Dental Implants

The dental implants used by most dentists and dental specialists are root-form implants, which means that they are used to replace natural tooth roots in areas of the mouth where teeth are missing. Dental implants provide an exciting option for people missing some or all of their teeth. Dental implants look, feel, and function like your own natural teeth.

Dental Implant Options

There are essentially three different types of dental implant options including single implants, multiple implants and full arch implants. The different types of dental implants required vary depending on the number of teeth being replaced.

• Single Implants (For replacing individual teeth)
• Multiple Implants (For replacing multiple teeth in series)
• Full Arch Implants (For replacing entire groups of teeth)

Dental Implant Alternatives

Before making the decision to get dental implants, consult a cosmetic dentist to learn if there is another option. We offer many different dental implant alternatives. The two different dental implant alternative options are:

• Tooth Supported Bridge
• Removable Partial Denture

Our Cosmetic Dental Associates Dentist who has extensive experience with cosmetic dentistry will be able to consult with you as to the best option to replace a missing tooth. Cosmetic dentists have many years of experience and are up-to-date with the latest dentist training and dental techniques.

What are “Dental Implants”?

A dental implant is a “root” replacement screwed into the jaw, usually made of metal, to support a plastic denture or some other kind of tooth replacement when a person looses their teeth. In the right application they are a great development in modern dentistry.

What are the “Same Day Teeth” made of … plastic?

Anytime tooth replacements are done in the “same day” they are made of plastic (acrylic). They are not permanent and must be later followed with the “permanent” or final restoration. Unfortunately, most final “All-On-Four or Six” restorations are still plastic but with a metal frame. Full arches of dental implant teeth are almost always made of plastic (acrylic).

What is a “terminal dentition”? – the new buzz word.

This is a new term used to get people to associate their teeth with “terminal diseases”. This is so they will more readily give up their teeth to full-scale extraction and jaw reduction techniques. After all, if you have “terminally ill” teeth who wouldn’t want to get rid of that! An argument for all teeth and all implants being “terminal” could be made. Be very cautious of individuals using this type of terminology.

What is “All-On-Four”?

All-On-Four is the new term for pulling all your teeth, cutting down the bone of the jaws and placing 4 screws in to hold a plastic denture. It is often done in one visit with a temporary plastic denture and then after healing, a final plastic denture is fabricated which is screwed into place using 4 screws (dental implants) in the jaws.

What is “All-On-Six”?

It is just like the “All-On-Four” except it uses 6 screws instead of 4.

How long does an All-On-Four last?

This is not always a permanent procedure. Any implant screw that fails under this type of denture can ruin the entire set making surgery necessary again. The fact that the denture that is screwed to the jaws is plastic (acrylic) means it will last only as long as a regular denture or however long plastic in your mouth will last. This is also only as long as the dental implants don’t come out or get infected.

Dental Implant dentures and full arch dental implant teeth are made of plastic.

Dental Implant dentures are made of plastic (usually called acrylic). Rarely the teeth are made of porcelain or some other plastic and are held in place on a metal frame covered in pink plastic to look like your gums.

What does plastic smell like after years in the mouth?

Depending on how well you clean your mouth or how often you visit your hygienist, you can expect the plastic to pick up the odors of your mouth after a few months. After a few years it may be quite objectionable to you and you may want it replaced. Either way, plastic is porous and pretty much assured of yellowing and picking up odors over time.

How long do dental implants work?

They last as long as they don’t get loose or get infected. When this occurs the repairs may become quite expensive and require surgical intervention. As long as they stay secure and healthy they can last at least 20 or more years. To say they are permanent is true only so long as they do not fall out.

What happens when dental implants fail?

Depending on how they fail or how long they go in a failing state the replacement usually requires surgical placement of another dental implant in another location or bone grafting and healing over a period of months or years and then the surgical replacement of the dental implant back into the jaw. Naturally, the whole denture that was previously in place must be remade to fit the newly healed dental implant.

How terminal is All-On-Four?

It’s just as terminal as teeth. If they are not well cared for or the person clenches or grinds too much on them they will loosen and get infected just like real teeth. Most people usually keep their teeth, just like most people that get dental implants usually keep their implants.

What is your bite like with dental implants?

The bite does change in that there is no shock absorption in the impact between the teeth. Teeth are “cushioned” in their sockets and don’t clack together so hard. Dental Implants have no cushion and give no sensory feedback as to what you’re doing with your teeth. It is not like natural teeth.