Dental Implants

Dental Implants

A dental implant uses a titanium post that looks like a screw to replace the root of a missing tooth. Dental implants are used to support a variety of dental prostheses, including dentures, dental crowns, and dental bridges.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

The dental implant process begins by removing one, several, or all of your teeth and their roots. One or more titanium implants will then be placed into your jawbone. It will take several months for bone to fuse to the implants (osseointegration).

After the bone has fused to the implant and your jaw has healed, an abutment will be attached to the top of the implant. This is what connects the implant to the artificial tooth (crown). Then, your dentist in Salem, IL, will attach and fit your new artificial tooth to the implant.

The Different Types of Dental Implants

There are different types of dental implants for just about any tooth loss scenario.

These are the most common types of dental implants.

• Full Arch Dental Implants

Full-arch dental implants generally use 8-10 implants per jaw. This type of implant holds a full arch of teeth, which could mean upper teeth, lower teeth, or both.

• All-on-X Dental Implants

All-on-X dental implants refer to all-on-4s, all-on-5s, or all-on-6 implants and are named based on the number of implants used to anchor an entire arch of teeth to the jawbone. For example, all-on-4s use four implants, all-on-5s use five implants, and all-on-6s use six strategically placed implants to anchor an arch of implants to the jawbone.

• Implant Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge is a dental restoration that replaces your missing teeth with a dental bridge. That bridge is attached to a dental implant to hold it in place. A traditional bridge sits on top of your natural teeth, while an implant-supported bridge is affixed to an implant.

• Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are the size of a toothpick. They are smaller than traditional dental implants. Mini dental implants are all one piece, so they don’t need an abutment to attach the implant to the artificial tooth. These are used for smaller teeth or if someone lacks the bone density to support a traditional implant.

• Same Day Dental Implants

Same-day dental implants, sometimes called immediate dental implants or teeth-in-a-day, are a tooth replacement option that can be performed and completed in just one day. Same-day dental implants are not for everyone. Your dentist will go over your options with you and make a recommendation based on your situation.

Are You Considering Dental Implants?

Please contact Salem Family Dental Care today to schedule a consultation. We would love to show you just how easy and cost-effective getting dental implants can be!