Thinking about getting dental implants? If you have missing teeth, there are various types of dental implants and implant restorations to choose from. But with too many choices, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. At Landmark Dental Arts in Kearny Mesa, we use implants to replace non-restorable teeth, those already missing, or teeth that
need to be removed.
“What is a dental implant”, you ask? Essentially, it’s an artificial tooth root that supports a restoration on top of it, such as a crown or bridge. The type of dental implant you need usually depends on how many teeth are being restored.
Single Tooth Dental Implants
“Which type of dental implant is right for me?” If you’re only missing one tooth, you will only need a single implant and crown. This fixed restoration will set directly alongside your other natural teeth, blending in with your smile and functioning as a normal tooth would. While the implant itself is the portion below the gumlines, we will craft a custom crown to attach to the top of it for a truly customized outcome.
Dental Implant Bridges
When there are a few teeth in a row that are missing, a traditional option would be to wear a partial denture. But with implants, you can enjoy a fixed restoration that doesn’t come in and out of your mouth. Implant bridges usually call for two implants (one on either side of the open space in your mouth) with a multi-tooth bridge attached on top of them. If more than 3-4 teeth are missing at a time, additional dental implants can be
added.
Full Mouth Dental Implants
What if you’re missing all of your teeth and don’t want to wear traditional dentures? There’s an implant treatment option for that, too. But in this case, there are generally two categories of full arch implants: removable and non-removable.
1. Stabilized Overdentures.
A removable overdenture or “implant stabilized” denture is almost identical to a traditional denture design. However, there’s one big difference. These restorations have special locators underneath the area that usually rests against your gums. Each locator will snap or clip onto a corresponding dental implant inside of your mouth, providing a secure grip throughout the day. Overdentures provide added security without messy pastes and tend to be a bit more affordable than permanent full-mouth implants.
2. Permanent Full Arch Implants.
If you prefer to wear a permanent prosthesis inside of your mouth (instead of clip-on dentures) then a fixed full-arch restoration will be best. “All-on-4” is one popular example of this type of design. Depending on your bone anatomy, as few as four implants can support a hybrid “bridge”-like restoration that spans the entire upper or lower arch. The streamlined fit is easier to talk and eat with than a full “plate” because it takes up less space in your mouth. Plus, the supporting dental implants provide added strength for biting and chewing, preventing you from having to limit your normal diet.
Other Types of Dental Implants
Aside from the type of implant treatment you choose, there are other types of implant designs you might see on the market. Such as mini implants, zygomatic implants, or ceramic implants. Traditional titanium implants work best for most of our patients, as they are hypoallergenic and extremely biocompatible. Traditional designs are typically
recommended by experts for the majority of tooth replacement treatments, regardless of how many teeth need to be restored.
Dental Implants in Kearny Mesa
Are dental implants right for you? If you have missing teeth, visit our dentist in Kearny Mesa to find out. Landmark Dental Arts will provide you with a tailored care plan to address your smile’s functional and aesthetic needs.
Contact us today to get started. Flexible payment options are available!