Know Your Options for Dental Implants in Worthington

Are you in reasonably good health but missing one, two, or many teeth? Dental implants offer the best option in tooth replacement for otherwise healthy people. Nothing else replaces the missing tooth as well as its supporting root like dental implants in Worthington. It’s a wise investment that you’ll enjoy for the rest of your life.

But when you first begin with the implant process, you’ll find that you have a lot of choices to consider — everything from how long the procedure takes to what your new teeth are made from. Keep reading to learn about the variety of options available with your dental implants.

Single Tooth Loss

If you are just missing one tooth, you may not think finding a replacement is super high on the list of priorities — especially if the gap is located in the back of your smile. But the truth is, the effects of tooth loss, no matter how “minor,” are significant. Having just one missing tooth causes the jawbone to shrink and lose its volume, increasing your risk of losing even more natural teeth later on.

To replace a single missing tooth, a dental implant can support a crown made of sturdy materials. The individual implant is placed and, once the recovery period is complete, your dentist can restore it with a custom-made dental crown.

Dental crowns can be made from…

• Ceramic/porcelain for teeth in the front of the smile
• Gold
• Metal alloys
• Zirconia

The material that is right for you depends on where the tooth is located, your budget, and your personal preference.

For Multiple Missing Teeth

If you are missing two to four teeth, a dental bridge supported by implants may be the best option for you. A traditional fixed bridge requires the alteration of the surrounding healthy teeth to secure the prosthetic — but an implant-retained bridge keeps your natural teeth healthy and whole for a more conservative procedure overall.

For two missing teeth, a single dental implant is usually enough to keep the bridge sturdy. Three to four missing teeth can be supported by two dental implants, one placed on each side of the gap.

Implant-Supported Dentures

One of the most significant struggles for denture wearers is finding a good fit. When most or all the teeth are missing, the jawbone loses its volume more quickly, meaning the denture will have to be replaced or refitted frequently.

A non-implant supported denture may slip and slide around, causing the following issues:

• Difficulty eating
• Lisps or whistles in speech
• Painful oral sores or blisters
• Low self-confidence

Fortunately, a partial or full denture can be comfortably retained by dental implants. A single implant will not have to be placed for every missing tooth. Rather, the denture can be secured on fewer implants using careful planning and strategic placement.

Whichever type of replacement is right for you, you can feel confident that you are on the path toward renewed oral and overall health when you partner with a qualified dental implant dentist you trust! Your smile deserves the very best.

About the Author

Dr. LJ Adam has been providing superior dental care for local families and friends for over 12 years. To learn more about dental implant restorations from your dentist in Worthington, we invite you to contact the office at  (724) 954-3394.