Multiple Teeth Replacement With Implants
Portland, OR
 The advent of dental implants has opened a bold new world for patients who are missing multiple teeth. In the past, options were restricted to poor-fitting dentures that often failed to mimic real teeth. Dental implants look and feel real because they closely match the properties of natural teeth.
The best part is that dental implants can be used to replace multiple teeth. Unlike conventional dental bridges and partial dentures, dental implants don't require support from adjacent teeth. Oral hygiene for dental implants is relatively easy and often only requires brushing and flossing routines. Multiple dental implants are also great at preserving jawbone density. They are made using biocompatible materials such as titanium that can integrate with the jawbone, which goes a long way in keeping the bone intact and preserving the patient's smile.
A Quick Look at the Structure of a Dental Implant
Implant-supported dentures are composed of the following parts:
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The implant itself, which looks like a screw or cylinder that is drilled into the jawbone
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The abutment that is inserted into the implant
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Prosthetics such as dental crowns that look and feel just like real teeth |
One advantage of dental implants is that they can be used for full arch restoration, also known as complete fixed bridges. They are non-removable and provide the necessary strength to support your biting force. Conventional bridges often rely on surrounding teeth for support, while a complete fixed bridge uses your jawbone for support.
How Long Does it Take for Dental Implants to Heal?
The healing time for dental implants depends on the surgical site. For example, healing times for dental implants on the lower jaw are smaller than the ones on the upper jaw. This is primarily because the lower jaw has the densest bone, which allows for faster osseointegration. Implants on the lower jaw usually take less than 10 weeks to heal, compared to about 18 weeks for the upper jaw. The patient must follow our dentist's post-op instructions to accelerate healing. This often means quitting smoking and sticking to all-liquid meals for the first few days after surgery. For additional details, consult with our experts Aron Geelan, DMD and at Geelan Dental Care. In some cases, the healing time may take longer if the patient has undergone a bone graft surgery which could require an additional 12 weeks to heal.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
If you don't think multiple teeth replacement with implants is a good choice, you may opt for dentures. You could opt for full dentures to replace an entire arch of teeth, while partial dentures can replace a few missing teeth. It is worth noting that dentures don't stimulate the jawbone, and you may face jawbone loss.
The same is true for a dental bridge: it won't prevent bone loss over time.
With that said, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. For more on tooth loss, schedule a consultation with our experts at Geelan Dental Care by calling (971) 323-1990 and receive quality care.
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