Common Questions About Dental Implants

Single Implant Replacement

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are titanium screws with a hollow internal structure. These screws are used to act as a root structure to hold a crown in place of the missing tooth.

What are the pros and cons of Bridge vrs a Dental Implant?

Dental Implants are Highly Esthetic

Dental implants have become the standard of practice when considering replacing teeth. Bridges utilize two teeth on either side of your missing tooth or teeth. If your adjacent teeth do not have cavities then putting crowns over them just to cover the gap does not make sense. With a dental implant you can replace a tooth and not affect the surrounding teeth.

How long do Implants last?

In dental training we are often taught implants have an approx 10-15 year life span. But my clinical experiences have taught me that they can definitely last longer if properly maintained.

Implant Dentures (Over Dentures & All on 4)

An over denture is a implant supported denture that eliminates the problems associated with traditional dentures by stabilizing the denture with dental implants.

These implant dentures can snap in and out for ability to clean the implant areas. Ability to clean the implants and attachments will ensure your dental implants last for a long time.

Unlike traditional dentures they do not come in and out daily. The majority of the time the denture is attached to the implants and will be anchored in your mouth. Implant supported dentures are much more comfortable because less material is used so the dentures themselves are smaller allowing you to taste, chew, and speak better.

What is an All-on-4 Dental Implant?

All-on-4 dental implants is when four dental implants are inserted into the jaw and then an implant denture is connected to the implants. A custom-designed set of teeth is crafted just for you and snapped firmly into place onto the implants. All of your teeth will be anchored by four dental implants and thus you have All-on-4 dental implant dentures.

All-on-4 dental implants aren't offered by every dentist. However, the specialists at St. Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry are on the cutting edge of dental technology and work with the most skilled lab technicians in the Treasure Coast to produce a natural-looking and comfortable set of new teeth that you'll be proud to flash all over town.

All on X “Teeth in a day”

The All-on-x or teeth in a day is a highly aesthetic fixed option for teeth replacement, which means the denture or bridge does not come in and out. The denture or bridge is anchored by four or more dental implants. This procedure is also called the "hybrid" implant denture. This approach is becoming the most popular way to replace a full set of teeth because it offers these benefits:

• All-on-x Implants Replace all your teeth in one day
• Attractive, natural appearance
• Functional biting and chewing
• Replacement teeth don’t slip or fall out
• Less expensive than other options
• No need for a bone graft (in most cases)
• Great long-term survival

The All-on-x implant system is designed to replace all your teeth in one procedure. That means you can replace all your teeth at once, even if you have natural teeth that need to be extracted.