Over the years, it is natural for your teeth to wear down no matter how strongly you brush them. As a result, you may need to consider dental implants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The following options are the most popular and effective types that you can use to improve your overall smile.
When you install any permanent implant into your jaw, you will need to add temporary bridges or bridgework to your mouth. These small devices are designed to provide a myriad of benefits that will help your teeth and your implants become stronger. While these bridges are not a permanent part of your dental implants, they do serve an important role and must be fully understood if you plan on getting implants any time shortly.
Bridgework consists of tiny micro-implants and dental bridges that are placed on top of your permanent implants. They are placed here while the implants are healing into your jaw and are necessary for a variety of reasons. First of all, they keep the tooth stable while it heals and ensures that it doesn’t move around and go crooked. Secondly, these implants also help to protect the enamel from various types of bacteria and plaque problems, which minimizes serious damage results.
Regular checkups with your dentist after you install the implant will check on the healing process of your tooth. If the dentist believes that the implant is fully healed, they will carefully remove the temporary bridgework from your mouth. Typically, this process takes no more than an hour or so and will leave you with a stable implant that will last for years. Remember: you’ll get these bridges with every type of implant listed below.
Single Tooth Replacement
If you have only one tooth that needs to be replaced, a single dental implant is your best choice. These types of implants will skillfully replace just one tooth in your mouth and provide a stronger and healthier smile. Just as importantly, they help to ensure that your jaw is in strong shape and doesn’t prematurely age on you. There are a few different techniques that are used when installing these implants. Fully understanding them will ensure that you get the best results in this situation.
For example, you’ll need to get the dental implants added to the jaw where you are missing the tooth. The dentist will take a look at the area where the tooth needs to be added. They will then take a mold to get an idea of the size and shape of the missing tooth. At this point, they will then craft the implant to fit into this area based on the mold. After they have crafted the implant, they need to add it to your jaw to ensure that it stays strong for years to come.
Typically, this process will require that they use abutment to hold the tooth in your mouth for as long as possible. Then, after the implant is fully inserted into your jaw, the dentist needs to add a crown to the top to keep it secure and resilient. In many cases, this crown is attached to keep away plaque, bacteria, and other filth from the interior of the implant. Make sure that you brush the implant regularly to keep it as healthy as possible and to minimize replacement needs.
Multiple Implants
If you lose multiple teeth but not quite enough to justify dentures or other replacement options, you may need various dental implants for your teeth. The idea behind this process is to support your dental health while using as few implants as possible. Dentists typically worry that too many implants may end up being rejected by your jaw. They also want to minimize the surgery time and to ensure that you don’t have to pay too much for this procedure.
For example, if you need to replace three teeth on the top row of your mouth, your dentist may install two instead because these can support this area. And when you have lost more than three teeth or even more, the dentist may try all on four or all six procedures. This process requires either the use of four or six implants in your mouth. These teeth are placed strategically through your jaw in a way that strengthens your mouth and keeps it from getting damaged.
While the cost of this procedure will be higher than replacing one tooth, for those who have lost multiple teeth, it is the most beneficial and useful option available. Talk to your dentist about this option to see if it works for your needs. In some cases, there may be a situation in which multiple implants are not the best option. As a result, you may need to get another care treatment that will help to support your dental health more fully.
Permanent Bridges
Lastly, you may need to consider permanent bridges as a way of supporting the dental implants in your mouth. These are different from temporary bridges because they become an essential part of your long-term dental care. They are attached directly to the implants and won’t cause bone loss or weak teeth due to this design. Just as importantly, they can help support many implants and keep them stable and safe in your mouth for years to come.
Typically, these bridges are necessary if the damage to your mouth is more severe and your implants are at risk of falling out. For example, if your dentist finds that areas near your implants have suffered from dental decay and may be affected, bridges help to keep them stable for longer. Just as importantly, bridges can provide an even stronger jaw to ensure you don’t experience any health issues.
In some cases, this option is combined with what is known as anchorage treatment. This term refers to the use of orthodontic implants to minimize tooth movement and help keep your teeth as straight as possible. Often, those who get this procedure utilize braces or other care options to ensure that their teeth are even straighter. Just as importantly, this option helps to minimize dental damage caused by your teeth moving unexpectedly.
Don’t Forget Professional Help
If you want the best dental implants Cedar Rapids, Iowa has to offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Horton Family Dental to learn more about your options. Our experts will work with you to ensure that your teeth are as strong and healthy as possible.
