Dental Implants

We are often asked what is the best way to replace missing teeth?

 There is no tooth-replacement option that will give you a longer-lasting result than implants. Implants also help preserve tooth-supporting bone that naturally deteriorates when a tooth is lost. Loss of bone is one of the major hidden consequences of losing teeth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

A dental implant most often takes the form of a small, screw-shaped titanium post that replaces the root-part of a missing tooth. During a minor surgical procedure, your dental implant is inserted directly into the jawbone in the space vacated by the missing tooth. It will then be left to heal for a period of months before the final crown is attached. During this healing period, the implant actually fuses to the bone surrounding it. The implant is topped with a lifelike crown custom-made to match your existing natural teeth. Implants have a documented success rate of over 95%, which is significantly higher than any other tooth-replacement.

Dental implants offer several benefits over other tooth replacement options, including:

• Improved appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, and can restore a patient's confident smile.

• Improved speech, chewing, and digestion.

• Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last for many years, even a lifetime.

• Bone preservation: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate over time. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone and help preserve bone density.

• Improved oral health: Dental implants do not require the removal of any surrounding teeth, as with a dental bridge, so they help maintain the overall health of your teeth and gums.

• Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

Tooth Replacement Options:

Implants can replace missing teeth in a variety of ways. They can be used to:

• Replace One Tooth: a single implant is inserted into the bone to replace the root part of that tooth; a crown then goes on top to simulate an actual tooth.

• Replace Multiple Teeth: An implant can be placed for each missing tooth or implants can support fixed bridgework. For example, if you are missing three teeth in a row, we can place two implants, one on either side of the gap, and a crown in between that has no implant underneath.

• Replace All Teeth: Implants can support an entire arch of upper or lower replacement teeth that are fixed into the mouth and are never removed. The number of implants needed may vary due to quality of bone and other factors.

The choice between mini implants and standard implants depends on a variety of factors, including the patient's bone width and density, budget, and the specific needs of the patient.

1. Size: Mini implants are smaller in diameter, 

2. Placement: Mini implants are placed directly into the jawbone, whereas standard implants require a small incision to be made in the gum to access the jawbone.

3. Stability: Standard implants are generally more stable and can support more weight than mini implants. Mini implants are typically used to stabilize dentures or for patients with less available bone width.

4. Cost: Mini implants are generally less expensive than standard implants.

5. Healing time: Mini implants typically have a shorter healing time than standard implants.

Here are some differences between the two:

The mini dental implant procedure is a much less involved process than the conventional dental implants. For this reason, the procedure can usually be completed in one simple dental appointment. In addition to saving time in the dental office, you will have far less discomfort following this procedure due to the minimally involved dental procedure (usually requiring no surgical flaps or sutures).

Ultra Short Implants

The shorter length of ultra-short implants allows them to be placed in areas where there is limited vertical space, such as the mandibular anterior or posterior regions or the maxillary posterior region.

With Bicon SHORT® Implants you can:

• Avoid vital structures: such as nerves and the Sinus

• Minimize bone grafting procedures

• Maximize implant placement possibilities

• With the use of Bicon SHORT® Implants, patients with limited bone height can often avoid the inherent risks and costs associated with bone grafting procedures. Additionally, the extended healing time and cost of bone grafting procedures are eliminated. Bicon SHORT® Implants offer a simple, elegant, and proven solution.

You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant. If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, a nightguard will be recommended to protect your implants. After all, implants are a long-term investment in your smile, your health, and your well-being, so it's best to protect your investment.

Learn More About Dental Implants:

What is a Dental Implant?

This lobby video provides patients an overview of dental implants and why they are the best treatment option for missing teeth.

Video Source: Spear Education