What Are One-Piece Implants? [A Video Overview]

Titanium dental implants have an excellent success rate, making them a preferred method of tooth replacement. Because titanium is biocompatible, it’s able to integrate with your jawbone over time. And thanks to this strong connection, titanium implants have a 95% survival rate over 10 years! But there are several different types of implants to choose from, which makes the decision to replace missing teeth a little more complex. Should you stick to conventional implants, or switch to innovative one-piece implants?

The only way to know for sure which implant type suits your smile is to book a free consultation with us at Riviera Dental Care. Down in Foley, AL, we will listen to your needs, assess your smile, and determine which implant treatment you will benefit from most.

What Are One-Piece Implants?

A one-piece dental implant is exactly what it sounds like: a dental implant made of one single piece of titanium. But to really understand one-piece implants, we must break down conventional dental implants.

Conventional implants are titanium screws that we place in your jaw to replace missing tooth roots. However, they come in multiple parts that each need to be placed separately. A conventional implant has:

• The implant, which we screw into the bone
• The abutment, which we attach to the implant, sticks out above your gum line
• The restoration, which attaches to the abutment to replace your missing tooth

All together, these pieces make a whole implant, anchoring your replacement teeth to your jaw. But when even one part of this carefully crafted implant has an issue, the whole system may collapse.

In contrast, a one-piece implant doesn’t have multiple components. The screw and abutment come as a single unit, which the restoration then attaches to. At Riviera Dental Care, we offer two kinds of one-piece implants.

• Mini dental implants are smaller in diameter, fitting in minimal bone. These implants are great for patients with bone loss and for those looking to avoid complex procedures and high costs.
• Mono dental implants are one-piece implants, but they match conventional implants in diameter. These titanium screws are strong and effective, while still eliminating the problems that multiple pieces bring.

The Advantages of One-Piece Implants

For a multi-piece implant to work well, each component must be in working order. If even one component comes loose or malfunctions, it may jeopardize the entire implant. A one-piece dental implant significantly reduces that risk, as there are no screws to loosen or break.

Multi-piece implants also have small seams between parts called microgaps. While these microgaps are normal, they do offer a space for bacteria to gather. Without effective cleaning and maintenance, the collection of bacteria can spread infection throughout your mouth.

This infection is called peri-implantitis, or a form of gum disease that affects the tissues surrounding your implant. Over time, the infection will deteriorate your supporting gum and bone tissue, potentially contributing to implant failure. One-piece dental implants eliminate the microgaps between parts, effectively reducing your risk of developing peri-implantitis.

Additionally, mini and mono implants are typically less expensive than their conventional counterparts, thanks to their sleek design. With only one component to pay for, patients spend less on parts and on appointments. A mini implant is particularly cost-effective, as its simpler placement procedure allows for faster healing at a lower price.

Of course, it’s important to note that there are circumstances where a multi-piece implant is necessary for treatment. And in those cases, these titanium screws still have a 95% success rate over 10 years! Whatever implant you may need, Riviera Dental Care will help you find the right solution for your smile.

Replace Your Teeth Without All the Hassle in Foley, AL

Titanium dental implants replace missing teeth with incredible success. But which implant to use can be a big hurdle for patients. Some implants come in multiple components, while others come in one solid piece. The advantage of a one-piece implant includes fewer parts to pay for, a reduced risk of infection, and a more comfortable placement process. To learn which implant is right for your smile, book a free implant consultation with us in Foley, AL!

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