One or several missing teeth can be remedied by a number of different solutions. Your Bridgeport / Trumbull Line dentist may suggest dentures or a dental bridge, both of which will solve the issue of missing teeth and help restore your confidence. Another solution your dentist may offer is full mouth dental implants.
Dental implants provide distinct advantages over other treatments to restore missing teeth. Understanding how full mouth dental implants work and recognizing their benefits can help you make the best decision for your oral health and get your smile back to a healthy state.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants involve a process of surgically placing titanium posts into your jaw bone. The posts will begin to fuse with your bone to create a stable foundation for the next step. Once the posts have been implanted and had adequate time to heal, an abutment piece is added that connects the artificial tooth to the post. If anything should happen to the artificial tooth, the abutment allows your Shelton dentist to make the repair without disturbing the titanium root.
Implants can be used to restore a single missing tooth or total tooth loss on the upper or lower jaw. While dental implants are a greater financial investment than dentures or a dental bridge, they’re designed to last a lifetime and feel more like your natural teeth compared to other dental solutions.
Each dental implant case is different. In the majority of implants, a healing period of 3 to 6 months is needed after the titanium posts are inserted before the artificial tooth can be loaded on top. If the jaw bone is thin or weak, a bone graft may be needed before the implant process can begin. If the jaw bone isn’t strong enough to host the titanium root, the implants will not be successful.
Benefits Of Dental Implants
1. Comfortable
The stability of dental implants makes them the more comfortable option to replace missing teeth. Dentures are prone to sliding or even falling out unexpectedly, but implants are designed to stay in place permanently. Metal clasps are often used to keep partial dentures and dental crowns in place, but implants are strong enough to not need the added support of a metal framework. For a solution you can be comfortable with your entire life, opt for full mouth dental implants to restore missing teeth.
2. Permanent Solution
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. While dentures are designed to be long-lasting, they require daily manual upkeep and regular maintenance to ensure they continue to fit and work properly. Full mouth dental implants are secured directly into the jaw bone by your periodontist, or implant dentist, ensuring the fit is secure and natural-looking. Crowns are created to your personal tooth color and loaded on the post to mimic your real teeth. The design of implants places the pressure of chewing on the jaw – as with a natural root and tooth – rather than the gums, as dentures do. Adhesive isn’t needed for dental implants and you’ll never have to worry about taking them out for routine cleaning.
3. Simpler Cleaning
Caring for dental implants is as easy as brushing and flossing just as you would with your natural teeth. You never have to worry about removing the artificial teeth to scrub or soak. Because implants are designed as a permanent solution, it’s very unlikely that you’ll need repairs or other maintenance in the future. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and scheduling your routine dental exams and cleanings should be the only dental care you need.
4. Stronger Bones
Full mouth dental implants have the ability to better preserve your bone compared to dentures or bridges, according to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). The posts of dental implants are integrated into your jaw bone, preserving the integrity of the bone health. By comparison, dentures can cause the jaw bone to deteriorate, resulting in recessed jaw bone or collapsed mouth. To maintain the look and health of your smile, dental implants are the better option.
Cost Of Full Mouth Dental Implants
The price of dental implants is more than other teeth restoration options. Before you opt for the Bridgeport dentist with the cheapest price, ensure that the dentist performing the surgery is well trained in implant placement. These specialists typically practice oral surgery or periodontology, but may be highly trained general dentists.
Once you’ve chosen your implant dentist, she or he will complete a few tests to ensure you’re a good candidate for full mouth dental implants. Diagnostic tests will be performed to evaluate the condition of your jaw bone and extent of your tooth loss. Tests regularly performed include:
- CT scan or computer tomography and full mouth x-rays
- Extractions of deteriorating teeth
- Bone grafts or sinus lifts (as needed)
- Temporary teeth replacements or prosthetics
Each patient’s dental history and condition is unique, which means each cost of dental implant procedures is customized to the patient’s needs. On average, a single implant costs between $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the surgical procedures needed. The best way to determine your investment is to schedule a consultation with the periodontist to discover the extent of services you will need to restore your healthy smile.
Dental implants are the most comfortable, reliable replacement for missing teeth. If full mouth dental implants aren’t ideal for you, speak with your dentist about using implants as anchors for full or partial dentures to help them better stay in place. Thanks to the natural feel and look, dental implants are becoming one of the most requested procedures to regain confidence and a healthy smile.
Relax knowing that your dental implants function just like your own teeth. You’ll never have to worry about cleaning solutions or removing them each night. Speak with your Bridgeport / Trumbull Line periodontist about your current oral health and if full mouth dental implants are ideal for you. The extra investment you make for dental implants will leave you with a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.