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Dental Implants

Why Dental Implants

There are various options for replacing a missing tooth or teeth.  Dental implants provide an excellent choice to conventional treatment of a dental bridge or removable prosthesis, such as a partial or a full denture. For most people dental implants are the best alternative. Dental implant, which is anchored in bone acts as a tooth root. This means that adjacent teeth are not modified to fill-in the gap and you get an esthetically pleasing result. Dental implant will also decrease the stress exerted on adjacent teeth because it absorbs part of the load present during normal chewing.  Ultimately it means a more stable bite at a later age and less chance of developing TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) problems. Just like with everything else in life the best option is usually the most expensive. Even though the initial cost of an implant is higher the savings over a lifetime can be substantial. Visit the Financing Implants section to learn more.

dental implant porcelain crown
Replacing a Single Missing Tooth:
In the past, replacing a missing tooth meant either wearing a removable prosthesis that would fill in the gap of the missing teeth or shaving down the adjacent teeth and placing a fixed bridge.

Today dental implants allow us to fill in the space without modifying any other tooth.

Placement of a dental implant within the jawbone and restoring it with a beautiful crown provides the patient with a very esthetic and long lasting solution.

Replacing Multiple Teeth
Dental implants Bridge

Dental implants can be used to replace several and even all the missing teeth. Depending on the condition of the existing teeth and overall bone support, the missing teeth can be replaced with either a removable dental implant supported denture or a fixed bridge anchored on dental implants. Implants provide needed stability for a complete denture, which enables the patient to look great and function with confidence.

 

Comparison Between Bridge Versus Dental Implant

The chart below compares common characteristics of a dental bridge and dental implants.

Fixed Dental Bridge
Dental Implant
Adjacent teeth remain intact 0 +
Bone integrity preserved 0 +
Long term results 0 +
Esthetic results + +
Restores chewing function + +
Simple oral hygiene techniques 0 +

 

Dental implants can fill in the gap between natural teeth without the need for modifying the teeth.  This eliminates the potential for any post-operative complications such as tooth sensitivity, and potentially the need for root canal treatment.  Because a dental implant with a crown act as a separate tooth, oral hygiene technique is the same as for natural teeth.

 

Immediate Dental Implants

The term immediate dental implant refers to a technique where the extraction of a tooth and placement of the dental implant within the bone is done in the same visit.  There are indications to this procedure however, this method can be utilized only after a careful evaluation and treatment planning by the dentist.  Below is a list of some of the most important factors, which will determine if immediate dental implant placement can be completed:

  • overall health of the patient- a healthy individual will recover sooner then someone with health complications
  • the amount and quality of bone that is present for dental implant placement
  • which part of the jaw the dental implant is placed
  • no infection in and around the extraction site

Some advantages to placing an implant on the day of tooth extraction include:

  • second surgery is unnecessary since both procedures are completed in one visit
  • faster course of treatment- no need to wait for the extraction site to heal before dental implant placement.  Final crown or bridge will be permanently placed sooner.
  • less overall discomfort since only one surgery is performed

 

Discuss the option with your dentist to make sure you are a good candidate for immediate dental implant placement.

 
Disclaimer
This is a free information resource for the general public, and is made possible through the revenue received from sponsors. To advertise on this site please contact us at info@dentalimplant411.com.
The content of this site is provided for information only and not for medical advice. This site makes no claims as to the accuracy of its information and is not a substitute for direct consultation with your health care professional