Dental implants are a highly effective solution for lost teeth. Crowns mimic natural teeth in their form and function and titanium posts bond with and stimulate your jaw bone, allowing the 
What You Need to Know
When your permanent tooth/teeth are badly damaged, lost, or extracted for whatever reason, they cannot grow back. The space left by the missing teeth can be damaging in many ways, from reduced oral functionality to a crooked facial appearance, and possible major dental problems. However, it is possible to avoid all of these problems (or fix them) by replacing your missing teeth. At Periodontal Associates, we offer Dental implants , a tooth replacement solution that restores full oral functionality and appearance. If you are considering replacing your missing teeth, read on to find out all you need to know about dental implant placement.
Dental Implant Options
Dental implants are a great solution for missing teeth, whether you have lost a single tooth, several teeth, or all of them. The procedure involves the use of implants (metal posts) that support either a prosthetic crown or a set of crowns on a dental bridge. Depending on your situation and preference, there are several dental implant options you can choose from. These include:
| • | Single tooth implant. This involves the use of a single implant to replace one missing tooth. The implant metal frame is inserted into the jawbone, and then a dental crown is fitted to the implant to complete the process. |
| • | Multiple tooth implant. Just like a single tooth implant, only involving several missing teeth. Therefore, several implants are inserted into the jawbone, and each of them connected to a dental crown. |
| • | All-on-4® dental implant. This is an ideal solution for several, or all missing teeth on either one or both of the jawbones. It involves the use of 4 dental implants on a jawbone, which is strategically located on the arch of the jaw - two at the front, at two one each at the corners. The implants are then connected to a dental bridge. |
| • | Implant supported dentures. Also used for several, or all, missing teeth on each or both of the jawbones. It is similar to the All-on-4 implants, with the only difference being that it does not limit the number of dental implants to be used or their location. Therefore, more than four implants on a jawbone can be used. |
Preparation for the Implant Placement
Before the dental implants can be placed, one or more consultations might be needed. These consultations allow the monitoring of your dental health (and even general health) to ensure that you are a perfect candidate for the implant procedure. In case there are any problems, such as insufficient jawbone and gum tissue, other restorative procedures such as bone grafting, ridge augmentation, jawbone restructuring, and others can be offered.
Before the implant placement (a surgical procedure) dental x-rays, cone beam scans, and other imaging technologies might be used to help with the planning.
The Surgical Process
Once everything is set, you can proceed to have your implants placed. The surgical procedure is carried out in a single visit, and while you are under anesthesia. Once you are sedated, the gum tissue will be opened up to expose the jawbone and allow the drilling of holes. The implants will then be placed (the number depending on how many teeth to be replaced and the treatment option) and the surgical site closed up.
With the implants placed, the bone surrounding them will start to heal and grow, forming a strong bond. This will help to provide strong support to the dental crowns or the dental bridges.
Do you have a missing tooth? We, at Periodontal Associates, offer the best dental implant solutions for all missing teeth problems. Call today at with any questions you might have about the dental implant placement procedure.
For more information, check out our Dental Implant FAQ!
