Dental implants are widely considered to be the most attractive, longest-lasting, and most functional tooth replacement option available. But dental implant technology can be used for far more than single tooth replacements. At Northern Westchester Oral Surgery, we use dental implants to place fixed-bridges, anchor orthodontic work, and perform all sorts of procedures. Below we’ve provided some information on just a few of the different treatments available that utilize dental implant technology.
Single Tooth Replacements:
Dental implants can permanently replace one or more missing teeth while also promoting good oral health. The implant will, over time, integrate with your natural jaw bone. This stimulates the jaw bone, which combats bone loss and improves your overall oral health. The crown, which attaches to the dental implant, will look and function just like a natural tooth, so you can eat and smile with confidence.
Implant-Supported Bridges:
Dental implant-supported bridges permanently replace multiple teeth while preserving your overall oral health. Traditional bridges are supported by the adjacent teeth, which puts pressure on your healthy teeth and requires them to be ground down to fit the prosthetic. The dental implant-supported bridges are held firmly in place by dental implants, so no healthy teeth are damaged in the placement of the bridge. Additionally, the implants will stimulate the jaw bone and prevent bone loss.
Full-Arch Replacements:
Oral surgeons can use dental implant technology to permanently restore an entire arch of teeth in one efficient and cost-effective procedure. As few as four dental implants can be strategically placed to support a custom arch of beautiful teeth. A temporary prosthetic will be placed following the initial procedure, but once your implant sites heal you will receive your custom, permanent teeth that will allow you eat whatever you please. The stable implants will firmly fix your new teeth in your mouth, so there is no risk of losing your teeth while you eat or speak.
Orthodontic Anchorage Devices:
Oral surgeons often work hand in hand with orthodontists to use dental implants as anchorage devices to move surrounding teeth. After your oral surgeon places the dental implant, an orthodontist can attach braces or other devices to the implant and surrounding teeth. Having a stable anchor tooth allows the surrounding teeth to move into place faster.
Oral surgeons continue to find new and inventive ways to utilize dental implant technology, and we have only listed a few of the most popular uses for dental implants. With all of the treatment options available, we are confident that we can find a treatment that fits your needs, either with dental implants or other restorative solutions. Request a free consultation with our Westchester dental implant specialists for more information about our restoration options, or to schedule a consultation and learn if you are a candidate for dental implant placement.