Types of Dental Implants
Austin, TX
 If you have missing teeth, Sola Smile Co. can help. We have the perfect solution for you: dental implants. Dental implants can help fill in the missing gaps between your teeth. You can choose between single tooth dental implants for one missing tooth, or multiple tooth dental implants to replace several teeth.
Single Tooth Dental Implants
Single tooth dental implant options include:
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Teeth in a Day
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Implant Retained Prosthetics
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Implant Crowns |
These are standalone and permanent. The three main components of dental implants include:
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A crown (the cap that goes over the implant)
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The implant post (inserted into the jawbone)
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Abutment (cement that fixes the post in place) |
Here are some important facts about these implants:
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Single tooth dental implants have a 98% success rate.
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The implant won't move or loosen.
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You won't have a lisp, which is usually the case with dentures.
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The adjacent teeth are not drilled to accommodate the crown.
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The implant can be easily maintained with regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. |
Implant Supported Dental Implants
Perhaps you have lost two or more teeth. Implants are still the solution but with a different approach. These include:
Multiple Implant-Supported Single Crowns and Implant-Supported Hybrid Bridgework
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Implant-Retained Hybrid Bridges
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Zygomatic Implants
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All-On-4 Implants
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All-On-6 Implants |
Multiple-tooth dental implants offer the same benefits as single-tooth ones. Implant-supported hybrid bridgework can be used to restore several lost teeth. They are often called fixed bridges because the teeth are attached side by side. There's no need to remove, like dentures.
How They Work
Multiple crowns create a bridge. For example, if you are missing three teeth, the ones on either side receive an implant. The one in the middle is supported by the implants.
In some cases, the crowns sit on healthy teeth. As for the pontic tooth, it is attached to the crowns. One of the best things about this procedure is that there's no need to shape the healthy teeth. The crowns are custom-made after getting a 3D image of the teeth's size and shape.
Here are a few benefits of these implants:
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They are fixed permanently to the jawbone.
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They feel natural to touch. This helps create a natural appearance.
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They are protected from dental decay. Since there's no part of the infected tooth left behind, bacteria cannot enter the site. This means you can eat and drink your favorite items like you used to. |
Multiple Tooth Dental Implants
When a patient has lost several teeth, and the jawbone that would otherwise support those teeth can no longer do so, dentures will be required. This condition is typically brought on by teeth that were lost a long time ago — more than 10 years.
Even in cases where a denture was fitted immediately, the loss of teeth causes bone resorption. This bone loss is then replaced with pink plastic on the denture. With each renewal of the denture, an increasing amount of pink plastic is required. This makes up for the continued loss of bone.
Implant-retained-over dentures come in permanent and removable forms. The dentures are firmly attached to the implants for everyday use. However, the patient can remove or unclip them to take care of cleaning and maintenance.
Four to six implants are positioned in the upper jaw. Fewer are implanted in the lower. These are supported by the implant post and gum tissues. For the perfect fit, the denture is redesigned to include either detachable (semi-fixed) or fixed components. These attach to the implants and sustain the denture. After the redesigned denture is clipped into place, the patient doesn't have to undergo any tooth loss during the course of therapy.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Aside from boosting your confidence and giving you a brand new smile, dental implants offer the following benefits:
They Might Last a Lifetime
Dental implants usually last 15 years. However, with proper care, they can last forever. This means you won't have to replace them. There won't be any frequent visits to the dentist for touch-ups. However, do attend your regular dental appointments to ensure your teeth are not hiding any cavities.
They Are Durable and Strong
The most common dental implant material used is titanium. This metal is quite strong and non-toxic to humans. It can withstand years of hard biting and rough chewing. However, avoid opening bottle caps with your implants.
They Preserve Your Jawbone
Most people are unaware of what goes underneath when an implant is placed. The implant's post is similar to artificial tooth roots. When placed in the jawbone, it stimulates the bone, preserving anything that's left. When you experience tooth loss, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate. As a result, your facial structure changes. This is what dental implants help restore.
They Give You a Natural Smile
One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that they resemble your natural teeth. No one can tell them apart from your real teeth. Since they are custom-made, the color and shape match your original teeth too.
They Improve Oral Health
Bridges and dentures can trap plaque and food particles. On the other hand, you won't face this problem with dental implants. They are easier to clean. You can brush and floss with them like normal.
They Protect Adjacent Teeth
Dental implants go into the jawbone. They do not require any support from crowns or bridges. This means that during the procedure, the dentist will not remove any healthy teeth to insert the implant.
Which Type of Dental Implant is Best for You?
Dental implants are one of the most popular options for replacing one or multiple teeth. Since they are natural-looking, durable, and long-lasting, most dentists recommend them for severe tooth loss. Based on your oral examination, the dentist will recommend subperiosteal, endosteal, or zygomatic implants. Each has different eligibility criteria, which the patient needs to meet.
If you are thinking about getting dental implants, contact Sola Smile Co. to book an appointment. Dr. Thomas Gent will asses your dental health and create a detailed treatment plan for you.
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