Single Tooth Dental Implant Process

A single dental implant is a common type of replacement tooth, and it’s what most people think about when they think about replacing a missing or damaged tooth. First, an implant which looks like a screw is placed in the bone, capped, and allowed to fuse with the bone. The procedure begins with Dr. Jones numbing the area and providing sedation and antibiotics, as necessary, and we discuss that with you during your evaluation visit. Next, Dr. Jones places the implant base in a process that takes about 2 to 3 hours. Afterwards, the gum and jaw bone are allowed time to heal, usually about 120 to 150 days. After the implant has fused and joined with the bone, a healing collar is placed, to prepare the gums to receive a new tooth cap (also called a crown). About a month after the healing collar is placed, a permanent tooth “crown” is attached on top of the base.

Now, you have a fully restored and functional replacement tooth, completing your smile! Each client will have different needs and requirements, and cases are treated on an individual basis. It all begins with an evaluation, a discussion of your needs and an overview of how we can help. Ultimately your goal should be to end up with a permanent tooth that will last many, many years, and could last a lifetime with proper care. Click here for more information about implants, from the AAP website.

Multiple Tooth Process

A multiple tooth implant is a common type of tooth replacement process, where more than one titanium base is implanted into your jaw bone and then a bridge or an arch is created and attached to the bases. Here, two, three, or more permanent, artificial teeth are created and designed to span the distance between the titanium implant bases. The multiple implant procedure begins with Dr. Jones numbing the areas and providing sedation and antibiotics, as necessary, and we discuss that with you during your evaluation visit. Next, Dr. Jones places the implants in a process that takes about 2 to 3 hours each. Afterwards, the gum and jaw bone are allowed time to heal, usually about 120 to 150 days. After the implants have fused with the bone, the permanent bridge, or arch, is created, healing collars are placed, and then the permanent arch is attached to the bases.

These kinds of procedures provide you with permanent replacement teeth that look, fit, feel and function like your natural teeth. After these implants are in place you can eat, smile, laugh and talk naturally, with confidence. The fact that these are permanently installed means there will be no loose appliances rattling around in your mouth, as can be the case with dentures and other removable prosthetic dental devices.

Full Hybrid Permanent Denture Process

Another option for people who have lost all of their upper or lower teeth is a hybrid denture, which is very similar to a dental implant except the entire set of dentures is fastened to six dental implants. Procedures similar to this are sometimes called “All-On-4” procedures because a full set of upper or lower teeth are permanently fastened to four (4) dental implants. Rather than the “All-On-4” process, we recommend hybrid dentures for several reasons.

First, we prefer hybrid dentures because the “All-On-4” procedure offered by other clinics requires the removal of large amounts of your bone in order to accommodate the implants. We prefer not to remove any more of your bone than is absolutely necessary. Second, the hybrid denture is installed on six (6) implant bases, which can offer more stability and reduce the need to drill deep into your bone. Drilling deep into your bone is required in the “All-On-4” procedure. Third, we prefer hybrid dentures because they are more cost-efficient and can result in savings for you. All three of those points are valuable considerations, as you look for the procedure that is right for you. The brief overviews outlining implants (above) are similar to the full hybrid denture process. Because each person is unique, scheduling a visit to our clinic is the best way to understand your options and get answers to your questions. We consider the Glidewell Laboratories’ dentures a good choice for some clients. Read more on Glidewell Dentures. It’s technical, so if you would prefer to give us a call and discuss in person, we will be glad to schedule a visit.