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Types of Dental Implant Restorations

Tooth loss is extremely common. It’s estimated that 69% of adults 35 to 44 have lost at least one adult tooth, and by age 74, about a quarter of Americans lose all of their adult teeth. While there are several treatment options for missing teeth, dental implant restorations are the most popular. That’s because dental implants are designed to be permanent, look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, and have a high success rate (up to 95%) compared to other tooth replacement options.   

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root securely anchored into the jawbone and replaces the root of a missing natural tooth. Unlike other restorations, dental implants replace the entire tooth structure from the root to the crown, the visible portion of the tooth. They are made from a strong, biocompatible titanium material surgically implanted into your jawbone to provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth like dental crowns, dentures, or bridges.   

What are the Different Types of Implants?  

There are several types of dental implants, each with unique advantages.    

  • Implant-Supported Crowns: Single-tooth implants restore one missing, damaged, or decayed tooth using a dental crown attached to a titanium post. Implant crowns are the most permanent and stable option for replacing a single tooth. 
  • Implant-Supported Dentures: This is where the upper or lower teeth are replaced with just four implants. Four or more implants are placed at an angle and act as a support mechanism for a new set of fixed teeth. Unlike other implant types, the All-On-4 technique doesn’t require the same density of bone to secure the implant.  
  • Implant-supported bridges: An implant-supported bridge is similar to a regular bridge, but dental implants on either end support it instead of natural teeth. Generally, an implant-supported bridge will consist of one or more ‘pontic’ crowns in the middle, surrounded by ‘retainer crowns’ attached to dental implants. The result is a great-looking smile and permanent, stable replacement teeth that function the same way as your natural teeth.  They also don’t require modifications to the healthy surrounding teeth for support like traditional bridges.

When Do You Need a Dental Implant Restoration?  

You may need implant-supported restorations if you’ve lost one or several teeth due to decay, trauma, or gum disease and want a long-term and reliable solution to restore your smile. In total, a dental implant procedure typically takes 3-9 months.  Most of that time is the healing process after the initial dental implant placement, during which the implant fuses with your jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. While your implant heals, you’ll have a temporary restoration, so there won’t be a visible gap in your smile. After the implants have fully healed, the final restoration is attached with a metal connector to the implant.  

Schedule Your Dental Implant Appointment Today!  

If you are self-conscious because you have missing teeth, wear uncomfortable dentures, or don’t want good tooth structure removed to make a bridge, dental implant restorations from Believe Dental Care are an excellent option. Whether you have a single missing tooth, a section of missing teeth, or an entire row, dental implant surgery is a highly effective and long-term tooth replacement option that allows you to speak, eat, and smile confidently. If you’re not sure if you’d be a good candidate for tooth restoration using dental implants, contact us today to schedule an implant consultation in Swanton, OH!