The gold standard in tooth restorations is the dental implant. Whether you have one missing tooth or need a full mouth reconstruction, dental implants can provide the most natural and functional option to restore your complete smile. At Liberty Lake Smile Source, we offer innovative options in implant dentistry, from single tooth replacements to securing hybrid dentures with implants. If you have one or more missing teeth and live in Liberty Lake, WA or in the Spokane Valley area, we are your trusted source for dental implants.
What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a surgical tooth replacement. The post of the implant is inserted into the jawbone to create a permanent connection. As the surgical site heals, bone grows around the post and secures the implant in place. The top of the implant post can connect to various dental restorations to hold them in place. For single teeth replacements, a dental crown can be bonded to the abutment on the post, creating a functional, beautiful new tooth. For multiple teeth or full mouth restorations, dentures or prosthetic arches can be supported by or secured to implants.
All-On-3 Dental Implants
Do you want to replace your lower missing teeth with dental implants but are not excited about the cost or time investment? There is a solution to achieve a new smile with the stability of dental implants but without the same cost or time commitment. All-on-3 dental implants are the latest innovation in implant-supported hybrid dentures, giving you the comfort and security of dental implants with a lower price.
All-On-4 Dental Implants
All-on-4 dental implants are another innovative implant-supported denture procedure. Instead of 5-8 dental implants per arch like many implant-overdenture combinations, only four implants are needed to support the hybrid denture. This benefits patients by cutting costs and requiring less bone density to support the implants. The specialized technique used to insert the dental implants makes this possible, making this restoration procedure available to most patients with missing teeth.
Overdentures
Overdentures can be removable or fixed in place. There are different options available, depending on the preferences of the patient. Implant secured or supported overdentures connect to implants to hold them in place. There are overdentures that “snap” in place and others that are secured with a ball device on the implant abutment. These retained or secured overdentures offer more stability than traditional dentures, but they still can be removed by the patient and taken out for cleaning and sleeping.
Hybrid Dentures
Hybrid implant dentures or fixed hybrid dentures are a combination of implants and a partial denture or bridge. Conventional partial dentures use the gums and existing teeth to hold the denture in place, but the prosthetic device can slip. With a hybrid denture, dental implants are used to secure the denture in place. This offers better stability, comfort, function and appearance than a removable denture. A fixed hybrid denture is also stronger than a dental bridge, providing a better bite for chewing.
Fixed Hybrid Vs. Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a cost-effective option for replacing multiple missing teeth, but they have many drawbacks. The device slips in and uses a metal cage to secure the teeth in place, but they can move and slip when talking or eating. Since they are not permanently secured, partial dentures have limited strength and must be removed to be cleaned. Many people have lost their partial dentures or damaged them since they are frequently removed.
A fixed hybrid denture is held in place with dental implants. They do not come out but stay in the mouth 24/7. You can brush your dentures like your natural teeth and enjoy the confidence of knowing your teeth will stay put when you are talking or eating. Since dental implants are used, you receive the benefit of jawbone stimulation to promote bone growth similar to natural teeth.
Hybrid dentures are a great option for those who have lost some, but not all their teeth. They are more affordable than replacing each missing tooth with a dental implant. To learn more about fixed hybrid dentures and the many different restorative dentistry options we offer at Liberty Lake Smile Source, contact our dental center. We are conveniently located near Spokane, WA, and Post Falls, ID, in Liberty Lake, WA.
Implant Repairs
The most common issue with a dental implant is damage to the exterior components. Single tooth dental implants have crowns that can be cracked or broken, and implants paired with dentures may need connection components replaced. Our office completes all types of dental implant procedures, and we can also repair implants that are damaged. We have the advanced dental technology and equipment needed to perform complex and intricate dental implant restorations and repairs at our dental center in Liberty Lake, WA.
Dental implants work like natural teeth, but they do not have the nerve structure like teeth. If a component on your implant is damaged, you will not feel pain like you would with a tooth. It is crucial to continue having routine checkups to examine your implants and ensure they are in good condition. Our team at Liberty Lake Smile Source can perform your implant exams and perform any treatments or repairs needed to protect your smile investment.
