Patients with missing teeth can find an effective and permanent tooth replacement solution with dental implants. These fixtures can enhance your smile’s appearance and improve oral functions after tooth loss.
Depending on your unique dental needs, there are a few implant options that can replace your missing teeth. The dental experts at Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Cary, NC describe three different types of dental implants that can help restore your smile.
Single Dental Implant
A single dental implant replaces one tooth that may have been lost due to impact trauma, oral infection, or other dental concerns. Some patients benefit from more than one single implant to treat missing teeth.
This implant consists of a titanium post that a dentist surgically places into the jaw. Once this heals, the dentist secures a prosthetic tooth or crown to an abutment attached to this post. This treatment fills gaps in a patient’s smile where teeth have fallen out to help a patient reach their smile aesthetic goals.
Dental Implant-Supported Bridge
A dental implant-supported bridge is an optimal treatment option for patients who are missing several teeth in a row. This fixture uses two titanium posts: one for each end of the bridge prosthetic.
As with the single implant, a dentist will secure the bridge to the two posts after they healed from oral surgery. This treatment helps patients restore oral capabilities, including eating and speaking, that may have deteriorated after tooth loss.
All-on-Four Dental Implant
The All-on-Four dental implant replaces an entire arch of teeth. Some patients receive this type of implant for both the top and bottom arches. As its name suggests, this implant uses four titanium posts to support the arch of prosthetic teeth.
Unlike other tooth replacement treatments, like dentures, an implant helps keep the jawbone healthy because it replaces teeth below the gumline. It stops bone from deteriorating and encourages regrowth that may have already been lost while the tooth was missing. Your dentist can evaluate the structure of your jaw to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Dental Implants and More in Cary, NC
Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers dental implants and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Cary, NC. Our practice also specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation or appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 919.646.6294.