Understanding Dental Implants

September is Dental Implant Awareness Month! Dental implants are a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. They are suitable for patients of varying ages who have lost teeth due to injury, illness or gum disease. Dental implants provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function just like natural teeth, allowing you to speak and eat with ease. They also help to prevent the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing, preserving your jawbone and supporting the facial structures. Dental implants fit comfortably in place and won’t slip out, giving you the smile you’ve always wanted.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. On top of the post, your dentist places an abutment that connects the implant to the replacement tooth. The replacement tooth is custom-made to match the color and appearance of your natural teeth. Sometimes implants attach to replacement teeth permanently. Other times, the patient is able to remove them for cleaning. 

What types of replacement teeth are available?

Single Implant (Crown): If you are missing or have significant damage to one tooth, a single dental implant, called a crown, may be right for you. Restoring your missing tooth with a dental implant not only improves appearance by filling the gap in your mouth, it also helps keep your jawbone strong and healthy by preventing bone loss that can occur when teeth are missing. 

Implant-Supported Bridge: Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth, and are attached to surrounding teeth for support. While a traditional bridge anchors missing teeth to your natural teeth on each side, an implant-supported bridge is held in place by dental implants at either end. Implant-supported bridges are fixed in place and closely resemble natural teeth. 

Implant Overdenture (Implant-Supported Denture): An implant overdenture is another replacement solution for missing teeth. While traditional dentures rest on the gums, an implant overdenture has clasps that snap onto the implants for easy removal and cleaning. Implant overdentures stay in place without special adhesives, making them much more comfortable and greatly reducing the need for dietary restrictions. 

Fixed Denture (Implant-Supported Denture): Fixed dentures are similar to implant overdentures except you cannot remove them at home. They are  held in place by multiple dental implants (typically  four to six) to cover an entire arch of the mouth. This makes implant dentures a more complex treatment than more traditional denture options. Patients often report that fixed implant prosthetics  feel much more stable and comfortable than traditional dentures. Brushing  and flossing  is similar to natural teeth, and there are typically very limited dietary restrictions.

Partial Denture (Implant-Supported Partial Denture): In select cases, an implant can be used to better fabricate a partial denture. Implants can be placed strategically to provide better support and balance to a partial denture. This treatment option can be used for patients who are missing multiple teeth but have a healthy number of remaining teeth. This type of option is always better discussed with your dentist.

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

If you are missing one or more teeth due to injury, illness or gum disease, you can probably benefit from dental implants! Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons will provide you with the highest quality care from the initial consultation to through recovery. If you are missing one or more teeth, talk with your general dentist or schedule an appointment with one of our specialists to see whether dental implants are the right treatment option for you.