Losing a tooth can influence far more than how your smile looks. When you have missing teeth, problems with the way you bite or chew, how clearly you speak, and the way your bite fits may also arise. Your dental implant options offer some of the most effective ways to replace a missing tooth and preserve the strength of your smile. We believe in treating every patient as an individual. So when we discuss dental implants with our patients, we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach.
Whether you need to replace one tooth or you need several replaced, knowing more about the types of dental implants can help guide your decision. If you are learning about dental implants in High Point, NC, below are some of the types of dental implant treatments we use and some of the ways they are utilized.
Single-Tooth Dental Implants
Replacing a single tooth with a dental implant often gives the best overall results. Rather than relying on neighboring teeth to anchor a dental crown or bridge, a single tooth implant can support the crown on its own and act as an independent tooth.
A dental implant is a screw-shaped post usually made of titanium or zirconia that replaces the root of a missing tooth. During treatment, the implant is placed into the jawbone. After the implant has integrated with the bone, a custom crown can be fitted over the implant post.
Single tooth implant options often benefit patients by:
- Keeping healthy adjacent teeth from needing to be altered.
- Helping support the bone that normally fills the jaw following a lost tooth.
- Providing a tooth replacement that works well when chewing or speaking.
- Replacing a tooth in a way that looks and feels just like the rest of your natural teeth.
Single tooth implants can often be an effective treatment for restoring a single tooth that is lost.
Implant-Supported Bridges
When a patient loses multiple teeth at once, an implant-supported bridge can often be a good option. Unlike a traditional dental bridge, the artificial teeth are anchored by dental implants. In these cases, several missing teeth can be replaced without the need for a separate implant under each new tooth. This is because two or more dental implants may support multiple prosthetics.
Implant-supported bridges often work well because they can:
- Replace multiple missing teeth without needing an individual implant.
- Keep healthy teeth in place that otherwise would shift to close the space.
- Spread the bite force over a greater area.
- Provide a stable solution for teeth.
This type of treatment is often recommended to patients who have lost multiple teeth. It can be a great option for filling spaces left behind by tooth loss while supporting the jawbone.
Full-Arch Fixed Implant Solutions
When you have lost most, if not all, of your teeth, full arch dental implants may be an option to help you smile and chew again with confidence. For these treatments, a number of dental implants are used to support an entire set of replacement teeth. This option differs from traditional dentures, which are typically removable and rest upon the gum tissue. Full arch implants are a set of teeth that are fixed securely in place and do not have to be removed.
The treatment often works well because of the benefits, such as:
- A more secure bite that can be used to eat and chew effectively.
- No shifting or moving when speaking and chewing.
- Improved comfort versus typical dentures.
- Enhanced cosmetic result.
Full-arch dental implants can improve the look and performance of your smile and can also slow down bone loss typically associated with tooth loss. This treatment has the ability to truly change a person’s life for the better.
Mini Implants & When They Are Used
Mini dental implants are smaller-diameter implants than traditional implants and are used in select cases. There are times when they are not the best option for patients, but they can be helpful in certain cases when there isn’t enough room, or you need a bit more support to secure a removable prosthesis.
They are often utilized to:
- Help stabilize loose-fitting dentures.
- Support dental restorations where bone volume has decreased.
- Offer treatment in situations when it’s hard to place traditional implants.
Because mini dental implants take up less room within the jawbone, in some cases, they can help to eliminate the need for extensive pre-procedure work. However, it really depends on your bite, your goals, and your overall health. We can evaluate you at Jonathan Hunt DDS to decide which option is right for you: mini dental implants or traditional dental implants.
Titanium Vs. Zirconia Implant Materials
Part of the implant treatment involves a choice of implant materials. There are 2 main types of dental implants: titanium and zirconia. Titanium implants have been used for decades with successful results and remain the most commonly used dental implant in the world.
Benefits of titanium implants include:
- Years of research on long-term performance.
- Extremely durable and strong.
- Proven, reliable track record.
Zirconia implants have a metal-free construction and are made of a very strong ceramic. People sometimes request zirconia implants because they want a metal-free prosthesis, or they have other reasons.
Benefits of zirconia implants include:
- Similar to natural tooth color.
- No metal.
- Natural biocompatibility.
The best choice depends on your case and your preferences. You can talk to Dr. Hunt about what options are best for you.
Advanced Implant Solutions At Jonathan Hunt DDS
Dental implants offer an excellent solution to replace missing teeth, restoring a functional smile and helping patients feel great again for years. If you need a single dental implant, a dental implant bridge, or full-arch treatment with dental implants, understanding your treatment options will help you begin the path to an enhanced smile.
At Jonathan Hunt DDS, we offer a highly personalized approach to dental implants by considering your oral health, bone, and your personal needs before recommending treatment. We offer dental implant solutions that fit our patients throughout High Point, NC, and are committed to the long-term oral health of each patient we serve. We’re here to help you determine if dental implants are a treatment choice that’s right for you.