There is no doubt that when it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants have revolutionized the process. Artificial teeth are now stronger, more durable and more long-lasting than ever before. They are also extremely natural in appearance, meaning that it is nearly impossible to tell if someone has a replacement tooth.

We are delighted to be able to offer a variety of different types of dental implants at our offices in Vienna, VA. Here is what you need to know about some of the different dental implant treatments we can provide.
 

Single Dental Implants

As their name suggests, single dental implants are used to replace individual missing teeth. Each single dental implant has three components. These are the titanium post, the porcelain crown that makes up the visible part of your solution, and the connector that holds the two together. The post acts as an artificial root for your prosthetic tooth, ensuring that it doesn’t put any neighboring teeth under pressure.

When you have a single dental implant, the titanium post is inserted into the jaw directly beneath where the missing tooth would be. The bone is then left to fuse around the post to anchor it in place in a process called osseointegration and you will be fitted with a temporary crown until this process has happened. Several months later, once the implant post is secured, your custom-designed porcelain crowns will be created and then attached to the implant post, completing your restoration.
 

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

Implant-supported dental bridges are a fantastic alternative to conventional bridges because they are anchored into the jaw and do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Your custom-designed bridge is created as normal. However, since there is no need for crowns to be placed on teeth either side of the gap, you will only require artificial teeth that will fill the spaces left. These will be placed onto dental implant posts. Again, like with single dental implants, you will be fitted with temporary prosthetic teeth until osseointegration has occurred and your implanted posts have been permanently secured. Then, your custom-bridge can be attached, completing your restoration.
 

All-on-4 / All-on-5 Full Mouth Dental Implants

If you are missing the majority of your teeth in either your upper or lower arch and you don’t wait to wait months for your final restoration to be placed, you may wish to consider All-on-4/All-on-5 dental implants. Also known as full mouth dental implants, these are essentially implant-supported dentures. Your custom-designed prosthetic teeth are attached to a mold that sits over your gums, but rather than being secured using denture adhesive, the mold is attached to your mouth using dental implant posts.

All-on-4 and All-on-5 use either 4 or 5 dental implant posts to support the restoration. This reduces the time needed in your dentist’s chair and makes the process less invasive than many other treatments. Why can All-on-4/5 dental implants be completed in one day? Their placement means that it isn’t necessary for osseointegration to take place before they can be loaded with your permanent artificial teeth. This is because the titanium implants are angled to take advantage of maximum bone structure, giving them unrivaled security and stability straightaway! Your artificial teeth can be designed and milled while your implant posts are being made, and you can leave with your fully restored smile the very same day!

If you would like to learn more about any of our dental implant treatments, or if you would like to arrange an appointment to have your teeth assessed by our expert team of dentists, please contact our offices in Vienna, VA today.