Pine Island residents can see many benefits from opting for dental implants in place of non-surgical options such as bridgework or dentures. Implants are very versatile, as they can be suitable for a single missing tooth that was knocked out in an accident, several missing teeth that were lost due to decay or all of your teeth in cases of periodontal disease.
When considering dental implants, Pine Island patients often focus on the temporary discomfort associated with the surgical procedure. But most enjoy a fairly quick recovery and once recovered, your new teeth will look and function just like your natural pearly whites!
What Are the Types of Dental Implants?
Pine Island dental patients will begin by getting a consultation, including an examination and x-rays to determine the best type of implant. Not everybody is a candidate, but most can benefit from one of the many types of implant available.
Endosteal dental implants are implanted into the jaw bone, with a screw or post serving like a natural tooth’s root. This offers a very secure, permanent fix, but if you’ve recently had a tooth extracted, you may need to wait for a few weeks while the socket fills in with bone. A bone graft can even be placed to speed the process. This provides the implant with more surface area to grip, resulting in a more secure hold.
For some patients, you may be best suited to subperiosteal dental implants. Pine Island patients may benefit from this implant style if your bone density is poor or if you lack sufficient bone to support a endosteal implant. With a subperiosteal implant, a framework-like implant is placed atop the jaw bone, with little posts or ports that protrude through the gums. These little nubs or posts are used to secure the implants.
All-on-four dental implants are growing in popularity, as they involve the implantation of just four small ports that affix to the external component, similar to a denture. But the performance of this type of implant far surpasses a denture, as it’s more secure and permanent, allowing you to eat and speak totally normally.
Dental implants are also used in conjunction with bridgework. A dental implant can be used to support a bridge in cases where your existing teeth lack the strength and integrity to serve as an anchor.
Whether you need just one tooth replaced or would like a more natural, permanent alternative to full dentures, dental implants can serve as a great option. The care required for dental implants is quite straightforward, as it’s the same type of care that you would provide to your natural teeth – regular brushing and flossing.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Anchor Dental Care*