How Does a Dental Implant Compare to Other Tooth Replacement Options?

Advances in dentistry have made it possible to replace missing teeth with dental implants that are more similar to natural teeth than other teeth replacement options. Many people lose teeth due to gum disease, decay, and injury. Losing teeth often lead to numerous negative consequences. It can affect your smile, weaken your jawbone, and alter your bite. You can avoid these problems by opting for a suitable tooth-replacement option.

Dental implants, bridges, and dentures

A dental implant is a titanium post that dentists surgically implant into the jaw. This implant is then allowed to bond with the bone over the span of several months in a process known as osseointegration. When this process is complete, the dentist places a metal attachment on the implant called an abutment. Then, a dental crown covers the abutment, completing the process. The implant replaces the tooth root and supports the replacement tooth. Dentists can use them to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all of them. Other common tooth-replacement options include a fixed dental bridge and a denture.

Tooth-replacement options

Dentures are custom-made appliances that replace teeth and restore the appearance as well as oral functions that were lost. Dentures are usually affordable, but many people do not like the inconvenience of a removable appliance in the mouth. Also, dentures take some getting used to and can slip out of place.

Dental bridges were the more common option before the recent shift to implant treatment. However, one disadvantage of bridges is the dependence on adjacent natural teeth for support. Also, dental bridges are not meant to replace large numbers of teeth.

The advantages of dental implants

Dental implants are often preferred over other tooth-replacement options for several reasons. First, a dental implant replaces the tooth without affecting the health of the neighboring teeth. In the case of bridges, the adjacent teeth are involved in the process. The dentist must ground the patient's teeth to support the bridge. A dental implant requires no alteration to the surrounding teeth. 

A dental implant can ensure the bone is better preserved by replacing the tooth root. With a dental bridge, some of the bone surrounding the tooth often starts to resorb or deteriorate. Implants fuse with the jawbone, which helps not only to keep the bone healthy and intact. In the long term, a dental implant can be easier to clean and may look better compared to a bridge.

In some cases, gums recede around a dental bridge. This may leave a visible defect when the bridge's metal base or collar becomes exposed. A person may end up with an unattractive smile due to resorbed bone beneath the dental bridge. In some cases, the cement that holds the bridge firmly in place can wash out. This may allow bacteria to decay the teeth that support it.

Though the crown part of the dental implant will eventually need replacement, the titanium post should last a lifetime with proper care. However, in the case of a dental bridge, the entire restoration will eventually have to be replaced. For this reason and others, dental implants are slowly emerging as the preference in single tooth replacements.

Dental implants can also be used to replace an entire arch of teeth. This makes them an attractive alternative to dentures. In many cases, just four implants can support an entire arch of false teeth. Once the process is complete, the patient cares for their implants in much the same way they would care for their natural teeth. There is no need to remove anything for cleaning. Also, the patient does not have to worry about dentures slipping out of place. 

Other considerations

A dentist can advise a patient on the ideal option after considering several factors. These include the state of the patient's teeth, jawbone, and gums. The dentist will consider The dentist will also consider a patient's overall health. For the dental implant options, it is important a patient be healthy enough to undergo surgery. Some chronic conditions, such as diabetes, can affect healing. It is important for the patient to inform the dentist of any medications they are taking, both over-the-counter and prescribed as well as any chronic conditions they are experiencing.

Takeaway

In dentistry, tooth replacement is meant to restore function and esthetics. Dentures, dental implants, and bridges can all be great choices for replacing missing teeth. However, we must consider numerous factors to determine the right treatment option for you. Therefore, you should consult your dentist about the option that will meet your needs.

If you are curious as to whether dental implants are the best option for you, contact the GDC Smiles Gainesville office at (770) 504-5725 to schedule a consultation today.

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