Dental Implant Options for Teeth Restorations

Whether you lost a tooth in an accident or have lost many teeth with age, dental implants are the ideal solution for restoring your smile. Dental implants are surgically placed into your jawbone and support a variety of dental restorations. With implants, you have many benefits over traditional dentures or dental bridges for tooth replacements.

Dental implants use a titanium post that looks similar to a screw that is placed into the jawbone—the post fuses to the bone during the healing process, creating a secure support for dental restorations. Dental implants provide a strong base for chewing and stimulate bone growth in the jaw to maintain your facial structure. Depending on whether you need a single tooth or multiple teeth replaced, you can choose a crown, bridge, or denture for your dental implant restoration.

Dental Implants with Crowns

For single-tooth replacement, dental implants are inserted, and the abutment on the top of the post is attached to a dental crown. This is the perfect solution for replacing individual teeth. The implant works like a tooth root, securing and supporting the dental crown. Single tooth replacements look and function like natural teeth, and they are designed to last a lifetime.

Dental Implants with Bridges

Dental bridges are traditionally attached to adjacent teeth for support. While this can close the gaps in your smile created by missing teeth, dental bridges have many downsides. The teeth supporting the prostheses are diminished to add dental crowns, which is not ideal. A dental bridge supported by implants is a better option for replacing two or more missing teeth in a row. Instead of attaching the bridge to other teeth, the bridge is supported by two implants placed at each end of the bridge. This provides better support for the prostheses and improves the strength for chewing and overall function.

Dental Implants with Dentures

If you have lost most of your teeth on your upper or lower arches, dental implant-supported or secured dentures are a fantastic solution. Unlike traditional dentures that can slip, rub, or fall out, dental implant-secured dentures are held in place. There are various options to combine dentures with dental implants. Some can be “snapped” in place with attachments on the dentures that connect to abutment hardware on the implants. Other dental implant-supported dentures are permanently attached to implants – the dentures stay in place 24/7, just like natural teeth. The number of dental implants needed for secured dentures depends on the type used, usually between 2-8 implants per arch.

Quality Dental Implants in Richardson, TX

A functional, complete smile is vital for your health, appearance and confidence. If you have missing teeth, dental implants are a worthwhile investment to restore your smile. To learn more about the various tooth replacement options available with dental implants, come see us at Dentistry by Design. Call our dental center in Richardson, TX, to schedule your dental implant consultation with Dr. Tiner.

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