Are Dental Implants Better than Dental Bridges?

Missing permanent teeth can cause many problems. A missing permanent tooth can impact your overall dental health, your appearance, and your ability to chew certain foods. This is why many people fill the space with a dental bridge or dental implant.

What is the difference between these two options? Dental implants are one of the most popular artificial tooth options available, but are they better? Your dentist in Peoria, IL, can help you choose. At Valerin Dental, we can list the options and the benefits of each type of prosthetic tooth so you can choose the best artificial tooth for you.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth that is surgically inserted into the jaw. Dental implants have three pieces, and each piece is installed separately. To get a dental implant, you must make many trips to the dentist.

When the work is done, you’ll have a tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Dental implants are easy to maintain and last a long time. They require a healthy jaw with sufficient bone density for installation.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that uses dental crowns attached to the surrounding teeth to hold the bridge in place. The dental bridge looks like a natural tooth, but it is not inserted into the jaw like a natural tooth. Dental bridges also require the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth to be shaved down (to make space for the dental crowns).

Which One Is Better?

Choosing between a dental implant and a dental bridge can be difficult. Your dentist can help you weigh the pros and cons of each so you can get the best artificial tooth for your needs.

If you have a healthy jaw, the dentist may recommend a dental implant. If your jaw has lost density, but the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are healthy and strong, the dentist may recommend a bridge. Talk to your dentist to get recommendations for your tooth replacement.

Do You Need Dental Bridges Or Implants? Call Today

If you’re interested in a dental bridge or dental implant in Peoria, IL, contact the professionals at Valerin Dental to make your next appointment.

What Are Your Dental Implant Options?

Most people have heard of dental implants and know what they are. However, what many people don’t know is that they have options when it comes to which kind of dental implants in Peoria, IL, they can get.

What Are Your Dental Implant Options?

Here are your available dental implant options. Your dentist in Peoria, IL, will recommend which one they feel is right for you. Then, you can decide which route to go.

  • All-on-4 Dental Implants

All-on-4 dental implants replace an entire arch of either upper or lower teeth. This option uses four strategically placed implants to hold one full arch of implants in place. All-on-4 implants are extremely popular due to their lower cost and because they don’t take as long.

  • All-on-5 Dental Implants

All-on-5 dental implants are just like their all-on-4 counterparts. The only difference is that the all-on-5s use five implants instead of four to provide additional stability and support.

  • All-on-6 Dental Implants

All-on-6 dental implants are just like all-on-4 and all-on-5 dental implants, except they use six implants instead of four or five to support a full arch of teeth. The more implants that are used, the more stable your arch of implants will be.

  • Mini-Dental Implants

Mini-dental implants (MDIs) are more narrow than traditional titanium implants. These implants are the size of a toothpick. MDIs are frequently used to stabilize a lower denture. They are also used for people who don’t have enough jawbone for traditional titanium implants.

  • Immediate-Load Dental Implants

Immediate-load dental implants are used as temporary teeth and are placed in the same visit. These are also known as same-day implants or teeth in a day. Immediate-load implants enable you to immediately use temporary teeth the same day as your implant surgery so you can function normally until your mouth heals and your permanent implants are complete.

  • Dental Bridges

Dental implants that hold two to three crowns are known as dental bridges. So, if you have several teeth in a row that are missing, your dentist might recommend a dental bridge that is supported by a dental implant.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Peoria, IL?

Please Contact Valerin Dental today to discuss your dental implant options. We look forward to showing you how easy and affordable getting dental implants can be!

What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?

Are you excited about getting dental implants in Peoria, IL? You are probably a bit anxious about the process too…right? Well, let’s fix that right now. We are going to go over what happens during dental implant surgery. That should help ease some of that anxiety for you.

What Happens During Dental Implant Surgery?

Here is what to expect when getting dental implants. Your dentist in Peoria, IL, will go over all of this in more detail. But for now, here are the basics.

The whole process will take many months to complete and will be done in stages.

Removal of Damaged Teeth

The dentist will remove your damaged teeth. This will begin the dental implant process.

Jawbone Grafting (if needed)

Not everyone will need jawbone grafting. This is only for people whose jawbone is too soft or if it’s not thick enough. If either of these two issues is present, you will need some bone grafting.

A bone graft creates a more stable base for your new implant. The bone used for grafting can be a bone from another part of your body. It might also be a bone substitute.

Placement of the Implant

Your dentist will make a small incision to open up your gum and expose your jawbone. They will then drill a small hole into your jawbone in the location where your new dental implant post/screw will be placed. That post/screw will act like a tooth root. That’s why it’s implanted pretty deep into your jawbone. You will be given a temporary denture to fill the gap (if needed).

Bone Growth and Healing Time

Once your implant post/screw is placed into your jawbone, the waiting begins. During this time, your jaw will grow new bone around the implant. This usually takes several months. But it will provide a stable foundation for your new artificial tooth. It will be just as stable as a natural tooth once completed.

Attach the Abutment

After your jaw has healed, new bone has grown around your implant, and you have a solid base for your new artificial tooth, it’s time to add the abutment. The abutment is the piece that is placed on your implant to hold your new artificial tooth in place.

Artificial Tooth Placement

Your dentist will then add your artificial tooth to the abutment, and your new dental implant will be complete.

Looking for an Exceptional Dentist in Peoria, IL?

Your dentist will be there for you during every step of the dental implant process. But if you have some questions or concerns or would just like a little more information first, please Contact Valerin Dental. We would be happy to help!