How Are Implants Different from Other Teeth Replacements?
One of the most advantageous aspects of dental implants is that they don’t make modern dental prosthetics obsolete. On the contrary, they merely improve modern teeth replacements by providing a more stable foundation. Conventional dental prostheses, such as dental bridges and dentures, are typically anchored in place using dental adhesives or by bonding supportive dental crowns to the teeth adjacent to the gap. Dental implants, however, are surgically inserted into the jawbone, allowing the jawbone to grasp the implant securely by fusing to its surface. After the surgical site heals, usually in 4-6 months, the appropriate dental restoration will be attached to the dental implants, completing the final phase of dental implant placement.
What are Mini Dental Implants?
After experiencing tooth loss, a patient's jawbone will no longer receive proper stimulation and begin to atrophy, or shrink. Over time, this bone loss can become so significant that a patient will not qualify for traditional implants. Mini dental implants were developed as an effective restorative solution. Mini implants utilize smaller posts than traditional types, so they are are more appropriate for patients with limited jawbone density. We can review your candidacy for mini implants during a personal consultation.
What Are Immediate-placement Dental Implants?
In some cases, patients may qualify for immediate placement of dental implants (also called immediate loading). The dental crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implants at the same time as implant placement, significantly reducing the total amount of treatment time. Though faster and more convenient, immediate implant loading has significant limitations. After a thorough and comprehensive examination, we can determine if you’re an ideal candidate for immediate loading, or proceed with traditional, two-phase dental implant placement.
Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?
Patients who’ve lost one, several, or all of their teeth, but have retained an adequate amount of jawbone structure, are potential candidates for dental implants. Even if you already depend on a dental prosthetic, we can upgrade your replacement teeth with one or more dental implants for improved form and function. If your jawbone is too thin, low, or otherwise insufficient, we may recommend a prerequisite procedure, such as bone grafting, to improve your candidacy for traditional implants.
Learn More about Implant Dentistry
To schedule a dental implant consultation, contact Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery today. Our implant dentistry practice has three office locations, and we proudly serve patients from Montgomery, Prattville, Troy, and the surrounding communities.