Dental implants have revolutionized dentistry, especially the replacement of missing teeth. As implant technology and surgical procedures have advanced, the predictability and success rates have significantly increased. With proper maintenance, dental implants can have a success rate of more than 94%. So whether you need to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all of your teeth, there is a dental implant option to meet your needs. But what is the right choice for dental implants?
If you are missing one or all of your teeth, schedule an appointment at Trident Dental for a comprehensive implant consultation.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small, surgically placed post that supports a dental restoration or prosthesis. Dental implants have become a preferred choice to replace missing teeth. Unlike other replacement choices, implants are the only option that replaces the entire tooth, including the root.
Although fluoridated water and dental treatment advancements have decreased the number of teeth extracted each year, tooth loss remains a significant problem in the United States. Some of the common reasons for missing teeth that implants can replace include:
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Congenitally missing teeth.
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Tooth decay.
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Periodontal disease.
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Trauma.
The Right Choice for Dental Implants?
Below are three implant options you might have, depending on how many teeth you are missing.
The Single Tooth Implant
In the past, the best option to replace a single missing tooth was a fixed dental bridge. Getting a fixed bridge required the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth space to be prepared for full crowns. The appliance was made to cover these teeth with an artificial tooth attached in the middle. While this is still an excellent choice, many people prefer a single tooth implant after weighing the pros and cons of both procedures. The advantages of a single-tooth implant include the following:
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Preservation of the natural tooth structure of adjacent teeth.
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Prevention of bone loss around the site of the extracted tooth.
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A more natural look and feel due to the implant replacing the root of the natural tooth.
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A longer lifespan.
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Easier to maintain. Oral hygiene is the same as a natural tooth, without special devices such as floss threaders.
The Implant-Supported Bridge
If you have several missing adjacent teeth, you may have the option of replacing them with a removable partial denture. A partial denture is typically made of acrylic and metal. It rests on your gums and uses metal clasps to attach to natural teeth for retention and stability. However, you might also replace several teeth with a fixed dental bridge that attaches to implants. Implants are placed on both sides of the space between your natural teeth. An appliance or bridge is then made, which includes crowns on the implants with artificial teeth attached to them. The bridge is then cemented permanently in place.
The Implant-Supported Denture
Implant-supported dentures offer several advantages over traditional removable dentures. These advantages include:
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Staying securely in place while chewing and speaking.
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Preventing any future loss of bone in the jaws.
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Improving biting force.
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Enhancing smiles with a more natural appearance.
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Requiring fewer replacements.
Schedule Appointment
Regain your smile, confidence, and chewing ability with dental implants. Trident Dental can help you choose the best treatment option to replace missing teeth with esthetically pleasing and functional dental implants and crowns.