Treatments Available Using Dental Implants

For the longest time, dental bridges and dentures have been the go to treatments for missing teeth. This is because both of these methods provide quick and affordable replacement teeth. However, both of these treatments have a reputation for being uncomfortable and unreliable. With treatments like this, it’s no wonder that our patients have jumped at the opportunity to restore their smiles with dental implants. Implants are becoming increasingly popular because they offer comfortable and attractive replacement teeth that will never get loose or move out of place. Today, Dr. Donian Shen is blogging from Mountain View, CA to talk about what kinds of treatments are available using dental implants.

A Treatment That Fits Your Needs

Dental implants are fully capable of restoring any number of missing teeth. Some of the treatments possible with dental implants include:

Single Tooth Restoration

For our patients who are suffering from a single missing tooth, Dr. Shen can perform a single tooth restoration. For this method, a single implant fixture is placed in the empty spot left by the missing tooth. During the healing period, a process called osseointegration works to fuse the implant fixture to your jawbone and gums. It is this process that allows dental implants to work and feel just like natural teeth. Once osseointegration has run its course, Dr. Shen will attach an abutment to your implant fixture and then connect your replacement crown, completing the restoration.

Multiple Teeth Restoration

If you are suffering from multiple missing teeth, it is possible for Dr. Shen to perform a single tooth restoration for each missing tooth. However, if you are suffering from multiple missing teeth that are all lined up in a row, Dr. Shen may recommend an implant supported dental bridge instead. For this treatment, at least two implant fixtures are placed, one for the first missing tooth in the row and one for the last missing tooth in the row. Additional implants can be placed in between if necessary. Once healed, Dr. Shen will attach an abutment to each fixture and then connect the dental bridge, completing the restoration.

Full Arch Restoration

If you are suffering from a full arch of missing teeth, a single tooth restoration can be performed for each and every missing tooth. However, this process can be very expensive and Dr. Shen may recommend an implant supported overdenture instead. For this method, four to six implant fixtures are placed along the arch. Once they have healed, Dr. Shen will attach an abutment to each fixture and then attach the overdenture at each point, completing the restoration.

Call and Schedule a Consultation at Smile By Design

With dental implants, there is no longer any reason to deny yourself the treatment you need. Dental implants can leave you with beautiful replacement teeth that work and feel just like your natural teeth, and can restore the appearance and functionality of your smile. If you have any additional questions or concerns about the treatments available with dental implants, we encourage you to contact us and schedule a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Donian Shen today. We look forward to helping you restore your smile soon!