As prosthodontists, our staff at Olympia Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry, are happy to offer an upgraded version to traditional prosthetics. Having your crown, bridge or denture supported with a dental implant is better for your bone, better for your function and better for your oral health. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is the ideal solution for tooth loss. Our staff is here to answer your questions and show you the difference implants can make.
SINGLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT WITH A DENTAL IMPLANT
Missing just one tooth can cause more havoc than you think. Many patients express that missing a tooth is no big deal, but the long term effects will tell you differently. From changes in how you chew, and the shifting of neighboring teeth, you can experience a cascade of problems.
If you are missing a single tooth, an implant-supported crown may be the best solution. An implant-supported crown usually consists of three components: the implant post, and abutment (support structure), and the restoration. The advantage of an implant supported crown is restoring just the missing tooth without altering healthy neighboring teeth unnecessarily. It is always best to take the least amount of action needed.
MULTIPLE TEETH REPLACEMENT WITH DENTAL IMPLANTS
Patients who are missing multiple teeth, either on the same arch or spread throughout the mouth, can have their bite and function restored with multiple implants. Following an evaluation, we can discuss a dental crown, bridge, or even a denture to restore and rebuild the area. A dental bridge can be anchored with any combination of natural teeth or implants. The end result is a restoration that looks and feels much like your natural teeth with long term success.
WHAT CAUSES TOOTH LOSS?
Tooth loss can occur for a variety of reasons, including decay, breakage, trauma and disease. At Olympia Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry, we can help you rebuild and restore your missing teeth. Missing teeth causes changes in the bone, in the placement of nearby teeth, it can even alter your facial shape. We can improve your ability to chew and improve your look, often even helping you look younger, with implant restoration.
PARTIAL FIXED DENTURE
A partial fixed bridge is an excellent alternative to a traditional bridge or a partial denture. The bridge consists of a series of pontics, or false teeth, that can be supported by any combination of healthy teeth or dental implants. Typically, we place an implant for each missing tooth. If this is not possible, we may suspend a pontic between two implant posts.
COMPLETE FIXED BRIDGE
A complete fixed bridge is used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Before your surgery, we may need to extract any remaining, problematic or unhealthy teeth. Most complete fixed bridges require a minimum of six to eight implants per arch. We offer a variety of implant retained denture options including bar retained overdenture, ball retained overdenture and the All-on-4® Treatment Concept.
OVERDENTURE
An overdenture is a full-arch denture restoration that can be permanently supported by dental implants. An overdenture consists of prosthetic teeth that are set in an acrylic, flesh-colored base that rests on the gums and is stabilized in place with dental implants. The bar retained overdenture allows the patient to secure their denture to a retained bar, allowing it to be stable while in place but still removable. A ball retained overdentures allows the patient to snap their denture in place for a firm hold while still being able to unsnap when needed.
An implant-supported overdenture is a great alternative to traditional dentures or even implant-retained dentures.
ALL-ON-4® TREATMENT CONCEPT
The All-on-4 system is a revolutionary new treatment that allows the patient to have fully permanent, non-removable, dentures. The All-on-4 system is a complete fixed denture that, as the name suggests, only requires four implants per arch, instead of six to eight. To accomplish this, the posterior (back) implants are placed at an angle to maximize the support from your jawbone. All-on-4, due to a reduced number of implants, can make the healing process faster and more comfortable.
IMPLANT RESTORATION
An implant restoration is any restoration supported by dental implants. Thanks to technological advancements, implants can now be used to support a dental crown, a fixed partial bridge, and full-arch appliances. Dental implants are better for your bone health, better for your neighboring teeth, and offer great long term results.
POSTERIOR IMPLANTS
Through advancements in technology that allow us the use of modern equipment to perform enhanced procedures, we here at Olympia Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry can set you up with a set of prosthetics that look as real as your natural teeth but never have to be removed.
FULL MOUTH RECONSTRUCTION
Some patients have oral health problems throughout their mouths that require multiple treatments and procedures. If your smile needs a complete overhaul, you may qualify for a full mouth reconstruction, where the procedures you need are dictated by the number of missing or damaged teeth, and the severity of the issues.
DENTAL IMPLANTS FAQ
For those who may be missing one, some, or all of their teeth, it may be good to know that rather than having to deal with temporary options, or options that aren’t ideal for your oral health, there is an option available that can be as effective as your natural teeth.
LONGEVITY OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
Because of advancements in modern technology and digital enhancements, we can go above and beyond when it comes to the restoration of your mouth. Even with the authentic look of modern prosthetics, nothing can ever replace a natural tooth. However, Olympia Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry knows it can get pretty close, and through the use of dental implants, you can have a smile that looks and functions as well as the real thing.
SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION
To learn more about our implant-related services call (360) 456-1200, and schedule your consultation now!