Replacing A Tooth
With Dental Implants

A single implant procedure can be used on a patient that is missing a single tooth. The dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone and serves as a permanent replacement for the lost natural tooth and its root. An implant-supported restoration helps to preserve the integrity of adjacent teeth.

The traditional dental bridge has been around for decades and was previously seen as an ideal solution to replacing a missing tooth. As technology has advanced, the dental implant is now the optimal long-term tooth replacement option because it can last a lifetime. Research shows that a dental bridge lasts only 7-10 years on average and then must be replaced. This is due to the bridge being difficult to clean and therefore making decay of the crowned teeth eminent.

An implant-supported bridge is a permanent option for a patient that is missing several teeth in a row. Unlike traditional dental bridges that are supported by damaging adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge is supported by titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone. These posts provide the utmost stability for the entire restoration.

For those missing multiple teeth, most do not realize how many options they have to replace those teeth. However, most last only a few years and do not offer many benefits. Dental implants are the only teeth replacement option that can last for 30 or more years. Partial dentures last only 2-3 years, full dentures last 5-7 years and a traditional dental bridge lasts only 7-10 years. Clearly, implants are the best choice from a long-term investment and benefits perspective.

Unlike traditional dentures that rest on the gum and are held in place by dental adhesives, implanted-retained dentures are attached to implants surgically embedded into the jawbone. This ensures that dentures won’t slip out of place when eating, speaking, or laughing. This restoration can use either a ball or bar attachment and details should be discussed with your dentist before the procedure to decide which option is best for you. Implant-retained dentures will need to be removed at night as well as when cleaning the denture and gum area.

An implant-retained denture can dramatically improve a patient’s life. These advanced dentures can increase chewing ability, confidence and food choices as well as improve speech. According to implant patient surveys, those with dental implants are overwhelmingly satisfied with their implant therapy. Almost everyone who received implants would absolutely elect to do treatment again, were more confident and improved their dental health significantly.

Fixed Dental Bridge

A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge.

Metal Partial

A less fragile option is a removable partial denture cast in metal and plastic. It is held in place by wire clips. A removable partial denture can be removed and reinserted when required by the patient.

Dentures

The most common solution, for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws are complete dentures. Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.