Different Uses for Dental Implants in Vancouver WA
At Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, dental implants are one of our specialties, and we offer a variety of dental implant procedures at our office in Vancouver, WA. Dental implants are an incredibly versatile tooth replacement option: they are specially designed to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
Whether you are replacing one tooth or many, oral surgeons can strategically place your dental implants to hold several types of prostheses. Additionally, when patients need orthodontic work done, dental implants are sometimes used to anchor the braces or other dental devices. Oral surgeons are developing innovative new ways to use dental implants every day, and below, you can learn more about a few of the most common treatments available that use dental implants.
Single Tooth Replacement
Dental implants are one of the best options available for replacing a single missing or failing tooth. Bridges and removable tooth replacements can damage surrounding teeth or cause decay, but a dental implant replaces the missing tooth without affecting your neighboring teeth. Dental implants also replace the root of your tooth, creating a secure hold and preventing bone loss beneath your gums. Your implant can last a lifetime, and most patients find that they can hardly tell which teeth are real and which are implants once the healing period is over.
Implant-Supported Bridges
When replacing multiple teeth in a row, traditional bridges are a popular option. But most fixed bridges require your healthy teeth to be altered or ground down to fit the crowns that support your replacement teeth. Dental implant-supported bridges, however, preserve the health of your surrounding teeth. Additionally, implant-supported bridges tend to last longer than traditional bridges, which may require replacement after several years. Your oral surgeon can use just one or two dental implants to permanently secure your bridge.
Full-Arch Replacement
Removable dentures used to be the only option for replacing all of your upper and/or lower teeth. Thanks to dental implants, oral surgeons can now provide patients with a permanent, non-removable option to restore their smiles and oral function. Using as few as four dental implants, oral surgeons can secure a fixed denture to prevent slipping, sores, and bone loss. Once the recovery period is complete, your new teeth will be extremely secure, allowing you to smile confidently and eat your favorite foods again.
Orthodontic Anchorage Devices
The reason dental implants are so secure is because they fuse with the jaw bone beneath your prosthetic tooth. This process of osseointegration forms a strong, natural foundation for your new tooth and prevents dental shifting. Because the implants are so strong, orthodontists sometimes use them as anchorage devices to control the movement of your teeth. If your teeth need to be realigned, your dental implant’s crown can be used to stabilize braces or other orthodontic movements.
Dental Implants in Vancouver, WA
No matter what your reason for getting dental implants is, Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Vancouver, WA, is here to help. Our oral surgeons specialize in dental implant procedures of all kinds. For more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled oral surgeons, feel free to contact one of our offices today.