For people missing a tooth or multiple teeth, there are plenty of options for tooth replacement. While traditional bridges and dentures are very helpful and have a long track record of success and patient satisfaction, many people have considered implant dentistry as a solution to their problems. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically embedded into the jawbone and gum tissue and able to support various kinds of restorations for missing teeth.
Patients who visit our East Honolulu dental care center can find out if dental implants are right for them during a consultation. Right now, we'd like to focus on the potential implant restorations that are used to replace missing teeth.
Implant-Supported Crowns
If a person is just missing a single tooth, a dental implant can be placed in the gap to support a single dental crown. This dental crown will fit right over the implant and look much like the patient's natural tooth. Thanks to the craftsmanship of the crown and the sturdiness of the implant, the crown will be unlikely to slip or fall out when biting and chewing.
Implant-Supported Bridges
For people who are multiple teeth, a few dental crowns may not be the most optimal option. In these instances, the best implant restoration is a dental bridge. Meant to replace a few teeth in a row, a dental bridge can fill the space left behind along the dental arch. One or more dental implants will be required to hold the bridge in place. Once the bridge is on, it will be held sturdily and will be unlikely to budge.
Implant-Supported Dentures
When a person is missing most or all of their teeth, dentures are the best solution for their problem. A set of dentures supported by dental implants will restore the ability to bite, chew, speak, and smile normally. Sometimes these dentures can be held in place with just four dental implants, though more may be required to achieve optimal stability. This can be determined during the consultation process.
Custom-Crafted Restorations
Many patients ask how realistic these implant restorations look. They are fashioned in a lab, after all. While dental records, x-rays, and digital scans can help with restoration design, will they look natural when the dental work is completed?
The answer is that implant restorations look like natural teeth, so much so that most people don't realize a person has a restoration in place.
This is a testament to the dental labs and partners we have. We believe good dental work is based on quality, and we only wish to work with dental labs that have a track record of high-quality results.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
The best way to find out if dental implants are right for your needs is to stop by the practice for a consultation. We will be more than happy to answer your questions, address your concerns, and discuss the cost of treatment and possible financing options. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best decisions with regard to your dental health and wellness.
Learn More About Implant Dentistry
For more information about implant dentistry and how it can help you experience improved dental health and wellness, be sure to contact an experienced family dentist. We look forward to your visit and discussing these matters in greater detail.
