Reasons for dental implants

Dental implants are currently the best option for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants integrate (fuse) with bone due to the titanium structure. Unlike complete dentures or a removable partial denture, dental implants allow for prosthetic teeth that are extremely stable even when chewing sticky and hard foods. 

When can patients get dental implants? In some situations, such as after the extraction of a tooth near the front of the mouth, an implant can be placed immediately after extraction. In other situations, such as in a molar or when there is an infection in the bone, the bone must heal for weeks to months prior to implant placement. 

Dental implants can be used to replace 1 tooth or to replace all teeth. Some patients may prefer one dental implant for each crown. In other situations, 2-4 implants per arch can be used to support an entire denture or bridge. An implant over-denture is a conventional denture that has been modified to attach firmly into 2-4 implants. Another fantastic option for patients is a hybrid denture, which is a beautiful looking prosthesis which is fixed to 4 implants. This treatment option is also known as "All-on-four."

Patients who already have dentures can have unbelievable success and comfort after implants that attach to the denture. Patients with a mission tooth in an aesthetic area can greatly benefit from a single implant. For more information, schedule a consult appointment with Dr. Pearl to review all of your treatment options.