single missing tooth, or several implants can be used if you’re missing a few teeth throughout your mouth.
Adjacent Missing Teeth (Implant-Supported Bridges)
If you’ve lost more than one adjacent tooth, implant-supported bridges may be a good option for you. This treatment is similar to a single-tooth implant, except two implants are used to support a “bridge” of two or more false teeth. This is similar to a traditional dental bridge. However, instead of attaching the false teeth to existing healthy teeth, dental implants are used to support them, instead.
Two implants are placed in the area where your missing teeth used to be. Then, a custom-built porcelain bridge is built that can attach to these two implants, and restore an entire row of missing teeth. If you have more than two adjacent missing teeth, this is a great way to restore them all at once.
A Full Arch Of Missing Teeth (Full-Arch Implants)
If you are missing your entire upper row, lower row, or both rows of teeth, you may be able to get full-arch implants instead of dentures.
Instead of using friction to stay attached to your gums, full-arch implants use a series of 4-6 implants that are surgically implanted into your jaw bone. Then, once these implants heal, a custom-built denture is made that clips onto the implants, locking it securely in place.
Compared to traditional dentures, full-arch implants provide a tighter hold and look and feel more natural. They also help protect and strengthen your jaw bone, which prevents bone resorption after tooth loss.
Find Out More About Dental Implants From Life Dentistry!
If you have one or more missing teeth in Lafayette and want to explore your options for restoring your smile, Dr. James Martin is here to help. To learn more about your options for implant dentistry, just contact Life Dentistry online or give us a call at (970) 289-5433 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Martin today.