Dental implants are an effective, long-lasting way to replace missing teeth and improve your smile. They are more appealing than traditional dental bridges or partial dentures as they allow you to eat and normally drink without restriction or discomfort. Dental implants come in many shapes and sizes to provide a natural look and feel. Each is designed for a specific purpose. So, a dentist at Advanced Dental Care of Riverdale will choose the right implant for your situation.
Some of the most common types include:
All-on-4
Allon-4 dental implants are composed of four separate components that fit together like puzzle pieces around the missing tooth root (or dentin). All-on-4 allows for better aesthetics and durability than other dental implants because it allows for more precise positioning around each tooth without worrying about breakage or shifting during chewing or speaking activities.
Ball-and-socket
These implants use two parts: The ball and socket. The ball sits in the jawbone and is held with screws or anchors. The holes on the socket fit over the ball, allowing it to slide into the bone. It is often used when replacing upper teeth lost due to trauma or infection.
Ballistic implants
Ballistic implants are made from metal and plastic, replacing one or more missing teeth. They are used to replace missing teeth in patients with advanced bone loss and replace teeth with defects such as decay or periodontal disease.
Bilateral implant
This type of implant comprises titanium posts placed in the patient’s jawbone and attached to a crown on either side. The crowns have a natural-looking appearance with minimal risk of rejection. The posts are placed in the jawbone, and the implant is connected to them with a screw thread at the top and bottom of each post. The implant is ideal for patients with very little bone or tooth loss or if you want to avoid removing your natural teeth first.
Unilateral implant
The unilateral implant is similar to a bilateral implant except that only one side has a crown attached to it. That allows you to keep your natural teeth in place while you wait for your new implant teeth to heal before placing any permanent crowns on them.
Implants with posts (crowns)
These implants have a post-shaped base that goes into the jawbone. They are used for missing teeth on one side of the mouth only (one-sided). If you miss multiple teeth on both sides of your mouth, two-unit crowns (two posts on each side) may be an ideal option.
Implants with screws
This type of implant offers a strong foundation for your new smile since they are attached to the bone using screws. The screws can be removed after one year and replaced with a screw that is smaller or longer, depending on what you need for your new smile. You may not need additional support for your new teeth if you have healthy gum tissue.
Several factors determine whether or not you will be a good candidate for dental implants. Contact Advanced Dental Care of Riverdale to talk to a dentist so they can decide if a dental implant is a suitable treatment option for you.