These days, there are many options available to dental patients who need one or more teeth replaced. Your best solution depends on multiple factors, including your age, state of health, budget, the density of your jawbone, and the location of the teeth that require restoration. Dental implants are one of the most popular options available in Surrey, BC, but there are many types to choose from even within this category. Here are the most common alternatives, with information that might help you make an informed choice.
Mini Implants
As their name suggests, mini implants are very small in diameter. These are less than 3 mm wide and resemble toothpicks. They are used mainly to support traditional crowns or hold implant-supported dentures in position. Mini implants are a temporary solution in most instances and are ideal for patients with insufficient bone density.
Traditional, Small-Diameter Implants
The next size up from mini implants are traditional, small-diameter implants 3 mm wide. These are also used for small spaces and patients with little bone volume, but they have the size and strength needed for longer-term usage. Dentists generally implant these for front teeth or premolars because they can’t withstand tremendous biting force. Bone grafting is often recommended for patients who don’t have enough bone to support dental implants.
Standard Implants
The most common dental implants used in Surrey BC generally measure between 3.5 and 6 mm in diameter. These are the best option to replace missing teeth, stabilize dentures, and provide patients with immediate tooth replacement. Between 80% and 90% of standard implants last 10 to 15 years, compared with only 60% to 70% of crowns and bridges over the same period.
Implant-Supported Dentures
People have been wearing dentures to replace missing teeth for decades now, and these days dentures are precision-engineered and highly advanced. However, many patients are unable to wear dentures with complete comfort and stability. This applies mainly to lower dentures, which can be challenging to fit in a patient with insufficient bone or gum tissue. Implant-supported dentures can be fixed or removable appliances that snap or screw onto posts implanted in the bone. All-on-four and all-on-six are two of the most common methods used for implant-supported dentures.
Ceramic Implants
As a recent arrival on the market, ceramic implants are most often used for front teeth or in patients who have allergic reactions to metal. These implants help prevent the discolouration that occurs in some patients when the buccal bone loses density and the implant shows through. The ceramic implants are white, which avoids this aesthetic problem. Our dentist will be able to advise you if you’re likely to need ceramic implants, so you can include this factor in your decision when considering your smile makeover cost.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss dental implants with our Surrey team and enjoy the best tooth restoration and other smile solutions we offer.