Dental implants are highly recommended for patients after a tooth extraction. The space teeth can cause many dental and physiological challenges that impact your health and confidence. When you lose a tooth, the bone tissue breaks down, diminishing the underlying bone which provides support for the remaining teeth. Implants have many advantages over alternatives like bridges and dentures. Our team at Gwinnett Dental Implant & Periodontal Center will always conduct assessments before recommending a suitable option. Our practice utilizes advanced tools and cutting-edge techniques for dental diagnosis and treatment.
What is a Dental Implant?
An implant is a dental device that resembles the tooth root in both function and aesthetics. They are posts which are implanted on the gap of the missing tooth. A crown is attached to the metal posts to complete the structure of artificial teeth.
While bridgework is more affordable, it is not the most reliable option for long-term tooth replacement. It often results in a poor fit that affects speech and eating. Bridges also require the preparation of neighboring teeth which have to be healthy and strong enough to support an artificial tooth.
A dental implant is a substitute for missing teeth, affixed to the jawbone. The dental appliance, therefore, offers a solid base for artificial teeth. It stimulates the jawbone, keeping it healthy and strong.
How is a Single Tooth Implant Done?
There are different approaches to dental implant surgery which depend on your oral health status. A single tooth implant is used to close the gap left by missing teeth. The lack of jawbone stimulation means the jawbone breaks down as soon as you have the tooth extracted.
A single tooth implant surgery is an outpatient procedure performed in several phases. The exact process may vary depending on the results of the initial oral health assessment. Each phase may require a healing period before the next step of the process commences.
After the initial consultation, the procedure begins when the dentist makes incisions on the jawbone for the implant. A specialized dental instrument creates holes in the bone to affix the titanium posts. Our team may provide a provisional cover to prevent injury on the treatment site.
The implant procedure may take months to complete as the bone fuses with the artificial tooth root. Some patients may require bone grafting if the tooth has experienced severe jawbone deterioration. Our dental team will explain the details of the process including how long you can expect the bone to heal.
Who is a Candidate for Multiple Tooth Implants?
An ideal candidate for multiple tooth implants is one who has several missing teeth and healthy gums. Patients with gum disease and dental decay will require treatment before undergoing the procedure. Oral health problems may lead to health complications and extend the recovery period.
Our team may recommend the procedure after tooth extraction or after losing teeth during an accident. It is crucial for the process to begin immediately to deter jawbone deterioration. The titanium roots require a stable base for adequate support.
If jawbone loss has already occurred, patients may need to undergo grafting. Bone grafting is a process where a biocompatible material is introduced to facilitate tissue regeneration. The material could be from your bone or a synthetic substitute compatible with your body.
Some candidates may require a small amount of grafting material, which can be performed during the same appointment. Severe cases usually take weeks or months depending on the diagnosis. Our dental team will review your oral health status and provide a timeline for your customized treatment process.
Multiple Teeth Implant Procedure
Implants can also serve as ideal substitutes for people with more than one missing tooth. There are several techniques to restore missing teeth depending on your diagnosis. It may involve using several titanium posts on the tooth gaps before attaching crowns on each post.
Bridgework may not be viable since they require healthy surrounding teeth for support. Multiple implants are, therefore, a more suitable option when you have adjacent missing teeth.
Can Implants Replace a Full Arch of Teeth?
Another approach to multiple tooth implants is to use implant-supported bridges. They are the most viable option when you have a full mouth of missing teeth. Implant-supported bridges provide adequate support and offer a comfortable fit to fix your bite and restore your speech. The placement of implant-supported bridges involves inserting four to six posts into the jawbone.
Our dentist will choose an area of your jawbone with sufficient bone volume to support the device. The final phase of the process involves placing a bridge-like prosthetic on the implant to complete the tooth structure.
Implant-supported bridges eliminate the need to replace all the gaps with individual metal posts. Using too many posts is not only costly but makes the process more invasive and requires a longer amount of time to heal.
Benefits of Multiple Teeth Dental Implants Over Alternatives
Alternatives like bridges and dentures do not secure the prosthetic into the jawbone. The device tends to rub against the jawbone, which worsens bone deterioration. Most patients complain of gum irritation due to their poor fit.
Dental implants are also a viable long-term option for missing teeth since they require minimal maintenance. You can use dental implants for a lifetime by observing your regular dental routine. Brushing and flossing daily is sufficient to prevent gum inflammation, and complications common with other alternatives like dentures.
The materials replacing your teeth also feel natural due to their tight, but comfortable fit. After the healing period, most patients forget they have dental implants. You can expect dental implants to boost your confidence and smile, allowing you to socialize without worrying about the condition of your teeth.
Our dental specialists at Gwinnett Dental Implant & Periodontal Center will customize the treatment process to restore your bite function. Contact our team at (470) 222-8983 to schedule your oral health assessment for dental implants and to learn more.