Dental implants are the most stable and solid replacement possible for a missing tooth. They achieve this kind of stability because a small, screw-like titanium insert is actually implanted right into the jawbone, and allowed to fuse with the jawbone over a period of several months, process called osseointegration. Once this fusion has occurred, a dental prosthesis such as a denture, a bridge, or a crown can be attached to the implant to provide a natural-looking and natural-feeling replacement for the missing tooth.
A single implant would be used to replace just one missing tooth in the mouth, although single implants could be installed at several locations to cover multiple missing teeth.
An implant denture is kind of a hybrid procedure in which dentures could still be used, but the dentures would be attached to at least one implant, so as to achieve the benefit of stabilizing the denture. Dentures which are not stabilized have a tendency to move around in the mouth, and this can cause problems with biting, chewing, and speaking.
All-on-4 dental implants represent a dynamic new dental technology which allows you to replace an entire arch of upper or lower teeth, all by using just four titanium implants. Normally, one implant per tooth is required in order to anchor the new tooth, but with the strategic placement of just four implants, all the upper or lower teeth can be anchored to them. This makes a significant difference in cost, but no difference in effectiveness and stability.
An implant-supported bridge gets all its support from the implant itself, as opposed to from surrounding teeth. Bridges normally are installed using a framework which must be supported by teeth on either side, so if there's a gap on one side, a conventional bridge could not be used.Â
The point of performing a sinus lift is to increase the bone mass in the area of the premolars and molar teeth. This makes it easier to install a dental implant, because there is more bone to use when installing the implant.
Bone Grafting involves transplanting bone to augment or repair the bone mass in a specific area of the jaw, often times preceding the installation of a dental implant. As the natural bone grows, it absorbs the grafted material, and this results in entirely new bone being generated.Â
If you've been told that you may need a dental implant, you should contact us to arrange for a consultation today. Our highly qualified dental experts at ZircTeeth can guide you through the process and prepare you for every step in the procedure, to ensure eventual success.
