Timber Pines residents may opt to get dental implants for a range of different conditions, including periodontal disease, tooth loss due to a trauma or injury, or to replace a tooth that has been extracted due to damage or another issue.
Unlike dentures or dental bridgework, dental implants feature an artificial tooth root that is implanted in your jaw, resulting in a secure, permanent replacement that once healed, feels, looks and performs like a natural tooth.
What Are the Types of Dental Implants?
Timber Pines residents can choose from a number of implant types. Endosteal implants are implanted directly into the bone using a screw, cylinder or other structure that mimics the function of a tooth root. If a tooth has been extracted, you may need to wait for a period of time while the bone regenerates in the empty tooth socket, providing more surface area for the implant to bond with. Bone grafts may be used to help promote faster healing.
Another type of dental implant is the subperiosteal implant, which is placed on top of the bone. With this type of implant, the implant is a framework of sorts, with little posts or ports that emerge through the gums to secure the teeth. This may work well for those who have poor quality bone or insufficient bone to support endosteal dental implants.
Timber Pines patients will typically have an extensive consultation, x-rays and an exam prior to determining the best type of implant. The style of dental implant can differ dramatically depending upon whether you’re replacing a single tooth, several teeth in a row (or several teeth that are close to each other) or an entire mouth’s worth of teeth.
Dental implants offer a great option for patients who need to replace multiple teeth, as the implant can serve as an anchor point for bridgework.
All-on-four dental implants are growing in popularity as well. These implants can be used to replace all of the teeth on your upper and/or lower jaw, making them a great alternative to full dentures. Implants are placed with four little ports or nubs emerging through the gums. Then, the all-on-four dentures affix to these ports, providing a secure hold that allows you to chew and speak normally.
Once put into place, dental implants tend to perform and look like your natural teeth. They require the same type of care as natural teeth, including 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*