Many adults seek dental implants to restore their smiles, and it’s more common than you might think. Whether due to oral disease, injury, or other factors, dental implants Reno patients trust can provide a long-term solution for missing teeth. Gaps in your smile can make daily activities like chewing and speaking more difficult while also affecting your confidence. At Reno Dental Associates, we help patients explore their options for dental implants, ensuring they receive the best tooth replacement solution for their needs. Understanding the benefits and process of dental implant procedures can help you make the right decision for your oral health.
What are Dental Implants?
For the majority of individuals, dental implants are the most common way to remedy and replace a missing tooth. A dental professional will use the dental implant, a tooth made of artificial material, and implanted into the jaw. The process involves surgically inserting a small metal rod in the bone beneath the individual’s gums, whether it is for a single tooth or for multiple missing teeth. To give a natural appearance of a smooth tooth, a dental replacement (a crown), is attached to the metal rod in the jaw. For a long-lasting replacement, dental implants are a great way to go due to their titanium structure.
Single Tooth Replacement
An accident leading to direct injury of the mouth is the most common reason for losing a single tooth. In a single tooth replacement, a dental implant can use a built-in connector. This connector will attach the implant to the new tooth. The dental implant is placed first so it can merge with the jawbones. This step has to happen in order to create a strong foundation for the replacement tooth. The connector, known as an abutment, is placed after the implant. Finally, a custom made crown is placed on top of the connector. For most patients, recovery time is short.
Several Implant Options Available
A single tooth replacement has a few options you can choose from. The first is a same-day implant, also known as an immediate load dental implant. The second procedure can be done over the course of a few visits. With the first option, a temporary crown is set at the same time the implant is placed. A permanent replacement is set three to six months down the road. This allows for the restoration of function and appearance while the dental implant fuses with the jaw bone. In the more traditional method, the placement of the dental implant is done first. The permanent crown is then placed in the following appointment.
Multiple Tooth Replacement
Similar to the single tooth replacement, multiple teeth replacements resembles its procedure. However, multiple visits are necessary for multiple dental implants to occur. The patient also has to decide whether they would like individual crowns or a fixed bridge. Individual crowns may be used for each tooth replacement like a single tooth replacement. However, some patients may need or prefer a fixed bridge of multiple crowns supported by the implant as one structure. In either case, the dental implant must fuse with the jawbones in order to create the most natural look.
Mini dental implants, known as MDIs, may also be used for multiple teeth replacements. MDIs are slightly smaller than conventional implants and are inserted for a less invasive procedure than standard size implants.
Full Replacement
Full replacements are less common than other replacements, but the same procedures apply. As the dental implant fuses with the jaw bone, temporary crowns are commonly placed. The permanent replacements would be set during the following appointment. Although single crowns can be placed, it isn’t as common as a full fixed bridge or implant-supported over-denture.
All-on-four
However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental implants due to potential jawbone deterioration. In some cases, bone augmentation may be necessary to provide adequate support. If bone augmentation is not an option, conventional tooth replacement methods may be recommended instead.
To learn more about dental implants Reno patients trust, contact Reno Dental Associates.