Types and alternatives of Dental Implants: Which One is Right For You?

People with dental or other oral issues face difficulties eating, chewing, and speaking to their friends and family. If you have lost a tooth recently, you may find it more challenging to remain confident during conversations, thus becoming more self-aware. However, if you decide to fix this and participate actively in the treatment procedure by consulting a certified dentist in Lubbock, TX, you can surely win over this challenging phase.

It’s time to say no to poor eating habits and stop avoiding group photographs or conversations! The best solution for you is dental implantation. Let’s talk more about its types and which one is the most suitable for you.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are prosthetics used as an adequate replacement for missing teeth. A dental implant replaces the root portion of your natural tooth that you lost. The implants act as artificial teeth as a crown is placed and fitted in the position of the missing tooth, thus making it look like a natural tooth.

Did you know that dental implants can also prevent bone loss in your jaw as they can naturally bond with the natural tissues of the missing tooth? More and more people are getting aware of this excellent dental treatment option that can replace one’s original, missing tooth and make it function like one.

So, suppose your search term was “dental implants Lubbock.” In that case, you can find yourself a reputed periodontist in and around your locality who will guide you throughout the process and discuss what to expect from your implants.

Types of Dental Implants

Using a Single Implant to Replace One Tooth

If you need to replace only one missing tooth, go for a single dental implant, which requires only one crown and one post. The post will be painlessly positioned within your jawbone, and the crown will be connected to it after the post gets healed. However, always check whether you are a good candidate for dental implants with a reputable dentist in Lubbock, TX.

Using a Bridge to Replace Several Teeth

This is the best option for people with several consecutive missing teeth, thus resting a huge gap. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or waste time getting those individual implants done separately.

A dental bridge comprises two crowns placed on either side of your lost tooth by fitting an artificial tooth between the tightly holding crowns. However, the crowns in the implant-supported bridge are not attached to the teeth, unlike traditional ones. Instead, they are connected to dental implants to retain the natural functionalities of a real tooth.

Using Advanced Implant-Retained Dentures to Replace All Your Teeth

This treatment method is used when the individual is missing out on a majority or an entire portion of their teeth in an entire row or arch (either upper or lower). In this case, the implant-retained denture treatment would be the most suitable option to make the process seamless and cost-effective. Denture refers to an artificial teeth arch (upper or lower).

In this type, the denture is fitted on your gum line, thus recovering your natural facial appearance by having a full set of teeth. However, the implant-retained denture is not like the traditional dentures, which have the issues of slipping or sliding since they are removable. You can permanently fix the arch of teeth with dental implants to ensure a more long-tasing solution.

Here Are Some Alternatives to Dental Implant

Full Mouth Dentures

Many patients are familiar with dentures, which are one of the dental implant options. Dentures are most commonly associated with full mouth dentures, which are two dentures that are designed to replace both the upper and lower arches of teeth.

When you’re missing all of your teeth or intend to have all of your remaining teeth removed due to damage or disease, full mouth dentures are a great option. You’ll look to have a full set of straight teeth with your dentures in place. Dentures, on the other hand, are a good tooth replacement choice since they allow you to chew more fully than you could with only your gums or severely broken teeth.

Partial Dentures

Individualized partial dentures are used to fill up gaps in your mouth.

Partial dentures are utilized when you have some healthy teeth but several missing teeth that need to be replaced. The partial denture’s teeth are linked to a plastic foundation that matches the color of your gums, allowing the dentures to blend in with your other teeth. This plastic material usually covers a metal frame with metal clasps that adhere to your teeth.

Partial dentures make it easier to speak and eat, and they’re also simple to clean and repair. Partial dentures, on the other hand, might be painful and less stable than other tooth replacement solutions, necessitating more regular repairs.

Fixed Bridges

Fixed bridges, unlike entire or partial dentures, are permanently attached to the teeth. The bridge will be installed in the space using a specific form of bonding substance, and only your dentist will be able to remove it.

Bridges may feel and operate more like natural teeth because they are set in place, and you won’t have to worry about your bridge coming loose in your mouth. This may make you feel more at ease than you would if you were wearing dentures. You also don’t have to remove the bridge to clean it, which reduces the risk of losing it or dropping and breaking it, which may happen with dentures.

A fixed bridge, on the other hand, is more difficult to clean properly because it cannot be removed. Furthermore, bridges have the potential to damage nearby natural teeth, resulting in further dental costs.

Final Words

Now that you know the types of dental implants and which one would be the right one for you, you should make an active decision without delay to restore your smile and a healthy and confident lifestyle. But as mentioned above, let your dentist decide whether you can be a good candidate for dental implantation surgery.