TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

Traditional Dental Implants

Traditional dental implants are usually about 3.5 mm wide. They are multifunctional and can support crowns, bridges, and dentures. Because traditional implants are larger, they do require a certain amount of jawbone tissue for support. Therefore, if your jaw has started to recede because of a prolonged absence of one or more teeth, you will require a bone grafting procedure before receiving a traditional implant. During this surgery, your dentist will augment your jaw with donor tissue. Though traditional implants may require preparatory surgery, and can require several months of healing time before they can support a restoration, they are considered the most durable dental implant option.

Dental implants are a landmark in dentistry, and we take pride in helping patients with a wide range of needs to experience the many benefits they provide.

All-on-4® Implants

All-on-4® implants are used to support a full denture. Two small implants are placed in the front of the dental arch, while two anterior implants are placed at special angles. In this way, your implants can derive excellent support from a jawbone that may have experienced some atrophy following tooth loss. An additional benefit of the All-on-4® system is that it can usually support a full denture immediately following placement. Meanwhile, as with any type of dental implant, your All-on-4® implants will prevent any further bone recession, meaning your jaw will maintain its strength and you will likely never need to have your dentures refitted.

Fixed Hybrid Dentures

If you wish to restore your implants with a full set of dentures, we offer fixed hybrid dentures. They are attached to dental implants, but, like traditional dentures, they are removable. Some fixed dentures are ball-retained, which means that they will snap directly onto your implant posts. Others are bar-retained. These dentures will clip onto a metal bar that runs along the implants. You will remove your fixed hybrid denture for cleaning, and you will not wear it when you sleep. Of course, a fixed hybrid denture will be much more secure than a traditional removable prosthetic. You can eat a wide range of foods without worrying that your dentures will shift out of place.

Discover Which Type of Implant is Right for You

We have helped many patients to overcome the compromised quality of life that missing teeth can create. Dental implants are a landmark in dentistry, and we take pride in helping patients with a wide range of needs to experience the many benefits they provide. To schedule a consultation and find out which type of implant is right for you, please contact us today.