Patients with missing teeth may be dissatisfied with the appearance of their smile when there are gaps between teeth. They may also notice increased difficulties in oral functions, such as eating or speaking.
Dental implants can replace teeth and enhance a patient’s smile, though there are several kinds of treatment that can benefit a patient. Dr. Shawna Hoffert, a dentist in Asheville, NC, describes three types of dental implants that can help restore your smile.
Single Dental Implants
A single dental implant can help patients that are missing one tooth, though some patients may receive more than one single implant in their smile. This treatment consists of a titanium post that a dentist surgically places into a patient’s jaw.
Once this heals, the dentist will secure a prosthetic tooth to an abutment above the gumline that attaches to this post. A patient can notice immediate benefits to their smile’s appearance as the gaps between teeth become filled for a beautiful and natural look.
Implant-Secured Dental Bridges
An implant-secured dental bridge is useful for patients that are missing several teeth in a row. This fixture features two surgically inserted titanium posts: one for each end of the prosthetic bridge.
After tooth replacement treatment, you will notice improved oral capabilities. You can eat and speak normally once again, without worrying about slippage from a dental appliance. Implants are permanent, so you can enjoy these benefits for a lifetime.
All-on-Four Dental Implants
All-on-Four dental implants replace an entire arch of teeth, and some patients will use this type of implant to replace both the top and bottom rows of teeth. This treatment uses four dental implants to secure the arch of prosthetic teeth into their permanent position.
The posts of dental implants replace the root of a tooth, which stimulates the jawbone. This stops deterioration of bone that may occur after tooth loss and encourages regrowth of any bone that may have already been lost. This benefit is not available with treatments that only replace teeth at the gumline, such as dentures.
Find Dental Implants in Asheville, NC
Red Maple Dental offers dental implants and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Asheville, NC. Dr. Hoffert also specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry, including emergency dental care. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 828.358.1925.