What Type of Dental Implant is Best for You?
Are you missing one or multiple teeth? Or are you looking to replace those old dentures with a full set of new teeth? Look no further. The best tooth replacement option is dental implants.
It’s not uncommon to have a tooth knocked out or to lose a tooth due to tooth decay. It is actually common to be missing more than one tooth. About one-quarter of adults aged 65 and older have 8 or fewer teeth, and 1 in 6 in the same group have lost all their teeth. If you’re in this category or another, you aren’t alone. Losing teeth can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be when you choose Smile On Dental Studio in St. Louis for your dental implants. Many of your neighbors, friends, or colleagues may have dental implants, and you don’t even know. Our St. Louis implant dentist is highly trained and can help you choose the right type of dental implant for you. Call 314-862-7007 or make an appointment online.
Use this guide to help you get an idea of what type of dental implant you might need.
Basic Dental Implant Info
Dental implants are the best option to replace your missing teeth because they replace your entire tooth, not just the biting part that you can see. The dental implant is actually a titanium post that is surgically placed in your jawbone. Your bone heals around the implant, and then we place a crown on top. The implant acts like the tooth root and stimulates your jawbone so it doesn’t start to recede (a receding jawbone can give you wrinkles and make you look older than you are).After we implant your replacement tooth root, we’ll give you a temporary crown until you’ve healed. Once your jaw is healed, we’ll place the permanent crown. Your crown will match your other teeth, and no one will know you were ever missing a tooth or teeth. Here are some benefits of all types of dental implants.
- Natural-looking teeth
- They replace the tooth root
- Dental implants are permanent; you never take them out
- They’re as stable as natural teeth
- No food restrictions
- They feel like natural teeth
Single Dental Implants
What are they?Single dental implants are exactly what they sound like. They are one singular dental implant.
Who are they for?
We would use one dental implant if you are missing just one or two teeth.
How long does it take?
Dental implant surgery for a single implant takes about 1-2 hours. After that, you’ll need 4-6 months of healing before the premenant crown can be placed. But don’t worry! You won’t leave with a visible post. We’ll fit you with an attractive temporary crown.
All-On-4 Implant Dentures
What are they?All-on-4 implant dentures are four implants placed strategically in the thickest part of your jawbone. On top of the implants, you’ll get a custom-made denture that stays permanently in your mouth.
Who are they for?
They can replace an entire arch of teeth (all teeth on top or bottom) with just four implants! So if you’re missing all your teeth, all-on-4 is a great option for you. Many people choose to replace their traditional dentures with all-on-4 implant dentures in St. Louis.
How long does it take?
You can expect all-on-4 implant denture surgery to take about 2 hours per arch. Again, healing lasts about 4-6 months.
All-On-6 Implant Dentures
What are they?All-on-6 implant dentures are basically the same as all-on-4, but instead of four implants per arch, there are six.
Who are they for?
All-on-6 is used for people with enough jaw bone to withstand more dental implants. Your St. Louis dentist will recommend which is best for you, all-on-4 implant dentures or all-on-6 implant dentures.
How long does it take?
Typically it takes 2-4 hours with the 4-6 months of healing.
Mini Dental Implants
What are they?Mini dental implants are smaller dental implant posts.
Who are they for?
They’re used for people with insufficient bone mass in their jaw to handle the full dental implant.
How long does it take?
The implant procedure and healing take the same amount of time as a single dental implant.
Implant-Supported Bridge
What are they?An implant-supported bridge is a dental bridge permanently placed on top of dental implants.
Who are they for?
These are for people who are only missing a few teeth.
How long does it take?
The surgery takes 1-2 hours and 4-6 months to heal.
