You may remember your first loose tooth when you were a child. It was fun to wiggle – and maybe a little scary too, but the hope of a Tooth Fairy visit made it all worth it. As an adult, a loose or missing tooth isn’t fun. Tooth loss can affect your confidence and nutrition, and, if left untreated, can lead to bone loss.
Luckily, there are many options for replacing missing teeth. With advances in dental technology, dental implants have become a popular treatment for replacing teeth. There are different types of dental implants, and it can be confusing to sort through all the terms – all on four dental implants, mini implants, same day implants and low cost dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants
A dental implant is a replacement tooth root. A small titanium post is surgically placed in the bone socket of the missing tooth. The jawbone heals and grows around the metal post. A replacement tooth is custom made, matched to your other teeth, and attached to this post, providing the look and feel of a natural tooth. Learn more about dental implants.
Types of Dental Implants
Mini Dental Implants
Often recommended for patients who lack jawbone mass to hold regular implants, Mini dental implants are smaller and feature two parts: a titanium post with a ball on the end and a socket with a rubber O-ring that attaches the tooth to the post.
Same Day Implants
Same Day Implants can be suitable for patients who have enough natural bone for a secure implant. In this case, the implant can be used immediately, without waiting months for the bone to fuse and heal. A temporary tooth is placed on the abutment the same day. This procedure is also known as Teeth In a Day® or Immediate Load Dental Implants.
All On 4 Dental Implants
All On 4 Dental Implants are ideal for patients with significant tooth loss or decay. Four dental implants are used to anchor a full, non-removable bridge. This procedure is best for those who need to replace a full upper and/or lower arch.
Which Type of Dental Implant is Best For Me?
At the The Gentle Dentist of Collegeville and Trappe, PA, we evaluate your overall health, dental history, and unique needs to determine your dental care plan. We use state-of-the-art 3D imaging to assess your jawbone, structure and placement. As a full service, comprehensive dental practice, we are not in the business of marketing dental implants. If another tooth replacement solution, such as a traditional crown, would be better for you, we will provide this service instead.
Can I Afford Dental Implants?
We’ve all seen the advertisements for low cost dental implants. These ads can be misleading; if the ad for dental implants reads like a used car advertisement, be wary. If you are a good candidate for dental implants, there are many factors to consider in the cost. Top quality materials like porcelain teeth can be more expensive, but provide more durability and are likely to last longer. Do your homework, ask questions and get a detailed dental plan.
Looking for experienced, certified, and caring dental implant services in southeastern Pennsylvania? Learn why our patients choose The Collegeville Trappe Gentle Dentist.