We’ve previously discussed the best and worst drinks for your teeth and thought it would be a good time to tell you more about the process of replacing missing teeth: dental implants. Unlike old-fashioned dentures that must be adhered to the mouth and can have limitations, dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth that look as good or better than the real thing. The four most common types of dental implants are listed below.
1. All-on-4 Dental Implants
One of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry, all-on-4 dental implants is a procedure which places four specially positioned dental implants in the jaw with a complete set of upper or lower teeth. They are placed to maximize support from existing bone and decrease the need for bone grafting. These dental implants are most beneficial for those who need all of their upper and/or lower teeth replaced.
2. Mini Dental Implants
This type of dental implant is commonly used to replace a single missing tooth and can be offered at a low cost. However, these dental implants DO NOT offer a permanent solution to missing teeth and can cost more in the long run given their continued need for repair and replacement. They are not constructed of medical-grade titanium, which is necessary for proper bone integration. These types of dental implants are also not offered at our office, and we whole-heartedly recommend instead:
3. Single Tooth Replacement
Dental implants can also be done for a missing tooth or teeth. In the past, the crown/bridge technique was used to do this, which was also good in the short term, but exposed the adjacent teeth to decay, causing the need for more dental work. Our dental implants are state of the art, act like normal teeth, and won’t damage the surrounding teeth.
4. Teeth-in-a-Day
Our ability to conduct all dental procedures including physical exam, x-rays, CT scans, and surgical procedures from one office allows us to do dental implants in just one day. This process is conducted by:
• A Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan to generate a 3D model of your jaws
• An oral surgeon to precisely place dental implants
• The immediate placement of the new teeth.
This procedure allows patients to leave our office in a few hours with the ability to eat, speak, and smile as they see fit.
To learn more about if you are a good candidate for our dental implants, call us today at 713-467-5268 or fill out this form.
