Dental Implants and Tooth Replacement Options
Dental implants can provide a stable, natural-feeling, long-term option for replacing missing teeth. They may be used to replace one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch of teeth, depending on the health of the gums, bone, bite, and surrounding teeth. Patients can chew, eat, and speak with confidence and in comfort when their teeth are replaced with dental implants.
Dr. Devoll evaluates each patient individually to determine whether implants, bone grafting, staged treatment, an implant bridge, an implant denture, or another option may be appropriate.
A Careful Evaluation Comes First
The best implant plan depends on bone volume, gum health, medical history, bite forces, esthetic goals, hygiene access, cost, and long-term maintenance. A consultation helps determine what is realistic and what sequence of care makes the most sense.
CT-Based Planning and 3-D Guidance
For many implant cases, a dental CT scan provides important three-dimensional information about bone, anatomy, and implant positioning. In our office, CT-based planning is an important part of the implant evaluation and treatment planning process.
Replacing One Tooth, Several Teeth, or Stabilizing a Denture
Dental implants may be used for single-tooth replacement, implant bridges, full-arch treatment, or stabilizing a loose denture. In some lower-denture cases, as few as two implants may significantly improve denture stability.
What If I Was Told I Do Not Have Enough Bone?
Some patients are told they do not have enough bone for implants and would like a second opinion. A CT-based specialist evaluation can help determine whether implants are possible, whether grafting is needed, or whether a different tooth replacement option would be more appropriate.