When forced to deal with the reality of replacing missing teeth, many patients choose dental implants due to the countless benefits they offer over traditional teeth replacement options. The evolution of implants has been so extensive that almost any patient can have their tooth replaced with a dental implant-anchored restoration(s), regardless of their situation.
The dentists at Claremont Dental Institute have advanced training in teeth implants and dental prosthetics. We use the most cutting-edge tools, software, techniques, and materials. The education and skill-sets our dentists possess allow them to perform every phase of the implant process in the comfort of our Claremont, CA dentist office.
Types of Implant-anchored Dental Restorations
When you think of dental implants, you are probably picturing a tooth that’s been replaced by a metal post. But there are actually several different types of implant-supported restorations. Claremont Dental Institute can provide three types of implant-supported dental restorations: single crowns, fixed bridges and permanent dentures.
Single Crowns: Dental Implant for a Single Missing Tooth
The most common type of implant-supported prosthetic is the single-tooth implant, which can support a dental crown or dental bridge. The dentist makes these implants specifically for individual teeth, but he may also use them in full mouth restorations.
Our dentists will place a single dental implant when a patient is missing a single tooth. We can also replace several isolated missing teeth at each void. To cap the implant, we will use a dental crown as the replacement tooth. The process is simple. Dr. Steve Fountain will attach a small abutment to the implant post. Then, connect the crown to the abutment.
We use high-quality dental porcelain for the crown. It will look just like a natural tooth and blend in naturally with your surrounding teeth. To learn more about the single-tooth implant, see Single Dental Implant.
Fixed Bridges: Replace Several Consecutive Missing Teeth
When a patient is missing several consecutive teeth, we will typically use an implant-anchored dental bridge. This type of dental prosthetic does not require preparing healthy teeth and using them as anchors. Instead, we will place the bridge on at least two dental implants that our periodontist surgically places in your jawbone.
A fixed bridge replaces missing teeth by connecting two dental crowns to form a row of replacement teeth. On each end of the bridge are the dental crowns. It consists of three parts: the anchor posts (the dental implants that the dentist places on either side of the gap), the pontic (the replacements for the missing teeth), and the abutments (tooth-like structures that support the crowns). Your new implant-supported bridge will look and feel like natural teeth. You can eat and drink normally with these restorations; in fact, because they’re so comfortable, you might forget you have them!
Permanent Dentures: Missing a Full Arch of Teeth
When a patient is missing a full arch, they can choose to get an implant-supported denture, or All-on-4 dental implants. In general, this will require anywhere from four to eight dental implants (sometimes more or less) and extensive oral surgery.
The All-On-4 treatment concept was developed by a dentist in England and is specifically for patients that have advanced tooth loss. The procedure replaces all of the teeth in one arch with as few implants as possible, while maintaining a patient’s natural bite. Additionally, this treatment also simplifies the overall procedure because we only need to place four dental implants the majority of time.
The exact number of implants we will use will depend on the location we determine is best for them (in the upper or lower jaw). Your dentist will ultimately decide the position. At your consultation, your dentist will review the number and types of implants you will need for your particular case.
After your mouth heals from implant placement surgery, we will secure the denture to the implants. Our team will make sure it doesn’t rub or irritate your gums like traditional dentures typically do. Finally, you will have a smile you will be proud to show off!
The All-on-4 dental implant system allows the dentist to place the implants and secure the denture in just a few visits to our Claremont, CA dental office. This type of dental prosthetic can restore an entire set of teeth using just four implants.
What Will Work for You?
The amount of time analyzing your mouth, jawbone, and health is extensive and very important in determining the number of dental implants and the type of restoration(s) you will need. The type of implant and restoration you will need hinges on so many factors, especially for the more difficult cases.
The basic factors include the number of missing teeth and where they are located in your mouth. It is important to consider the location of the gaps in relation to the other missing teeth. Also, the shape and mass of your jawbone are very important.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Fountain and visit his Claremont, CA dental office to learn about your options. He will be able to get a better idea of the condition of your teeth, mouth, and jaw, which will help determine what will work best for you.
To learn more about dental implants, see: