Blog

Having a perfect set of teeth can make you want to smile more. The opposite is also true: when you lose a tooth, it can make you a whole lot less likely to smile and expose the problem for all to see. Fortunately, with dental implants, no one will notice anything – except your perfect smile.

Dental implants involve surgically placing a titanium post into your jawbone. Your replacement tooth is then attached to the post.

Advantages of Dental Implants Over Bridges or Dentures

There are a variety of benefits associated with getting dental implants, including:

• Low maintenance, especially compared to dentures
• Natural look
• Jaw protection
• Durability
• Improved speech
• Convenience
• Restored confidence and self-esteem
• Improved oral health

Different Types of Dental Implants

There are two main types of dental implants, depending on where your dentist places them. These include the following:

• Endosteal. Endosteal implants refer to implants “in the bone.” They are the most common type and require a healthy jawbone.
• Subperiosteal. These implants are placed on top of the jawbone but under the gum tissue. Your dentist may recommend this type if you not have enough healthy jawbone to undergo an endosteal implant.

Your Dental Implant Options

There are several dental implant options to choose from, depending on your budget, time, and the number and location of teeth requiring replacement.

Single-Tooth Implant

Single-tooth implants are used to replace individual missing teeth. These implants are freestanding units and are not connected to other teeth or implants. Single-tooth implants have a favorable cost-benefit ratio and a high implant-survival rate.

Immediate Load Dental Implant

Also known as same-day dental implants, this is a procedure in which your dentist places a temporary tooth on the same day of your dental implant surgery. Although immediate load dental implants are not suitable for everyone, its advantages are truly one of a kind. The benefits of this technique include the following:

• There is no noticeable gap, allowing you to smile freely – and no one will be the wiser – for the next 3 to 6 months while the implant site heals.
• It maintains a level chewing surface, which allows you to eat as usual while the implant site heals.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Implant-supported bridges are anchored by implants rather than natural teeth. It is considered a stronger solution than a traditional bridge and requires two surgeries – one to place the dental implants into the jaw, and a second to place the bridge.

All-On-4®

The All-On-4 procedure involves placing an entire set of top or bottom replacement teeth anchored by just four dental implants.

Implant-Supported Overdenture

An implant-supported overdenture is similar to traditional dentures that sit atop the gums – although in this case, the denture is secured by two implants, making the prosthesis that much more secure and stable. The overdenture can be snapped on or off whenever the wearer wants, which is important as the prosthesis will need regular cleanings as do traditional dentures.

Dental Implants in Florida

Losing teeth can happen to anyone at any time. Fortunately, solutions like dental implants exist so you can replace lost teeth – with the most natural-looking results. There are various options when it comes to dental implants. Ask your dentist to identify which one is most suitable for you.

You can smile confidently again despite having cracked or missing teeth when you visit Dr. Ernie Soto’s dental office at Plantation, Florida. Dr. Soto and our entire staff are ready to help you achieve that perfect set of teeth in no time! Call us now at (954) 368-6264, or you may also request an appointment online.