Single Tooth & Multiple Teeth Implants
When you lose a tooth, there are various options you and DR Sonal might decide to take, and a dental implant has some advantages over other alternatives. Because they look and feel like your own natural teeth, they do not have the slip or discomfort of some dentures; a fact that makes chewing easier. Additionally, they do not require the use of other teeth to hold them in place – which bridges do – so more of your teeth are left intact, improving long-term dental health. Because dental implants are permanent, you never have to worry about removing them in embarrassing situations, or having to go extra steps in keeping them clean. They can improve how you feel about yourself, as well, because your smile looks natural.
About Dental Implants
You might think of a dental implant as a post along a wooden fence. The post is secured in the ground and links the rails together, creating a strong structure. A dental implant, which is an artificial tooth, replaces a tooth when it has been lost to decay, damage, or gum disease. It is an alternative to a dental bridge, and like the strong, new fence post, creates a strong mouth structure. A dental implant is an alternative to a dental bridge, and the artificial tooth sits atop an implant that acts as a root in your gum and bone, allowing you to chew and smile in a natural and healthy way.
Implant Parts - Choosing Dental Implants
Most people who have otherwise healthy gums and bones are candidates for dental implants. The dentists and hygienists at Smiles unlimited will act as a team to devise a program of implant care for you, which will require more than one visit. First, a post — the actual implant, made of metal — will be inserted in the bone beneath the space where the tooth has gone missing. Next, a smaller post will be added to the top, on which the replacement tooth, or crown, will eventually be bonded. The new tooth is modeled by your dentist after the pattern of your other teeth so that it fits your individual bite. Your dentist will also match the appearance of the new tooth – its shape and color – to your natural teeth so that it looks like the real thing.
Dental Implant Materials
Here at Smiles Unlimited, we use titanium implants. Implant materials are FDA approved and considered safe.
Currently, most implants are two pieces, which gives the dentist more control over the elements and the entire implant placement process. There are one-piece implants as well, these have the synthetic tooth root and the abutment connected.
Zirconia Dental Implants
Zirconia is best known for its likeness to diamonds. It is a crystal material that is altered slightly when used in implant dentistry to give it a tooth color. Zirconia is the crystal form of the transitional metal zirconium and zirconia implants are often marketed as “metal-free.” When the zirconium is treated, stabilized, and converted into its crystal phase, it becomes a ceramic called zirconium oxide. It is referred to as zirconia, and technically can be called “metal-free”.
Titanium Dental Implants
Titanium has been used in the medical industry for decades. In addition to dentistry it is commonly used for hip and knee replacements. Dental implants made of titanium have a long term success rate of about 95%. Some patients have had their titanium dental implants in great condition for longer than 30 years. However, there is recent medical research that suggests that zirconia implants may have improved biocompatibility compared to titanium implants.
All on 4/6 Implant with Non Removable Appliance
All on 4/6 Implant with Non-Removable Appliance is a permanent fixture that is attached to 4-6 implants the same day of implant placement and is not removable.
Four to six implants are placed in your mouth while you are asleep with the help of sedation. During the same visit, a natural-looking, non-removable hybrid appliance is screwed onto the implants.
The result is a new set of teeth that are strong, attractive and provide you with the same full use and enjoyment as real teeth in a single day. The appliance can easily be removed by the dentist for thorough professional cleanings or infrequent maintenance, if necessary.
Benefits of “New-Smile-In-1-Day” vs. traditional removable dentures
- Eliminates loose-fitting, painful, and sore dentures
- Corrects an unsightly smile with a permanent, pain-free solution
- Enables you to go home on the day of surgery with a new smile
- Natural looking teeth that function and feel like your own teeth
- The fixed appliance doesn’t have to be removed
- Reduces the number of follow-up visits
- Improves self confidence and well being
If you have additional questions about Dental Implants, talk to us.
