Cosmetic dentistry may sound like its merely about making your smile look better, all so you can flash your pearly whites to whoever you see, however, dental implants can also protect your mouth and jaw from disease or other abnormalities. For example, just one missing tooth can cause enough shifting in the mouth to cause your face to look lopsided. Learn more about the types of dental implants so that you can make the right decision for you.
Single Tooth Implant
A single-tooth implant is where the dentist works with the bone above the tooth in order to implant a rod, abutment, and crown into your mouth. The crown is the part of the implant that resembles a natural tooth, and it’s designed to look exactly like the rest of your healthy teeth. While it’s called a single-tooth implant, you can use this procedure whether you need one or several gaps to fill.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Implant-supported bridges are typically given to those who aren’t able to support a natural bridge with healthy teeth. Instead of relying on the strength of teeth surrounding the gap, the implant is what allows the location to be filled in. Patients will usually receive one implant inside the jawbone, which will take several months to fuse together. Implant-supported bridges are excellent for improving the stability of your mouth, allowing you to eat and speak as you naturally would.
Two Major Types of Implants
There are two types of implants you may receive: endosteal or subperiosteal. The former is the more common type of implant, as it’s directly implanted into the bone instead of on the jawline (like a subperiosteal implant). Your dentist will make it easier to decide which type you should receive.
Regardless of the type of implant you need, patients should take care of their mouth as soon as possible. The longer you avoid a dental procedure, the more bone will continue to deteriorate. You can learn more about the pros and cons of each type of procedure by visiting a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry.
