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What Are My Dental Implant Restoration Options?
You have several dental implant restoration options to choose from — dental crowns, dental bridges, partial dentures, and complete dentures. Your choice of dental implant restorations will depend on the number of missing teeth, the locations of the missing teeth, your specific goals, and your oral health and anatomical considerations. Your dental implant dentist will carefully examine your teeth, discuss your options, and curate a personalized dental implant treatment plan based on the type of dental implant restoration.
Most people believe that dental implants replace missing teeth, but it’s more accurate to say that dental implants replace the root structures of the missing teeth. The tooth consists of numerous components, including the root (which lies under the gum surface) and the crown (which is the visible component). A dental implant replaces the root structure of the missing tooth, thus offering a firm and stable base for the visible crown, also known as dental implant restoration. After receiving a dental implant, you must also select the ideal dental implant restoration. Below, we provide an overview of your dental implant restoration options, including dental crowns, bridges, and dentures.
#1. Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap attached to the implant. The dental implant specialist attaches the crown to the implant, thus replacing the missing tooth. Dental crowns can only replace your missing teeth at a 1:1 ratio, i.e., you need one dental crown per dental implant. If you’re missing one tooth, you’ll need one implant and a crown, and if you’re missing 6 teeth, you’ll need 6 implant-supported crowns. Dental crowns are the ideal tooth replacement option for patients missing one or two individual teeth in different parts of the mouth, but they’re not ideal for a full-mouth restoration.
#2. Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a series of fake teeth supported by dental crowns or implants on either side. If you’re missing two or three teeth in a row, a dental bridge might be the ideal dental implant restoration instead of getting dental implants and crowns for all the individual spots. If you’re missing three teeth in a row, the dental implant dentist can attach implants to the first and last empty spots. The dental bridge is designed with three fake teeth; the crowns on both sides are attached to the implants. You can replace three missing teeth using two implants.
#3. Dentures (All-on-4 Implants)
If you’re missing all the teeth on the upper or lower arch, it will take at least 10 implants to replace them using dental crowns. Dental bridges have limits; each can only replace a series of three or four teeth. However, using as little as four implants, you can replace a complete arch of missing teeth with dentures. In recent years, the All-on-4 Implants technique has become one of the most effective full-mouth restoration options. The dental implant specialist places four implants strategically on the mouth to support a complete denture and replace all your missing teeth.
Dental Implant Restoration FAQs
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants work by replacing the root structures of the missing teeth. The natural human tooth is grounded and held in place by a root penetrating deep within the jawbone. Most teeth replacement options focus on the visual component, i.e., the crown that rises above the gum surface. But the dental implant technique focuses on the underlying root structure because the only stable means of replacing a missing tooth is to replace its roots.
The titanium screw is drilled into the jawbone underneath the missing tooth’s socket. Over time, the jawbone tissues heal around the implant surface via a process known as osseointegration, making the titanium screw an integrated part of the dental anatomy. After the healing process, a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached to the dental implant, providing a beautiful and natural replacement for the missing tooth.
What happens while getting a dental implant?
During the dental implant procedure, the dental implant specialist administers local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The dental implant dentist screws the titanium implant into the jawbone underneath the empty socket. Once the implant is screwed, the dentist places the connective component’s abutment. After placing the implant abutment, the dental implant specialist attaches the restoration to the implant, i.e., the crown, bridge, or denture.
Can I get a full mouth of dental implants?
Yes. You can get a full-mouth dental implant treatment, but you don’t need dental implants for all missing teeth. Thanks to the All-on-4 implants, you can replace an entire arch of missing teeth using as little as four titanium implants.
Are dental implants as good as the natural tooth?
Yes, a dental implant is just as good as a natural tooth. Dental implants restore natural teeth’ natural form, function, and appearance, making them indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Schedule An Appointment For Dental Implant Restoration In Uptown Houston, TX
URBN Dental is a state-of-the-art dental implant center led by Dr. Jiman Nelson, one of Houston’s leading dental implant specialists. We specialize in the latest dental implant techniques, including the All-on-4 implants, allowing you to replace all your missing teeth. Furthermore, we provide highly personalized treatment plans that address your unique goals and ensure lifelong results. Our dental implant center has two offices, one in Uptown Houston and the other in Midtown, Houston. You may schedule an appointment to explore your dental implant restoration options in Houston.