Dental implants can provide a strong, long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. However, while implants can be suitable for many, not everyone is a suitable candidate, as a variety of factors will need to be considered.
At Oasis Dental Studio, we offer a variety of dental implant treatments, including All-On-4, singular tooth loss, implant-supported dentures, teeth in a day, and implant-supported bridges.
In this blog, we’ll go over the different types of dental implants and discuss what makes a suitable candidate for each.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium tooth root replacements that are strong, durable, and long-lasting. They are designed to replace missing teeth in an aesthetically and functionally effective method.
By being surgically inserted into the jawbone, they make a stable alternative to dentures. Dental implants can be essential for restoring the function of the teeth, preventing other dental complications and maintaining oral health.
There are different types of dental implant methods available, but generally, each implant is highly personalised and designed to suit your individual needs.
Why should I replace missing teeth?
Replacing missing teeth is essential to maintaining both the functionality and health of your mouth.
When a tooth is lost, it can lead to misalignment as surrounding teeth shift to fill the gap. This can weaken the structural support for other teeth and increase the risk of oral health issues, like dental disease. Tooth loss also reduces stimulation to the jawbone, which can result in bone loss over time, affecting the overall stability of your bite.
Dental implants offer a long-term solution by restoring the critical connection between the tooth and jaw. Essentially, they support oral health while addressing the aesthetic and functional concerns caused by missing teeth.
What makes a suitable candidate for each of our dental implant treatments
In general, suitable candidates for dental implants will need to have good overall oral health, including healthy gums.
Adequate bone density will also be important, as this is needed to support the implant. However, some candidates may be suitable for an additional treatment called bone grafting.
Candidates should also have realistic expectations, ensuring that their aesthetic and functional goals align with what dental implants can realistically achieve.
Generally, if you experience bruxism or a similar condition that causes you to grind your teeth, you may be required to treat this first, as these conditions can cause implant failure.
Let’s explore the differences between each type of dental implant treatment to better understand what makes a suitable candidate for each.
- All-On-4
All-On-4 dental implants are a full-arch restoration option designed to replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw using just four strategically placed implants. The treatment provides a stable foundation for a custom-made dental bridge that looks and functions like natural teeth. The strategic placement of the implants maximises support and minimises the need for bone grafting, even in cases of significant bone loss.All-On-4 is often suitable for those who have lost most or all of their teeth in one or both arches. It’s a particularly suitable option for those looking for an alternative to removable dentures. - Singular tooth loss
When a single tooth is lost, a dental implant can be used to replace the missing tooth root and support a natural-looking crown. The treatment restores the appearance and function of the tooth while preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting out of place. A treatment to place a single dental implant can be a suitable option for those who have just lost a single tooth. - Implant-supported dentures
Implant-supported dentures combine the stability of dental implants with the convenience of dentures to replace multiple missing teeth. At Oasis Dental Studio, we offer both fixed and removable implant-supported dentures. The fixed option is more like the other implant methods, while the removable option will have a series of abutments attached to the bottom of the denture, allowing them to be removed.Candidates for implant-supported dentures are typically those who have lost all of their teeth in one or both arches but have sufficient jawbone density to support implants. They can be a more comfortable and stable alternative to traditional dentures. - Teeth in a day
Teeth in a day is an efficient, advanced treatment that allows patients to receive dental implants and a functional set of prosthetic teeth in a single appointment. While other methods involve more than one appointment, as implants will need to be placed in stages, this treatment streamlines the process. The treatment can be suitable for those who want a faster solution for missing teeth, have enough jawbone density, and have good oral health. - Implant-supported bridges
Implant-supported bridges use implants as a foundation for bridges, which are made by fusing three or more dental crowns together. This option can be suitable for candidates for dental bridges who want the added stability of implants.
Find out if you are a suitable candidate during a consultation
During your consultation, we’ll carefully assess your suitability for dental implants and determine which method is right for you.
Your assessment will typically involve reviewing your medical and dental history and discussing any underlying health conditions. You may need to have X-rays or 3D imaging to accurately assess your jawbone and tissues and determine if additional procedures, like bone grafting, will be needed to support the implants.
After ensuring that you’re suitable for implants, we’ll assess your needs and discuss your expectations to create a personalised treatment plan. We can explain the different methods in more detail and discuss your suitability for the most suitable options.
Dental Implants at Oasis Dental Studio in the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Pottsville
At Oasis Dental Studio, we offer comprehensive and personalised care, using the highest-quality dental implant equipment and durable titanium implants.
If you think you need dental implants, contact our team today to book a consultation at our Gold Coast, Brisbane, or Pottsville locations.