3 Types of Dental Implants – Which Is Best for You?

If you are missing one tooth or several teeth, dental implants are ideal because they are a permanent tooth replacement option. 

A dental implant consists of a small, titanium post that is surgically placed within your jawbone beneath the gum line. This post will fuse with your jawbone over time to create a sturdy foundation for your tooth restoration. A dental implant post will serve as your missing tooth’s root and will stimulate and preserve your bone structure. 

In most cases, a single crown will sit on top of a dental implant post to replace the tooth. Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and are a popular option because they feel, act, and look just like natural teeth.

There are different types of dental implants. The following will help you select the option that is best for your smile:

1.  Single Dental Implant.

This is used to replace a single tooth. It requires one post and one crown. You will first have to meet with your dentist in Chatham to determine if you are a suitable candidate. If so, your dentist will create a custom plan. The post will be surgically placed within your jawbone and the healing process can last anywhere from 3 to 4 months. Once the post fuses with your bone, your custom-designed crown will be connected to your post with an abutment.

A single-tooth dental implant will replace your entire missing tooth from root to crown. This is a good option if you have one missing tooth or multiple missing teeth that are not adjacent to each other. 

2.  Implant-supported bridge. 

This is used to replace several missing teeth adjacent to each other. A bridge consists of two crowns on either side of your missing tooth gap with an artificial tooth held by those crowns in between. Instead of having the crowns attach to teeth, an implant-supported bridge has crowns that connect to dental implants. 

The process is like a single tooth dental implant although the teeth missing in the middle of the gap will not receive a dental implant. This option allows patients to securely replace multiple missing teeth in a row, without the cost of replacing each tooth. Not all teeth will receive an implant however and you may lose some bone mass as a result. 

3.  Implant-retained denture. 

Do you need to replace all your teeth? This is the best option if most of your teeth are missing. An implant-retained denture is an artificial arch of teeth that rests on your gum line and provides the patients with the appearance of a full set of teeth. Unlike traditional dentures that can slip and fall out, implant-retained dentures are permanently secured. You’ll never experience problems while eating or speaking. 

A reputable Chatham dentist will strategically place four dental implants along your arch and once healed, you will receive a new, custom denture that fastens to the dental implants. This will result in a secure and permanent denture specially designed to fit your facial aesthetics. 

If you have several missing teeth, this option can help restore both your confidence and smile. 

Are you a good candidate for dental implants?

You must be a good candidate for dental implant surgery to receive this treatment. This applies to all three dental implant options. The dentist will consider the following to determine if this treatment is right for you:

• Bone. You need a certain amount of bone present for the post to fuse. If you have been missing a tooth for a while, there may not be enough bone to perform dental implant surgery. 
• Age. Adults are ideal candidates for dental implants because they are done growing and developing. Younger patients may need to wait for their facial structures to develop. 
• Health. Good general and oral health is required for dental implant surgery. Patients who suffer from certain conditions like diabetes or gum disease may not be suitable candidates for dental implants. 

Transform Your Smile with Chatham Family Dental

Do you want to restore your smile? Chatham Family Dental will provide you with more information regarding the different types of dental implants. Patients in Chatham can contact our dental office at any time to schedule a consultation.