When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are widely considered the best long-term solution. They look, feel, and function just like natural teeth to restore your confidence and help you enjoy life without worries about slipping dentures or gaps in your smile. At ASAP Dental, we’re proud to provide a full range of options for affordable dental implants in Jacksonville and North Florida. Whether you’re missing one tooth or a full arch, our team can help you find the solution that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Let’s explore the main types of dental implants, the types of restorations they can support, and how we can help you decide the right approach for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implantis a permanent tooth replacement that’s attached to the jawbone for stability and long-term support. Unlike replacements like traditional dental bridges or partial dentures, dental implants do not rely on stable natural teeth for support. Unlike traditional dentures, implants won’t slip, shift, or become loose over time.This makes dental implants a long-term solution that restores a functional bite so you can eat comfortably again. With custom-designed restorations, your dental implants will look completely natural for a beautiful, confident smile.The Main Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants rely on the jawbone for support, and the shape, size, and density of each person’s jawbone is unique. This is why there are several surgical approaches for placing dental implants. At ASAP Dental, we’re proud to offer several types of dental implants in Jacksonville, FL so everyone can enjoy a fully restored smile.Endosteal Implants (Traditional Dental Implants)
A traditional dental implant uses a post that’s set in the jawbone to replace the tooth root with an abutment (connecting piece) and restoration like a crown or bridge on top. This is the most common type of dental implant.Benefits of Traditional Dental Implants- Long-lasting and reliable
- Excellent stability
- Suitable for most restoration types, from single teeth to full arches
Subperiosteal Dental Implants
Instead of being placed inside the bone, subperiosteal implants sit on top of the jawbone but underneath the gums using a custom metal framework to support the artificial teeth. This is ideal if you have severe bone loss that prevents placing traditional dental implants.Benefits of Subperiosteal Dental Implants- Does not require bone grafting, which can make the process less invasive
- Faster recovery time than dental implants with bone grafting
- Custom designed for a comfortable fit
- Suitable to replace multiple teeth in one area or a full arch of teeth
Zygomatic Implants
If you have severe bone loss in the upper jaw, zygomatic dental implants can be a life-changing solution. These extra-long implants are anchored to the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone, providing a solid foundation even when you don’t have enough bone volume for traditional dental implants.Benefits of Zygomatic Dental Implants- No bone grafting or sinus lift required
- Strong and stable support for upper-arch restorations
- Provides strength and support a full upper arch of teeth
Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants function like traditional implants but are smaller in diameter. These can be a helpful option when space or bone structure is limited. They’re best for smaller teeth (like lower front teeth) that don’t need to withstand extreme chewing forces like back teeth, or for stabilizing a denture.Benefits of Mini Implants- Less invasive placement process
- Shorter healing time
- Can fit areas where traditional implants won’t
Restoration Options with Dental Implants
The implant itself is just one part of the puzzle. It’s also important to consider what type of dental implant is best for the number and location of missing teeth you want to replace. After all, the end goal is to use those implants to support a beautiful new smile!Single Tooth Implant
If you’re missing just one tooth, or individual teeth in separate areas of the mouth, a single dental implant is considered the gold standard to replace it. Because they don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support, a tooth implant helps to keep neighboring teeth healthier long-term. It’s also a great option to replace the very last tooth in an arch, where there is no neighboring tooth to support a traditional dental bridge. (Click here to learn more about deciding between a dental implant vs. a traditional bridge.)Implant-Supported Bridges
If you’re missing several teeth in one area, we can anchor a bridge to two dental implants. This allows us to replace three or more teeth with just two implant posts, providing a fully functional bite and complete smile with a minimally invasive approach. It can also make dental implants more affordable by limiting the number of posts you need.Implant-Supported Dentures
If you’re tired of struggling with loose dentures that don’t stay in place when you eat, implant-supported dentures can be an excellent option. With just a few strategically placed implant posts and specialized abutments, we can create a custom denture that snaps securely in place. Your prosthesis is easily removable for cleaning, but stays securely in place while you eat, smile, and speak.Full-Mouth Dental Implants
Fixed full-mouth dental implantsare as close as it gets to having a full set of your own healthy teeth again. In this approach, we’ll permanently secure a full-arch bridge to dental implants in strategic positions in the jawbone. This approach restores full chewing and biting strength so you can enjoy a full range of nutritious foods like steak, salad, nuts, and apples again.Choosing the Right Dental Implant Types in Jacksonville, FL
Our team at ASAP Dental is proud to provide comprehensive care under one roof, including dental implant surgery and natural-looking custom restorations. We offer several types of dental implants in Jacksonville, FL so you can get care that’s completely tailored to your needs and smile goals.The first step in restoring your smile is a consultation with our team so we can help you decide on the best approach for you. Here are a few things we consider when we’re creating your personalized treatment plan:- Bone density and jaw structure
- Number and location of missing teeth
- General oral health
- Medical health and current medications
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking
- Aesthetic goals and budget
- Ability to tolerate surgical process
- Commitment to keeping up excellent oral hygiene habits