We all want to keep our natural teeth in our mouth for the entirety of our lives. Unfortunately, that is not always possible for one reason or another. Losing teeth as an adult is the reality of life for some people.
Luckily, we live in a time where dental implants can help fill in the gaps. With the right implant, you can eat as comfortably as you always have, and no one will be able to notice you were ever missing any part of your smile in the first place. Here is some more information about dental implants:
The Components of an Implant
There are three main components of a dental implant. First is the implant post, which is essentially a screw that is inserted into your jawbone via surgery. It’s designed to look like a natural tooth root and is tapered in the same way a root would be. Next is the implant abutment, which can vary based on what type of implant system is being deployed. An abutment used to secure a crown or bridge, for example, will appear like small tooth that sticks out just above the gum line.
Last you have the implant prothesis, which generally comes in the form of a bridge, crown, or implant-supported denture. In the cases of crowns and bridges, these are permanently fixed in place and can only be removed by a dentist.
Common Types of Implants
There are several different types of dental implants and the type you receive will depend on your needs. For example, if you’re only missing one tooth, you will receive a single implant, which is exactly what it sounds like. An implant-supported bridge is placed directly in the jawbone rather than shaving down surrounding teeth for crowns, making it easier to replace multiple teeth at once. Another option is to have implant-supported dentures, which eliminates many of the issues of traditional dentures by having them inserted into your jawbone.
Meanwhile, the All-on-4 treatment concept is a more innovative technique. Here the upper and lower set of teeth can be replaced with an entire arch placed on four implants, which are strategically placed in the mouth to support a new set of teeth, which eliminates the need for bone grafts.
Here at the Center For Implant Dentistry in Bakersfield, CA, we specialize in the All-on-4 treatment concept. Our team of specialists will examine you and help you determine the best course of action. Call 661-663-9600 to schedule a FREE consultation and see if dental implants are right for you!