Do you hide your smile because of missing teeth? Schedule a consultation with our dentist to learn about our tooth replacement options. We pride ourselves in helping patients make the best decisions for their smiles.
Whether you’re interested in dental implants or bridges, you can count on our years of experience.
Here's what you need to know about your tooth replacement options.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a (made of titanium) used to anchor a crown. The implant exerts pressure on your jawbone so it stays healthy. Otherwise, your body will start to absorb minerals from your jawbone to use elsewhere.
To your body, there’s no point in a jawbone if there are no teeth left. But a tooth implant provides the stimulation your jawbone needs to stay healthy. As a result, you’ll be able to avoid jawbone deterioration and eventual facial collapse.
Facial collapse affects your appearance by making your profile look sunken. It also makes it more difficult or painful to wear dentures.
Mini Dental Implants
Don't have enough bone density to support full-sized dental implants? Dr. Yun may recommend mini dental implants instead.
Mini dental implants have a ball at the end that allows your tooth replacement to snap into place. Your dental crown gives you the function and appearance of a natural tooth. It will also have a socket underneath to create a strong attachment to the implant.
Dr. Yun can place a mini dental implant in one appointment to support a crown, bridge, or denture.
Instead of waiting months for an implant to fuse to your jawbone, you’ll be able to enjoy your new smile right away. Ask our dentist if you’re a candidate for mini dental implants.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Did you know that mini and full-sized dental implants can support dentures? The type of implants we recommend will depend on the bone density in your jaw.
Many patients appreciate how implant-supported dentures provide more stability than conventional dentures.
Dentures sit on top of your gums, which can cause them to slip. But implant-supported dentures allow you to eat, talk, and smile with confidence.
Dentures
After significant tooth loss, your dentist may recommend complete or partial dentures.
While dentures are a great short-term solution, we recommend dental implants whenever possible. That way, you can avoid jawbone deterioration and eventual facial collapse.
But we also recognize that each patient is different. This is why we’ll work with you to find the best solution for your smile.
Related: Should I Get Dentures or Dental Implants? >>
Dental Bridges
If you only have one or two missing teeth, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth anchored on both sides by crowns on adjacent teeth.
Interested in something more permanent? We also offer dental bridges supported by implants. In general, we tend to steer patients toward replacing teeth with implants (rather than bridges). That way, we can save as much natural tooth structure as possible.
Learn More About Your Tooth Replacement Options
Ready to schedule an appointment with our dental implant dentist in Grand Rapids, MI? Dr. Suk Jun Yun would be more than happy to help you achieve your smile goals!
Call the NorthPointe Family Dental & Implant Center at (616) 288-6134.
This blog post has been updated.