Studies have shown that nearly 1 in 5 people wear some form of dentures. Whether you have a partial denture or a full set, you know that they’re not a patch on the real thing.
Is there a solution that gives you the security of a full set of teeth, even if you’ve lost your own? Yes: non-removable dental restorations.
Even if you’ve lost all your teeth, dental implants can help you to restore your smile. Not only that, but you can enjoy food again, and regain your confidence.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about non-removable dental restorations.
What Are Non-Removable Dental Restorations?
Non-removable dental restorations are an alternative to dentures for people with tooth loss. They are also known as fixed dental bridges or fixed implant-supported restorations.
The dental restoration is attached to one or more dental implants. A dental implant is a small fixing that replaces the root of a natural tooth. It is embedded into the jawbone and as it heals, it fuses with the bone.
This provides a very strong, permanent base for an abutment or small post. Your dentist can then attach a crown or a bridge of two teeth to the post. As we will go on to discuss, dental implants can also be used to replace entire arches of teeth.
With dentures, you have to remove them and clean them every day. Non-removable dental restorations are permanent. You clean them in situ.
The result is a much more natural appearance and a more comfortable experience for the wearer.
Types of Non-Removable Dental Restorations
Non-removable dental restorations help people with both limited and extensive tooth loss. Even if you lost your teeth some time ago, there are now non-removable dental restorations that can restore both arches of your teeth.
Single Dental Implants
The simplest form of non-removable dental restoration is a single dental implant. It is also possible to replace two adjacent teeth on a single implant in some cases.
If there is insufficient bone in the area, you may need a bone graft before implant surgery can take place.
All-on-X Dental Restorations
The all-on-x dental restoration system involves attaching a full arch of teeth to a small number of implants. This is typically four implants but could be more, depending on your needs.
Both top and bottom arches can be restored using this technique. You need to have enough jawbone present for this surgery to be viable. If not, you may need a bone graft first or a zygomatic implant.
One major advantage of this technique is shorter treatment times. As all of the teeth are attached to a set of implants, there is no need to come in for several surgeries.
Zygomatic Implant Restoration
If you lost your teeth some time ago, jawbone resorption will have occurred. This happens because you no longer put pressure on your jawbone while chewing.
If this is true of you, zygomatic implants may be an alternative solution. Instead of placing the implant in the jawbone, the dentist will implant them into the zygomatic bone, or cheekbone.
It is only possible to restore the teeth in the upper jaw using this method. This method can eliminate the need for a sinus lift before starting dental implant surgery.
Bone Graft and Sinus Lifts
If there is insufficient bone mass to attach dental implants to, bone grafts and sinus lifts can help.
Bone grafts involve grafting either a patient’s own bone or an alternative type of bone, onto the jawbone. This must then heal before dental implant surgery can begin.
A sinus lift is a type of bone graft used in the upper jaw. It creates additional bone mass at the bottom of the maxillary sinus. This allows molar implants to be placed.
Typically, it takes 2-3 months for bone grafts to heal on the lower jaw and 4-6 months on the upper jaw.
Immediate Loadable Implant Restorations
Normally, after dental implant surgery, you have to wait for several weeks before the dental restoration can be fitted. This is to allow time for the implant to fuse with the jawbone.
Now, immediate loadable implant restorations cut this time down to 48 hours or less. Your dentist will check whether primary stability has been achieved. This means that the implant is secure enough to support the abutment and replacement tooth.
Are you looking to complete your dental restoration in the shortest amount of time? Talk to your dentist about whether this option is right for you.
What To Expect at a Consultation
The dentist will talk to you about your current health, oral health, and expectations.
He or she will then thoroughly examine your teeth. X-rays and CT scans will be needed to assess the most appropriate treatment for you.
The dentist will then discuss possible treatment options and timescales with you. Once you have agreed on a course of treatment, you can plan your surgery.
Benefits of Non-Removable Dental Restorations
Non-removable dental restorations are the closest thing to having natural teeth again. They allow you to:
- Eat a wide range of foods comfortably
- Smile with confidence
- Improve your self-esteem
- Care for your oral health more easily
Also, you don’t have to worry about losing your dentures. You don’t have to remove them to clean or have the discomfort of them shifting in your mouth. With good care, there is no reason why they won’t last a lifetime.
Ready for Your Dental Restoration?
For both health and aesthetic reasons, we all want a full set of healthy teeth. Non-removable dental restorations are the gold standard. They’re perfect for anyone looking to stop wearing dentures and start living life in comfort again.
At S&Z Beautiful Teeth Ltd. we serve customers from all over the world. We have four decades of experience in creating beautiful smiles with dental implants. Our goal is to help you achieve a beautiful, comfortable, healthy smile.
Do you have questions about whether dental implants are right for you? Complete our online form and we will contact you with more information.