Dental implants are the most advanced and durable option for replacing missing teeth. They consist of a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a replacement for the tooth root. Once the implant fuses with the bone (a process called osseointegration), a custom-made crown is attached to restore both the appearance and function of the lost tooth. The process of osseointegration may vary, but for most patients, it occurs over 4-6 months.
Components of a Dental Implant:
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Implant – A titanium screw that fuses with the jawbone (osseointegration).
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Abutment – A connector placed on top of the implant that holds the crown.
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Crown – The visible, custom-made tooth replacement that sits on top of the abutment.
After the implant has healed, a digital scan is taken for the lab to fabricate the abutment and crown on the implant. The abutment serves as the base for your new tooth and the crown is placed over top. Your smile will look just like it used to, and after a short period of getting used to the implant it will feel just like one of your own teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants:
- Permanent and durable – Implants can last a lifetime with proper care
- Natural appearance – Designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth
- Improved function – Eat, speak, and smile with confidence
- Preserves jawbone – Implants stimulate the bone, preventing bone loss
- No impact on surrounding teeth – Unlike bridges, which require altering nearby teeth
Replace Multiple Teeth
When you have more than one tooth missing, implants provide an ideal replacement mechanism. You don't even need one implant for every missing tooth. Instead, implant teeth can act as supports for fixed bridgework. For example, if you are missing three teeth in a row, we can place two implants, one on either side of the gap, and a crown in between that has no implant underneath. That way, you won't need to use any of your remaining natural teeth as bridge supports, which could weaken them and make them more susceptible to decay.
Mini Implants
- Mini dental implants are about half the size in diameter of a regular dental implant. This offers many benefits, and they can also be used in situations where regular implants cannot. If an implant needs to be placed in a narrow space, mini implants are the preferred method because of their smaller size.
- A main use for mini implants is to install a full upper or lower denture. A series of mini implants (4-6) are placed along the gum line and they serve as the base of the denture. Rather than placing a single implant for a single tooth, an entire lower or upper set of teeth are directly attached to the gum line.
- The small size of mini implants often means that no incision needs to be made to place the implant. They can usually be inserted right through the gum into the bone, eliminating the need for a recovery period allowing the restoration to be placed only a short time after.
- Mini implants are also less expensive than regular implants.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Only patients who have generally good dental health can get dental implants. Viable bone tissue is needed to ensure that the implants will stay rooted. That’s why it’s important to be evaluated for implants as early as possible following the loss of tooth. In some cases, a bone grafting procedure can help improve a patient’s chances of having a dental implant integrate successfully.
If you need to replace one or more teeth, Dental Implants may be the solution for you! Call Fredericksburg Dental Associates
at (540) 373-0602 for more information or to book an appointment.
