The staff at Oelwein Dental Associates are absolutely amazing!!! I have had several invasive procedures done by Adam Kruger and every experience has been top notch. He followed up for several days after to check up on how I was doing. He is always kind, caring, professional and respectful. The ladies at the front desk are always there to answer a question and they greet you with a smile. The assistants are patient, kind, and compassionate. Especially to my three children. Going to the dentist is not a “scarey” thing anymore thanks to the staff at Oelwein Dental Associates. I would highly recommend their services for all your dental needs!!
Are you considering dental implants to restore your smile and regain your confidence? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Dental implants are a fantastic solution for missing teeth, providing a natural-looking and long-lasting replacement. In this blog, we’ll explore the various types of implants and how to choose the right implants for your smile.
The best way to determine which implants will work best for you is by scheduling a consultation at one of our offices: 563-422-6292 West Union or 319-283-4222 Oelwein. In the meantime, see some of the criteria used to make this important decision.
How Many Teeth Are You Missing?
The number of missing teeth plays a huge role in determining the type of dental implant that will suit you best. Here are a few options to consider:
- Implant Crown – If you’re missing a single tooth, an implant crown is an ideal choice. One of our dentists will replace the root of the missing tooth with a dental implant, which serves as an anchor for the crown. The implant crown not only restores the appearance of your smile, but it gives you the ability to bite and chew as easily as you always have.
- Implant Bridge – For several consecutive missing teeth, an implant bridge may be the right choice. We’ll use dental implants to anchor a bridge, which fills the gap created by the missing teeth. Implant bridges stay fixed in place. So they are a more convenient alternative to removable partial dentures. They also offer advantages over a traditional bridge. We won’t have to remove any structure from your surrounding healthy teeth. And unlike a standard bridge, an implant bridge will protect you from bone loss in your jaw.
- Implant Denture – For patients with multiple missing teeth or complete edentulism (all teeth missing), an implant denture can be a life-changing solution. Implant dentures use dental implants as a stable foundation to support a full arch of artificial teeth. They provide excellent stability, comfort, and esthetics. You can choose snap-on dentures that you can remove for cleaning or fixed dentures that stay in place until a dentist removes them for maintenance. With the second option, you keep teeth clean with regular brushing and flossing.
Your Overall Oral Health Matters
Your overall oral health is crucial when considering dental implants. Before proceeding with implant placement, your dentist will evaluate the condition of your gums, remaining teeth, and surrounding structures. It’s essential to address any existing oral health issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay, before getting implants. A healthy oral environment promotes successful implant integration and long-term implant stability.
Full-Arch Implants May Work Well if You’ve Suffered Bone Loss
The strength and density of your jawbone are critical factors in determining the suitability of dental implants. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone around the area shrinks over time due to lack of stimulation from a tooth root. However, even if you have experienced bone loss, you may still be able to get dental implants. Your dentist can assess your bone volume using digital X-rays.
If your jawbone lacks the necessary thickness or height, we may first need to perform a bone grafting or ridge augmentation procedure. Implants in your upper jaw may require a sinus lift to replace lost bone mass and create room for teeth implants.
Alternatively, if you have significant bone loss and wish to replace an entire arch of teeth, full-arch implants (also known as All-on-4 or All-on-6 implants) may work well for you. We use a special placement of dental implants (with two at vertical angles) to support a complete set of fixed prosthetic teeth. This is easier on your jaw than other kinds of implant dentures, so you should heal more quickly. It may cost less too, since fewer implants are used to secure teeth.
Choosing the right dental implants is a crucial decision. Fortunately, our experienced dentists can help! No matter which kind of implants you get, we use advanced technology like computer-guided placement, so you’ll enjoy the most successful outcome. You can also choose to receive sedation during our implant treatment if you’re nervous.
Don’t wait any longer! Let us help you choose the right implants for your smile. Call West Union Dental Associates at 319-283-4222 to schedule an appointment in Oelwein or 563-422-6292. You can also schedule online (Oelwein) or or schedule online (West Union).