Dental Implants

What is a single-tooth implant?

Single-tooth implants replace the entire tooth structure rather than just a crown or a visible portion of the tooth. An entire dental implant restoration consists of three main parts:

•   Dental implant.This is a titanium screw-like post that acts to replace a natural tooth root and serves as an anchor to the tooth crown.
•   Abutment.This is a tiny connector that attaches the crown to the dental implant.
•   Crown.An implant-retained height is a custom restoration that mimics the missing tooth in both function and aesthetics.

What is an Implant Bridge?

Implant-supported bridges, also known as “fixed partial dentures” are a permanent tooth replacement solution used when several teeth are missing. With implant-supported restorations, a custom-made bridge is anchored to the dental implants to replace missing teeth. You don’t need one implant for every missing tooth. As few as 6 to 8 implants can support the replacement of a completely edentulous jaw using an implant-supported bridge.

What is an Implant-Supported Denture?

Implant-supported dentures, also known as “implant overdentures”, “implant retained dentures, or “snap-on dentures” are simply dentures that are anchored by dental implants rather than resting on your gums. This type of prosthetic teeth is commonly used for the lower jaw, providing the required retention and stability since lower jaw conventional dentures often feel unstable and loose. Nevertheless, you can receive implant-supported dentures for the upper jaw as well.

There are two standard types of implant-supported dentures:

•   Locator Retained Dentures.The locator system is specifically designed to make the denture snaps in place using some attachments or clips called locators. As a result of this, it increases retention and stability.

•   Bar-Retained Dentures.This system includes a thin metal bar which is attached to the implants. Clips or other attachments are fitted to the denture and the bar. The denture then fits over the bar, and the attachments clip it into place.

What is an All-on-4 Dental Implant?

Generally, replacing a full arch of teeth requires six to eight implants. The All-on-4 technique, also known as “Teeth in a Day” uses only four implants by placing two vertical dental implants on the anterior and two angled dental implants on the posterior part of the jaw bone. Patients can receive a fixed temporary full-arch prosthesis in a single visit, the same day that implants are placed.

If you need more information about dental Implants or would like to discuss your options, please do not hesitate to contact one of our three clinics at Chilliwack. We will book a free consultation appointment for you to review your options with your dentist.