Tooth loss affects millions of people throughout the United States. This issue can severely impact your quality of life, and without dental intervention, your oral health can worsen. Your dentist can give you dental implants to replace missing teeth and improve your oral function and appearance.
Implant dentistry offers the most comprehensive restorative dental benefits. And a dentist can choose from a variety of options to find a fixture that suits your unique needs. Read on to learn about three of the types of dental implants your dentist can provide for the restoration of your smile after tooth loss.
Which Dental Implant Will Restore My Smile?
Single Dental Implant
A single dental implant is a fixed restorative dental solution that can replace one missing tooth in your smile. But you can receive more than one of these types of implants if needed to fully rebuild your dental structure.
It features a titanium post anchor that a dentist will surgically place into the jaw. As it heals, the anchor fuses with the jawbone to provide optimal support for the prosthetic tooth. Then you return to the dentist’s office where they will attach a dental crown to an abutment to complete your treatment.
This process will take several months to finish to allow for effective recovery. But afterward, you will see gaps filled in your smile with a beautiful and natural-looking finish. The custom dental prosthetic will suit your unique oral health and aesthetic goals.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
If you have three or more missing teeth, you can restore your smile with an implant-supported dental bridge. The process to receive this fixture is similar to a single dental implant. It uses two anchors: one to support each end of the bridge prosthetic.
With tooth replacement using dental implants, you can restore your oral functions. You can chew, bite, and speak as you normally would, and the device will remain in place.
With the fixed appliance, you will not have to worry about the device slipping out of place at inopportune moments. Ask your dentist about aftercare for your fixtures so that you can get the most out of this treatment. With proper maintenance, dental implants will last for twenty or more years.
All-on-Four Dental Implant
An All-on-Four dental implant will replace an entire arch of missing teeth. This can be placed on the top or bottom arch of the mouth, though some patients can benefit from receiving it on both.
The full arch of prosthetic teeth will use four anchors to support it, as its name implies. Unlike removable restorative solutions, the anchor of the implant will replace the missing tooth root below the gumline. This will stimulate the jawbone and keep it healthy.
Patients with tooth loss can see the deterioration of the jawbone, and implant dentistry can prevent this problem. Schedule a consult with your dentist to learn if a dental implant will best protect and restore your smile after tooth loss.