Titanium is the most common implant that is placed, and Zirconia is the material made for the final set of teeth in some facilities. Zirconia is a metal base, and is the strongest material available for the teeth. The two are different materials. For titanium implants, you need at least 10mm of bone to place the implant. A CT scan will determine the level of bone. At our facility, it is extremely rare we turn away patients, and even if patients do not have enough bone, we can place zygomatic implants (no bone grafting or sinus lifts are needed).
If you have severe bone loss, it is best to have the teeth removed and implants placed if you want a permanent solution. With root canals, the bone loss will effect it in the long-term, so there will be more dental appointments involved over the course of the future. For a solution that will solve the problem for the remainder of your life, look into having an upper set of implant-supported teeth. If your bone loss is extreme, you will most likely need zygomatic implants. Designed specifically for patients with bone loss, zygomatic implants are tilted and much longer than traditional dental implants. While traditional implants are placed in the jawbone, zygomatic dental implants are placed in the cheekbone which is very dense and provides excellent support. And with New Teeth Now, you could have this procedure done in one day, with no bone grafting or sinus lift. We are the industry leader in placing zygomatic implants.
For patients with bone loss, we place zygomatic implants. Designed specifically for patients with bone loss, zygomatic implants are tilted and much longer than traditional dental implants. While traditional implants are placed in the jawbone, zygomatic dental implants are placed in the cheekbone which is very dense and provides excellent support. This difference in placement location means that zygomatic implants can provide a secure foundation to support teeth in the upper arch when older technology and traditional dental implants won’t work due to bone loss. And with New Teeth Now, you could have this procedure done in one day, with no bone grafting or sinus lift. We are the industry leader in placing zygomatic implants.
If you have been wearing a bridge for 30 years, there is definitely bone loss in the area, which will continue as you get older. What I suggest is to look into dental implants sooner than later, because if the bridge does start to fail or becomes painful, your best option would be to get implants. Better to get them now and improve your quality of life. Look into getting a 3-tooth implant-supported bridge, which will look, feel and function as close to natural teeth as possible. You will need bone grafting before the implants are placed. Once the bone heals, then two implants will be placed and a 3-tooth crown bridge will attach. The implants will fuse to the bone and actually promote bone growth.
Are the majority of your teeth in good condition or poor condition? If they are in good condition, consider getting any fixes done at your general dentist. If they are in poor condition, you probably need dental implants. With our procedure, you sleep under general anesthesia, a board certified surgeon will place titanium implants in your upper and lower jaws to support your new teeth. During this time, our in-house dental lab customizes your teeth to the implants. You will go home that afternoon with a brand new smile. Most patients are even able eat a light meal the same evening.
