Dental Implants
Implants are the new standard of care in dentistry to replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth. A dental implant looks just like a natural tooth growing out of your gums and you can brush and floss around it just like your natural teeth. Today, there are many types of dental implants that we use. Dr. Brigati will work with you individually to come up with the best implant treatment plan for your mouth and your budget.
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Single Tooth Implant Crown
If you are missing a single tooth due to decay, fracture, or a congenital abnormality then a dental implant is a wonderful option for you. In many instances, the day that your tooth is removed an implant can be placed in the same spot. We can make you a temporary that will hold the space while you are waiting for your new crown. After a few weeks of healing time your implant will be ready to load and impressions will be taken to prepare for your new crown. This crown will fit over your implant and will work seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. There are many different types of crowns available to our patients. All ceramic crowns look very natural and are therefore the most aesthetically pleasing choice. If you are a heavy grinder or have a history or breaking your natural teeth we may recommend a crown that has a metal top in order to prevent this new crown from breaking.
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Implant Supported Bridge
There are situations where patients are missing several teeth in their mouth. In most of these cases an implant bridge can made. Two implants will be placed with two implant crowns attached with a pontic, or false porcelain tooth in between the Implant crowns. Many patients find that implants leave them with a more “secure-feeling” bite and helps restore to a natural smile and chewing power. A fixed implant bridge cannot be removed in and out of your mouth but is cemented like a conventional bridge under natural teeth.
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Dentures Retained by Implants
There are circumstances where patients are not happy with the fit of their existing partials or dentures. Food becoming lodged under their appliance and/or the appliance moves when eating or talking. If this is the case, there are several options to help reduce the frustration with your existing denture or partial.
A locator denture can be fabricated to snap into the implants under the gums. This type of denture can be taken in and out of the mouth. To help with added retention, there are small plastic pieces that will need to be changed out anywhere from every few months to once a year.
If you want a denture that locks into place but can be removed, a denture can be fabricated over a bar that locks into two pistons in the denture. This type of implant supported denture is more stable than the snap-on denture.
The final type of denture is a mix between a conventional denture and a fixed bridge. This denture is called a hybrid denture or all on four. The hybrid denture requires at least four implants to be placed under the gums. The denture and the implants are screwed together and therefore cannot be removed unless Dr. Brigati removes it for you for repairs and/or cleaning purposes. This type of appliance can feel very similar to your natural teeth.
There are numerous pros and cons associated with each type of implant denture that is mentioned above. Please let us know if you would like to discuss the various options with Dr. Brigati.