There are a number of treatment options for patients who are missing a tooth. Dental implants are the best option for those who are a candidate! A dental implant is a dental prosthesis used to replace one or more missing teeth. For patients who need one or more teeth replaced, dental implants are a stable and natural-looking option.
When a tooth is missing, the bone beneath the space begins to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation from the missing tooth root. When the jaw bone begins to deteriorate, other teeth become compromised and the shape of your face can change. Bone deterioration is especially common in patients with dentures, it’s what causes the pinched appearance of a denture patient’s face.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants can be used to support a full denture, a partial denture, a bridge, or just one tooth! There are three components that make up an implant restoration including the implant, the abutment, and the implant crown or other restoration. The implant is surgically placed directly into the jawbone and the abutment acts as the link between the implant and the prostheses. A dental implant acts like the root of a tooth and stimulates bone, encouraging regeneration and bone health!
Implants do require a significant amount of healing time, up to six months, and can cost three times as much as other treatments. However, dental implants do not affect healthy surrounding teeth in a negative way. Traditional dental bridges require the loss of healthy tooth structure on neighboring teeth to support the fake tooth between them.
Implants are more expensive and invasive than other restorative procedures which may be a limiting factor for some patients. The stability and longevity of dental implants may make the upfront time and cost worth it in the long run! Implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance where other restorations will need to be replaced every ten years or so, often being more costly when all is said and done.
Types of Dental Implants
The most common types of dental implants are the Endosteal and the Subperiosteal. The Endosteal implant is a common choice for doctors working to replace an individual tooth. The implant is placed and an abutment is attached to the implant and the implant crown is then fixed to the abutment and implant using either a screw or cement. If the implant is screw retained, composite bonding material is used to seal the access hole in the crown.
The Subperiosteal implant is a metal frame with implant posts protruding from it set directly onto the jaw bone, allowing the implant post to protrude through the gum tissue. This option is frequently used for patients replacing multiple teeth in one area of the mouth.
It is important to keep in mind that not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. Patients must be otherwise healthy and able to endure the extensive healing time. If you are interested in dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth, speak with your dentist to see if you are a candidate!
