When it comes to missing teeth, it is important to find the best treatment for the patient’s needs. The treatment used for a patient with a single missing tooth may not be the same as the one used for a patient with multiple missing teeth. Fortunately, the dental implant system is versatile, and can be customized for each patient’s needs and smile goals.
Here at Barksdale Dentistry, we can provide our Baton Rouge, LA area patients with three main types of dental implant restoration. These treatments are set apart by the number of teeth being restored by the treatment, and Dr. John Barksdale will explain what makes each unique below.
Three Treatment Types for Patients with Missing Teeth
No matter how many teeth you may be missing, rest assured that we have a treatment utilizing dental implants that can restore function and feel to your smile:
Single Tooth Restorations
The most common type of restoration we perform here at Barksdale Dentistry is for patients who are missing a single tooth. Using a single implant fixture and a dental crown, we can completely replace that missing tooth. First, an implant fixture is placed in the empty spot left behind by the missing tooth.
As this area heals following the surgery, gum tissue grows up along the fixture, fusing with the piece as if it were a natural tooth. This fusion is possible because of the biocompatible titanium that the implant fixture is made from. When the implant site has fully healed, an abutment will be attached, followed by a dental crown that will complete the restoration.
Multiple Teeth Restorations
The next type of restoration that we provide is for those who are missing multiple teeth. Generally, if these teeth are not in the same area of the mouth, then each tooth will receive its own implant fixture and porcelain crown.
When a patient comes to us with multiple missing teeth that all border each other, then Dr. Barksdale may recommend using an implant-supported dental bridge. This procedure sees multiple implant fixtures placed, which will be used to support the crowns on the ends of the bridge. Both of these fixtures are placed in the same procedure. Once healed, an abutment will be attached to each fixture and the dental bridge connected at both points.
Full Arch Restorations
While rarer, we do on occasion receive patients who are missing full arches of teeth. For these patients, it simply isn’t feasible to restore each and every tooth with its own implant fixture and restoration. A series of implant-supported dental bridges may also not work for a variety of different reasons, most of which have to do with the condition of the patient’s jawbone or gums. Instead, the patient may want to consider an implant-supported overdenture.
For this treatment method, four to six implant fixtures are placed along the patient’s jaw. At this point, the patient’s mouth will need time to heal, during which the fusion process works as planned. Once healed, an abutment will be attached to each implant fixture and the overdenture connected at each point.
Contact Our Baton Rouge Dental Implant Office Today
As you can see, we can provide a quality dental implant treatment that will restore your smile, regardless of however many teeth you may be missing. This is all thanks to the versatility of the treatment, and its ability to work with other tooth restoration treatments. If you would like to learn more about this treatment or would like to find out which one might be best for your unique needs, then contact our office and schedule a no-obligation consultation with Dr. John Barksdale today. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
