If you are needing to replace one or more missing teeth then a dental implant is a perfect option. A dental implant is a titanium post that’s placed into the jawbone under your gums. The implant fuses to your jawbone and provides support for a replacement tooth, or crown to be mounted on top after 1-4 month of healing. Since dentures or bridges are mounted to implants, they won’t slip or shift in your mouth while you are speaking or eating.
You will need to have healthy gums and adequate bone in order to get an implant. Sometimes, additional bone is needed to support the implant. Diligent oral hygiene and regular dental visits are crucial to the long-term success of dental implants.
Fixed Hybrid Implant Denture
A hybrid implant denture includes dentures that are fixed onto 4-6 implants. They won’t move around like the typical denture does. A titanium or gold bar is supported by the dental implant and anchors a set of acrylic teeth in place. This bar is permanently fixed in one place. Most patients have about 80-90% of function to compared to having natural teeth and the process is normally done in one day.
Locator Overdenture
For patients that desire a more stable prosthetic that improves speech, retention, and function, implant overdentures are typically recommended. It snaps onto 2-6 implants and is made from acrylic. You must remove it at night for proper hygiene. It doesn’t move around while chewing or talking and has excellent retention. You can also chew most types of food due to the stability of the denture.
Mini Implants
Small posts that are used to stabilize a loose denture is called a mini implant. They provide small attachments for the denture to hold onto because they are placed below the gums.The denture is stabilized by being fitted with rubber caps then snapped onto the mini implants.
Dr. Honey is happy to answer any questions you have about each type of implant that’s available!
