Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacements because they are permanent and simulate the feel, look, and function of natural teeth. Whether you have one missing tooth or several missing teeth, your dentist in Medina can restore your smile with dental implants. There are many different types of dental implants from which you can choose, and your dentist can determine which type is best for your oral health needs and smile goals.
At Frontier Dental, we specialize in dental implants and dentures, so you can rest assured knowing you’re in the most capable and caring hands. Our team of experts offers personalized implant dentistry and tooth replacements, and we use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to deliver exceptional patient outcomes.
Many patients wonder, “Which type of dental implants are right for you?” However, the only way to truly know the answer to this question is to have a consultation with one of our prosthodontists or oral surgeons: Dr. Sanjay Karunagaran, Dr. Michael Horan, or Dr. Leila Sears. You can contact us today to arrange your dental implant consultation, and we’ll be happy to help you attain a healthy, more beautiful smile.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant permanently replaces a missing tooth and root. Using three components of a dental implant, your dentist can restore your tooth’s function, appearance, and comfort:
- Implant post (screw) – The thin, titanium implant post is surgically placed in the jaw to replace the missing tooth root.
- Abutment (connector) – The abutment connects the artificial tooth to the implant post.
- Artificial tooth – The artificial tooth can be a dental crown, bridge, or denture and screws into the implant post.
Dental implants are an excellent alternative to dentures and bridges as they can permanently replace one or several teeth. While removable appliances, like dentures and bridges, sit on the gum’s surface, dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone with a screw-like post. Implants are usually relatively thin, measuring between 3.25 to 5 millimeters.
What Type of Dental Implants Are There?
Frontier Dental offers various types of dental implants for our patients. Our dentists can determine the best for you based on your medical history, current medications, oral health assessment, and treatment needs.
Single-Tooth Implants
Single-tooth implants are precisely as they sound: they replace a single tooth. Your Medina implant dentist uses one implant post to replace the singular missing tooth and root. They then attach the titanium post to the jawbone and place a dental crown on top to finish the procedure.
#2 All-on-4®
All-on-4® implants, or “teeth-in-a-day,” restore an entire dental arch using four dental implants, with the back implants angled to use the existing bone to its maximum advantage. All-on-4 implants are a faster, less invasive alternative to traditional dental implants. At Frontier Dental, we offer All-on-4 to help patients overcome widespread tooth loss and restore function and aesthetics for life-changing results.
#3 Mini Dental Implants
Though they have the same structure as conventional dental implants, mini dental implants are smaller and require a less invasive procedure. Mini dental implants consist of a one-piece post or screw less than 3mm in diameter and a ball-shaped attachment protruding from the jawbone. While conventional implants are placed under the gums, toothpick-sized mini dental implants are placed over the gum surface when secured into the bone.
#4 Implant Dentures
Are you tired of loose dentures? If so, dental implants are an excellent way to increase the stability of your restoration. Implant dentures are removable dentures secured by dental implants, making them more versatile and stable than conventional dentures. Implant-supported dentures involve placing two to four screw-like posts in each jaw, though this may vary per patient. Once the implants are secure, the dentist attaches the dentures to the implants. Dentures may be permanently fixed or removable for cleaning purposes.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Studies show that around 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Once you lose a tooth, you may think it’s game over, but that’s simply not the case. Dental implants may be the solution for you if you’ve tried dentures or want a more permanent and realistic tooth replacement. Unlike removable tooth replacements, dental implants are secure in the jaw and permanent, emulating a natural tooth.
Dental implants have numerous benefits, and they can improve your smile’s aesthetics and your overall oral health:
#1 Improved Confidence
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth and are customized to complement your appearance. When you have healthy, beautiful teeth that allow you to chew and speak comfortably, your confidence will undoubtedly get a boost.
#2 Stability During Eating
Because dental implants have specific anchor points, they do not shift or slip in the mouth while biting, chewing, and eating.
#3 Bone and Gum Preservation
Supportive structures like dental implants in the mouth stimulate the bone and gum tissues, preserve function, and reduce hard and soft tissue loss.
#4 Improved Oral Hygiene
Dental implants are hygienic tooth replacements because they are easy to maintain and clean. With dental implants, you brush and floss like you would your natural teeth. Your dentist recommends brushing twice daily for at least two minutes and flossing once daily to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Your dentist also encourages you to get routine dental checkups and cleanings to keep your mouth healthy and problem-free.
#5 Improved Aesthetics
Our implant dentists at Frontier Dental customize dental implants to fit your face and smile, enhance your natural beauty, and complement your features. Dental implants and restorations will always look beautiful and natural, so you don’t have to worry about them feeling or looking too bulky or “too perfect.”
#6 Nutritional Benefits
Dental implants restore chewing, as we already know. And when you’re able to chew more effectively, you can have a more well-rounded, nutritious diet. Also, thorough mastication can promote better digestion and digestive health.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants in Medina, OH
Frontier Dental offers various dental implant options for your smile’s improved health and aesthetics. If you have missing teeth and desire a long-lasting and realistic solution, our team would love to speak with you about dental implants. Please call or text us to arrange your consultation with one of our talented implant dentists in Medina.