For patients who have lost one or multiple teeth, a dental implant dentist may recommend implants. The procedure involves the surgical placement of a titanium metal post into the jaw to serve as the base for a new tooth replacement. Once the implant or implants are in place, there are a number of options a dental implant dentist can provide for patients seeking replacements for missing teeth.
Typically, any patient missing one or more teeth is a potential candidate for dental implants. However, a patient must be in good health, because certain diseases and ailments can affect a person’s eligibility for dental implants. For instance, untreated diabetes, smoking, cancer, alcoholism, or untreated gum disease can affect how the implant post fuses with the jawbone.
It is crucial to inform the dental implant dentist of any existing or past medical condition and current medications, whether over-the-counter, prescribed, or alternative. Once a patient is approved for the process and receives implants, the following are options the dentist may offer to restore a lost tooth:
After placing the implant, the dentist will attach an abutment to the implant immediately or after osseointegration (a healing period during which the implant fuses with the jawbone). The abutment is the part that connects the implant to the dental restoration, the dental crown, which takes the form of a tooth.
The dental crown is custom-made in the dental laboratory to match the patient's existing teeth. The dentist can screw or cement the dental crown to the abutment to keep it securely in place. After being placed, the crown should blend right in with the remaining teeth.
As with single tooth replacement, the dentist will place abutment or temporary healing cover on the multiple implants until the bone heals completely. After healing, a permanent abutment is attached to the implants, upon which custom-made crowns or dental bridge will be mounted. A bridge is a set of prosthetic dental crowns designed to replace multiple teeth without harming any natural teeth still present in the mouth.
If all the teeth on the lower dental arch are missing, two to six implants may be placed to support a permanent or removable dental restoration, also known as a denture. If all the upper row teeth are gone, at least four implants may be required to support the upper denture. These dentures are used to replace complete teeth loss and stop bone mass and gum tissue loss. This can consequently support the lip, cheek, and facial skeleton.
The new denture can use different attachment mechanisms to snap or clip to the implants. The dentist may have a customized bar fabricated to provide extra support and strength for the dental restoration. The specific design is based on the patient’s bone density and the number of implants used.
A dental implant dentist can provide a reliable and long-lasting solution for different types of teeth loss. To know more about the options available for you, book an appointment for a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://balharbourdentist.com or call Bal Harbour Smiles at (305) 440-4229 for an appointment in our Surfside office.
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