Are you considering dental implants to replace your lost teeth? Dental implants are a great alternative to crowns, bridges, and removable dentures. They are comfortable, built to last, and act like natural teeth. In fact, dental implants are the only tooth replacement choice that helps stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss.
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, three million people in the United States have dental implants and every year 500,000 new patients choose implants as their tooth replacement choice. Today, patients have many options—from traditional implants to the All-on-Four technology. Oral surgeons like Dr. Chris Tye can help you decide which implant procedure is best for you.
Traditional Dental Implants
With traditional dental implants, your oral surgeon surgically attaches a titanium screw on your jawbone that acts as an artificial tooth root. Titanium is used because it’s durable, naturally fuses with the bone, and can withstand biting and chewing. Traditional dental implants are a good choice to consider when replacing an individual tooth or a group of teeth.
Because traditional dental implants are attached to the jawbone, a healthy jawbone is important. If the jawbone cannot support the dental implant, you may have to undergo procedures to rebuild bone, or restore or expand your natural jawline before the implant.
Once the implant is in place, the jaw needs to heal and the implant needs to fuse with the jawbone. This can take between three and six months. A small connector is placed on the implant to hold and support the replacement tooth. This may happen during implant surgery or once your jaw has healed, depending on your situation. Once the jaw has healed, your oral surgeon makes an impression of your mouth and remaining teeth to make the custom replacement teeth that will be attached to the top of the implant.
Read more about traditional dental implants.
All-on-Four Dental Implants
All-on-Four dental implants are an alternative dental treatment and may be a good choice if you need to replace all your teeth or if you wear removable dentures and want a better solution.
Unlike traditional dental implants that secure individual teeth or groups of teeth, All-on-Four implants secure a full set of lower or upper dentures to the jawbone with four titanium screws per denture arch. The full denture arch is held in place by two titanium screws at the front of the jaw and two towards the back. They can be implanted even if you lack enough jawbone density.
All-on-Four dental implants eliminate the need for individual tooth implants and any jawline procedures or surgeries before implant. The procedure is completed within one visit and you leave with temporary replacement dentures in place. As with traditional dental implants, the implant must fuse with the jawbone, and in about four to six months, your permanent and custom denture is secured to the implant.
Read more about All-on-Four dental implants.
No matter which dental implant option you choose, dental implants offer a long-term solution for missing teeth. With proper care and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Chris Tye Today
As with any oral surgery, each patient’s experience is unique. Working with you and your dentist in Euless, TX, Dr. Tye can help you decide which dental implant option is best for you. Dr. Tye is one of the area’s leading oral surgeons and the first dual-degreed oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Tarrant County.
Make time today to schedule your free consultation at our office at (817) 552-3223.
Texas Oral Surgery Specialists is located at 6904 Colleyville Blvd., Suite 100 (HWY. 26) in Colleyville, TX 76034. We serve Colleyville, Southlake, and the surrounding communities.
Plan your visit and take the first step in improving your dental health and renewing your smile.
