Understanding my Dental Implant Options

Thanks to innovative dentistry, patients pursuing dental implants as a comprehensive restorative solution have a number of available implant treatments to select from. However, with so many choices it is easy to become confused when determining which option works best for your smile. The following is a list of common dental implant options that may be available at your oral surgeon’s dental office. 

While this is not exhaustive, it may shed some light and offer guidance when it comes to selecting dental implants for your unique dentition.

Single Unit Dental Implants: The basic implant option, single unit dental implants are often recommended when a patient has lost a single tooth as a result of localized trauma, infection, or other damage. Typically, the neighboring teeth are healthy, making implants an ideal option as the treatment does not need to use the surrounding teeth as supportive structures for the restoration.

Multiple Unit Dental Implants: For patients missing more than one tooth, multiple unit implants are capable of replacing the look and function of the missing teeth. With this treatment, two to four implants are used to support a bridge or partial denture.  In cases where more extensive restorations are required, up to eight implants may be used to support a full arch restoration. One common application of this multiple unit treatment is all-on-4 dental implants, which utilize four implants to support a full arch restoration.

Implant-supported Dentures: For individuals with existing restorations, implant-supported dentures are an excellent way to secure replacement teeth to the dentition. Not only does this variation provide patients with a natural looking smile, but they also help ensure lasting function and success by preventing the teeth from slipping around in the mouth. As the restoration is removable, patients are able to take out their dentition

Hybrid Dentures: Also recommended for patients experiencing multiple tooth loss, hybrid dentures are a cross between multiple-unit dental implants and implant-supported dentures. While this form of implant treatment is connected to the dentition via a series of implants, the restoration is less bulky than that of implant-supported dentures. Rather than covering the entire palate, hybrid denture restorations only replace the teeth and are fixed to the dentition.

Immediate Load Dental Implants: , receiving dental implants can be a lengthy process. Depending on the condition of your mouth and jaw bone, some individuals may require preliminary treatments in order to ensure long-term treatment success. However, some patients with sufficient bone structure may be able to avoid lengthy treatment by opting for immediate load dental implants. Unlike the conventional treatment plan, immediate load implants are placed and restored within 24 hours, providing patients with immediate results. While there are a number of factors that go into determining candidacy, many eligible patients find these same day implants to be an ideal solution for missing teeth.

At Lorton Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, Dr. Snehal and his team are committed to helping patients find the right solution for their smile. With offices located in both Lorton and Springfield, our Northern Virginia implant dentist is proud to offer a number of permanent dental restoration options. Contact our dental offices today to schedule your implant consultation.