When something is “fixed,” it means it’s secured in place. The anchors of a structural bridge are often fixed to the ground below, keeping the bridge from moving as thousands of cars pass over it every day. For a dental implant, being “fixed” to your jaw works similarly! Fixed dental implants embed in your jawbone to keep dental restorations in place that replace your missing teeth. By fixing these implants to your bone, we provide a stable foundation for your crown, bridge, or denture, restoring function to your smile.
How Do Fixed Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are titanium, a biocompatible material that interacts well with living bone. By placing these implants in your jaw, the titanium alloy will integrate with your bone, providing a stable connection that rivals the stability of your natural teeth.
The integration process may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type of implant you use.
At St. Apollonia Dental, we use two types of dental implants.
Conventional dental implants are large and consist of multiple components. To place these titanium screws, we first create an incision in your gums to reveal your jaw. Then, we use a series of drills to create an opening in your jawbone large enough to fit the implant. After a few months of healing, we then reopen the incision to place the abutment, or connector piece that attaches to your restoration.
In contrast, mini dental implants are much smaller and feature a unique one-piece design. To place these implants, we use a minimally invasive procedure that takes just one appointment! First, we create a small pilot hole in your gums and jaw, then we gently screw the implant in place. Once inside your bone, mini implants are immediately stable enough to secure and support a temporary restoration. Then, after a few weeks of healing, they’re fixed to your jawbone permanently to support your final crown, bridge, or denture.
At your free implant consultation, the team at St. Apollonia Dental will assess the quality of your jawbone to determine which implant is right for your smile. In most cases, those ineligible for conventional dental implants are still eligible for mini implants, due to their small diameter.
Our Fixed Restoration Options
Depending on your needs, we can secure dental implant crowns, bridges, or dentures. These restorations provide a secure solution to tooth loss.
Fixed Crown
When you need to replace one tooth, we’ll likely recommend an implant crown. These tooth-shaped caps secure on one to two implants, depending on how much support they require. For mini implant crowns that replace molars, we may use two implants for extra support.
With these dental implants secure in your jaw, we fill the gaps in your smile with fixed dental crowns.
Fixed Bridge
To replace multiple missing teeth in a row, we’ll likely recommend a dental bridge. These restorations are a row of artificial teeth bonded together to form a single unit. Often, patients like you experience tooth loss in the same area due to issues such as decay or gum disease, which can spread from one tooth to another.
With multiple teeth missing in a row, we place multiple dental implants in the gaps between your smile. Once they’re secure, we’ll place your dental bridge on top to replace your missing teeth.
In many cases, we may use a combination of crowns and bridges to patch the holes in your smile, as we still want to preserve the natural teeth you have left.
Fixed Denture
Traditional dentures loosen over time, creating difficulties with chewing and speaking clearly. Fortunately, dental implants can anchor these restorations to your jawbone, providing a more stable solution.
By placing dental implants strategically around your jaw, following its natural curvature, we create a secure foundation for your prosthetic smile.
Depending on which implants we use, your implant denture options vary. We may be able to provide you with a removable implant denture that “snaps” on and off your implants for easy maintenance.
In some cases, we can secure a semi-fixed denture that you never remove. These prosthetics are secure on your implants, and only we remove them during routine dental visits.
Finally, for those looking to mimic the appearance and function of their natural teeth, we provide fixed implant dentures! Using dental cement, we anchor these prosthetics to your implants, so they never come out.
Find Fixed Dental Implants in Sterling Heights, MI
If you’re looking for a permanent solution to tooth loss, book a free consultation at St. Apollonia Dental! We offer fixed dental implants that restore your smile and provide incredible stability and function. Whether you need a crown, bridge, or denture, we have a solution for you!
