Dental implants are the obvious choice for a patient that has a tooth – or several – missing, because it allows you to not only be able to eat and talk normally again, but it will restore that beautiful smile that you were missing. However, not all implants are the same, and it’s important to educate yourself so that you know what your different options are. We’ve put together this quick and easy guide to help you.
Some patients will only need one dental implant, whereas others will replace almost the majority of their teeth with implants. The trouble is that dental implants can take a long time to heal, and often require several trips to the dentist so that you can get the treatment finished. Many patients want a quick, modern, and completely permanent dental implant treatment, or an implant dentures combination, and dentistry is definitely advancing in this area.
When would you recommend one dental implant?
One dental implant is the perfect choice for a patient with just one missing tooth, and this will be made up of a titanium post covered with a porcelain crown that will blend seamlessly into your mouth. It will be a while before the dental implant has healed enough for you to use it. If you need more than one tooth replaced, then having individual implants may not be cost effective, or be the best dental choice for you.
What do dental implants do?
When you have a missing tooth, that can cause problems with your jaw, your bite, how you speak, and how you eat – and even the shape of your mouth when you smile. Dental implants can correct all of those problems. Dental implants are also used to support larger treatment options, such as arches and bridges.
What happens when you get a dental implant?
Your dentist will take a mold of your teeth and gums, and they will create a titanium screw and porcelain crown to fit the size, shape, and color of your other teeth. However, the healing period for this process can be up to six months, because the bone in your jaw will need to grow around the implant and heal. Your dentist will also need to see you two or three times in order to make sure that the fit is natural, functional, and permanent.
Is dental implant technology advancing?
Most definitely – and many people will put off going to see their dentist because they are not aware that dental implant surgery is not the same as it was twenty years ago, or even five! Now the success rate is almost 100%, and we use smaller implants that are less painful and heal much quicker. We can also now use dental implants to fix permanent dentures onto, and not just to replace a tooth.
Can dental implants replace all my teeth?
While we wouldn’t recommend individual dental implants to replace all of your individual teeth, there is a dental implant solution. The All-on-4 procedure is a modern method of replacing all the teeth on one jaw, and the entire arch is secured onto four small implants, making it possible for you to walk into the dental office without teeth, and leave with them. This treatment plan is completely stable, and will improve your ability to eat, talk, laugh, and smile. This treatment is particularly popular because it requires fewer implants, much fewer surgeries, and much less healing time.
All on Four Complete Arch
Is the All-On-4 really the best option?
If you need a complete replacement of all of your teeth on the top jaw, the bottom jaw, or both, then this treatment is the best option: it offers quick results with a great appearance, excellent stability in your mouth, improved quality of life through the ability to eat properly and speak properly, a treatment plan that is easy for you to take care of at home, and best of all, such durability that you will probably only need the treatment once in your lifetime.
If this sounds like something that would really transform your life, then contact us now at (619) 359-6569 for more information about the All-On-4 treatment, and many others.
