Dental Implants
Dental implants are a reliable source for effective tooth replacement. Whether you have lost one tooth or many, implants can provide a permanent solution that looks and functions normally.
Dental Implants in Birmingham, AL
Dental implants are an excellent option for patients who are missing one or more teeth. People with missing teeth may have trouble speaking clearly or chewing food correctly. If left untreated, the teeth can shift, and the jawbone can deteriorate. The patient can also have facial structure loss along with bite imbalances. Dental implants can help patients overcome short-term challenges and even prevent long-term problems.
Hall Dental offers dental implants in Birmingham, AL. If you are considering dental implants as a tooth-replacement option, please contact our office for a consultation.
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What is a dental implant?
Dental implants, made of titanium, are placed below the gumline to provide an artificial root system that maintains the order of the remaining teeth. During the months following implant placement, the bone marrow surrounding them grows and holds them in place. This lets the implants replace the root structure of the missing tooth. After that, an artificial tooth is placed on the implant, which is connected to the implant by a small metal piece (also known as an abutment).
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What types of dental implants exist?
Endosteal Dental Implants
This is the most common type of dental implant. They comprise a titanium metal rod installed into the jawbone and a supporting post specifically designed to secure either a dental crown or a dental bridge.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
This option involves a full top or bottom denture supported by four implants. Each implant is strategically placed so the replacement teeth remain steady and secure. The advantage of using four implants is that it promotes faster patient recovery and reduces the likelihood of complications from potential implant failure.
Read: What Are The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants? -
What is the procedure for dental implants?
To begin the dental implant procedure, the dentist examines the site where the implant is being considered. If teeth need to be extracted, the oral surgeon does that first. Then, if required, the surgeon performs a bone graft to ensure adequate, strong bone is present at the implant site.
Once the bone is ready, the dental implant will be placed into the bone, and a healing cap will be placed over the implant to initiate healing. Regular check-ups will be necessary to ensure proper healing and check for any infection around the surgery site.
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What are All-on-4 dental implants?
All-on-4 dental implants are a full set of implants designed to replace your entire upper or lower set of teeth. They fuse to your bone more easily than traditional dental implants, making them an alternative that comes with a quicker recovery time and a more permanent solution.
Unlike conventional implants that require a dental prosthetic per implant, All-on-4 dental implants replace 16 teeth with only 4 implants. These implants are strategically placed to leverage areas that naturally contain more bone and support a prosthetic bridge, to which artificial teeth are attached.
With All-on-4 dental implants, you can replace your entire set of missing teeth in just one day, with fewer implants and no bone grafts.
More questions about dental implants?
If you’re interested in dental implants, use the links below to schedule an appointment or to contact our office with any questions about the process.
