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Dental Implants to Restore Your Smile

Dec 09, 2021
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Tooth loss can occur for a number of reasons, including factors beyond a dental patient’s control in many instances. But even if the underlying causation is treated, your smile could be at risk of further dental issues without tooth replacement.

Tooth loss can occur for a number of reasons, including factors beyond a dental patient’s control in many instances. But even if the underlying causation is treated, your smile could be at risk of further dental issues without tooth replacement.

Dental implants can provide permanent restorative benefits for patients with missing teeth. Different types of implants can help your smile, depending on your unique dental needs. Dr. Edward Hudgens, a dentist located in Charleston, SC, outlines three dental implants that can improve your unique smile.

Dental Implants to Restore Your Smile

3 TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

SINGLE DENTAL IMPLANTS

A single dental implant can help patients who hope to replace one missing tooth. Dental patients can benefit from more than one of this type of implant if needed.

The fixture consists of a titanium post that serves as an anchor, which a dentist surgically places into the patient’s jaw. When this heals, the dentist secures a prosthetic tooth or crown to an abutment above the gumline attached to the anchor.

IMPLANT-SUPPORTED DENTAL BRIDGES

Implant-supported dental bridges can replace three or more missing teeth in a row. This implant features two surgically placed anchors, one on each end of the bridge prosthetic.

The implant improves the aesthetic of an individual’s smile, filling gaps where teeth have been lost. It also restores oral capabilities for these patients. This permanent tooth replacement treatment allows them to eat and speak normally again without worrying about their device slipping out of place.

ALL-ON-FOUR DENTAL IMPLANTS

An All-on-Four dental implant replaces an entire arch of teeth. This can fit patients on both the top and bottom of the mouth as needed. As its name implies, this implant uses four anchors to support an arch of prosthetic teeth.

Unlike tooth replacements that only treat tooth loss above the gumline, dental implants can preserve a patient’s jawbone health. The anchor replaces the absent tooth root, which stimulates the jawbone and stops it from deteriorating. It also encourages the regrowth of bone that may have already been lost.

Dental Implants and Other Tooth Replacements in Charleston, SC

Dr. Hudgens provides dental implants and other tooth replacement solutions for patients in Charleston, SC. Our practice specializes in restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation or appointment with our team, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 843.418.9354.