If you are missing one or more teeth, you might be considering dental implants. After all, many people consider dental implants to be the best solution to missing teeth – they are sturdy, natural-looking, and easy to care for.
But what type of dental implant is best for you? The answer may surprise you.
If you are missing one or more teeth, you are not alone. About 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and approximately 36 million are missing all their teeth. About 90 percent of those who are missing all of their teeth wear dentures, but a growing number of people are choosing dental implants because advancements in dental technology have made dental implants more comfortable, natural-looking, and affordable. Thanks to these advancements, dentists can now offer several types of dental implants.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a permanent replacement for a missing tooth. It has two main parts: a metal post surgically placed in your jaw and a crown, which is the part of your tooth visible above your gum line. Some dental implants have a third part, known as an abutment, which connects the implant to the crown.
Placing a dental implant requires several visits to your dentist. During a consultation, our dentist can help you determine if dental implants are right for you. At the next appointment, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic before placing the dental implant. In a process known as osseointegration, the metal post will become a permanent part of your jawbone. After osseointegration is complete, which takes several weeks to a few months, you will return to the dentist’s office for placement of the crowns.
Dental implants provide a number of benefits over dentures or dental bridges. Unlike dentures, dental implants never slip and slide around in your mouth – or fall out completely – when you talk, eat, laugh or sing. Dental implants also look natural, so nobody will know you have replaced a missing tooth.
Types of Dental Implants in Cary, NC
The earliest versions of dental implants were fairly straightforward: each metal post held one crown. If you were missing four teeth, you would need four dental implants. Early dental implants were also expensive.
Today’s dental implants are much more versatile, though. In fact, there are several types of dental implants. The type you choose depends largely on the number of teeth missing, and your personal preferences.
Single tooth dental implant
As its name suggests, a single tooth dental implant replaces just one missing tooth. It may be right for you if you have just one missing tooth, and you are not likely to lose another tooth for a long time.
All-On-4
If you are missing all the teeth on your upper or lower jaw, All on 4 (all on four or All-on-4) dentures may be right for you. With All on 4 dental implants, just four dental implants support all the replacement teeth on your upper or lower arch.
All-on-4 dental implants provide a number of benefits over the single tooth dental implants. Having just four implants requires less surgery than having an implant for each tooth, for example, which means it is less expensive and an easier recovery. All-on-4 dental implants also provide a more consistent appearance, which makes your smile more appealing.
Like single tooth dental implants, All-on-4 dental implants sit permanently in your mouth. You cannot remove them, but our dentist can. Because they are permanent, all-on-4 dental implants never slip and slide around in your mouth like dentures do – and this means you can smile, talk, laugh and eat without fear of embarrassment.
Taking care of your all-on-4 dental implants is incredibly easy! Simply brush and floss as usual to remove food particles and brighten your smile.
Overdenture
Also known as implant-supported dentures or snap-on dentures, overdentures snap onto dental implants. Overdentures for your upper jaw look similar to conventional dentures, except that overdentures do not cover the palate. Overdentures are different from all-on-4 in that you can remove overdentures any time you want.
Caring for overdentures is a snap – simply remove them to brush or soak, as you would conventional dentures.
An overdenture may be the right type of dental implant for you if you are missing all the teeth on your upper or lower jaw, but need a more affordable solution than an all-on-4 can offer.
Where can I find dental implants near me?
Preston Dental Loft offers dental implants in Cary, NC. Our dentist, Dr. Patel, embraces the latest trends in dental technology.
For more information on the types of dental implants, consult with Preston Dental Loft. Our dentist in Cary, NC, can help you determine which type of dental implant is right for you. We offer several types of affordable dental implants to fit almost every need. Make an appointment by calling (919) 467-6111 or by sending us a message.
