Modern dentistry gives adults an excellent option in tooth replacement through Dental Implants.
Dental Implants offer numerous advantages to people who need to replace one, several, or a full arch of missing teeth. These include:
- Dental Implants are designed to last your lifetime. With proper care, your implant treatment is an investment that is a one-time expense.
- The success rate of Dental Implants is higher than that of any other implant-to-bone in the body. Made from titanium, a biologically-compatible metal, the body does not reject this material and grows around it.
- Because Dental Implants are placed in the jaw bone, they provide biting and chewing strength and stability like that of natural teeth.
- With the jaw bone as the foundation for Dental Implants, implants mimic the presence of tooth roots. This recreates stimulation the bone needs to help it maintain its mass of height and depth. Without this stimulation, bone loss occurs, which contributes to changes in facial appearance and difficulties eating.
- Dental Implants do not rely on the support of adjacent natural teeth. They are anchored by the jaw bone, just as natural tooth roots, although one implant can support more than one tooth (when needed). This eliminates the need for neighboring, otherwise healthy natural teeth to be crowned.
- When people are able to bite and chew comfortably and confidently, they tend to select a diet rich in protein and fiber. People eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, taking in more natural vitamins, minerals and roughage the body needs for healthy digestion. And, since the digestion process begins in the mouth, chewing longer is more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Smiling and laughing with friends and family is an important part of our lives. When dentures do not fit properly or people are embarrassed by missing teeth, they tend to avoid social settings altogether. These social gatherings are healthy interactions at any age. Dental Implants restore a confident laugh, smile and the ability to speak and be close with others without worry.
The advantages go on and on. However, the reason you should choose an implant or implants is personal, and Dr. Rich or Dr. Carmichael will answer your questions to help you make the decision that is best for you.
Since there are various needs, there are many different types of implants designed to accommodate those needs. Dr. Rich will select the type that is best for you and explain the placement process. You may rest assured that your comfort will be at an optimal level throughout this procedure. (click here for more on
Oral Sedation)
Let's start with those who are missing just one or several natural teeth. In many cases, one implant can support a bridge of attached teeth when two or several teeth are missing in one location.
Now, what will the replacement teeth look like, you may ask? When it comes to Dental Implant treatment, you'll be pleased to know that Drs. Rich and Carmichael are as careful about what goes on above the gumline as below! For front tooth replacement, for example, the replacement teeth they use are metal free. This means they'll have a natural luminosity like that of natural teeth without telltale black lines sometimes visible with metal crowns.
For those who are missing a full arch (upper or lower), there are several options for replacement.
All On Four
The All-On-4 system strategically angles four implants in the upper or lower jaw bone, rather than positioning them straight up and down. This relieves stress points on the implants and gives each more strength so four implants are able to support more load than through previous methods. This system is more affordable than many traditional forms of implants because it relies on fewer implants to secure a full arch. It is also an excellent option for patients with a limited amount of bone and is a non-removable option with teeth that can be attached immediately.
Immediate Implant Placement
When a tooth is lost or needs removing, there are many advantages to replacing it with a dental implant immediately. In many cases, these teeth are functional after placement!
First, a single tooth can be replaced with an implant and crown (the attached replacement tooth) on the same day. Thus, the patient avoids worries surrounding appearance issues with the space of a missing tooth. When one or more teeth are missing in a row, one implant can often support a bridge of teeth. This can also be attached the same day the tooth (or teeth) are removed in many cases.
Another benefit of same-day implant placement is the preservation of the gum contours. When a tooth is lost, the arch of gum tissue and "points" formed by gum tissue between each tooth begin to flatten out within days. When an implant is immediately placed and the tooth attached the same day, the natural contours of the gum tissue can be preserved.
Preventing bone loss is an additional advantage of immediate implant placement. When the implant can be inserted as soon as the tooth root is removed, there is no risk of 'resorption.' Resorption occurs when tooth roots are no longer present to provide stimulation to the bone. Without this, the bone begins to shrink, or 'resorb.' It is a fact that the teeth adjacent to areas of bone loss have the greatest risk of being the next to be lost.
Traditional Dental Implants
Removable - Certain types of teeth attached to dental implants can be removed for easy cleaning and maintenance. These are mostly full arches that are attached to several strategically placed upper or lower implants. Some patients opt for removable types since they require less implants and can therefore be more affordable.
Fixed - Non-removable teeth are more appealing to those who want the feeling of having their 'own teeth' back again. These are fixed to the implants and are brushed in the mouth, flossed just like real teeth, and do not come in and out.
