Losing any of your permanent teeth can be damaging to your self-esteem, not to mention your physical ability to speak and eat the foods you love. Visiting your periodontist in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, can offer some enlightening answers as to possible solutions to a missing tooth dilemma. Dr. Thomas K. McCawley and Dr. Mark N. McCawley offer procedures such as dental implants and All-on-4™. What is the difference between these two solutions.
Implants
Dental implants in Ft. Lauderdale can usually be inserted for a single tooth or a series of missing teeth. Each missing tooth is replaced by a titanium post that is embedded into the jaw bone. These posts can then be capped with a crown that resembles a natural tooth. Patients must meet candidate requirements such as possessing sufficient bone density, no smoking throughout the process, healthy mouth and gums, and dedication to good oral hygiene. The procedure may require several visits over the course of six months to a year.
All-on-4™
Also known as Teeth in a Day, the All-on-4™ procedure can usually be completed in a single office visit. This procedure is better suited for patients who have multiple missing teeth and desire immediate results. Four titanium implant posts are inserted into the jaw bone. A full set of artificial teeth is then attached to these posts. The artificial teeth are permanent, so there is no need to remove them for cleaning. Simply care for and use them like your normal teeth. Patients must meet strict candidate requirements similar to those for dental implants in Ft. Lauderdale before going through the All-on-4™ treatment.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
The All-on-4™ and dental implant procedures from your periodontist in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, each have their place. When you are in need of artificial teeth, one of these procedures may be a suitable option for you. To learn more and discover which type you may be a better candidate for, contact Dr. Thomas or Mark McCawley by scheduling a consultation. Just give us a call at (954) 654-7623.