Losing a tooth can have lasting consequences for your smile. Fortunately, with today’s dental capabilities, patients no longer have to live with the negative effects of tooth loss. You have many options for restoring your teeth – but how do you decide which choice is for you?
The answer depends on your unique situation. While this can ultimately only be decided after a consultation with your dentist, it’s always a good idea to go in with a little foreknowledge.
Traditional Restoration Types
The three main types of tooth replacements are bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures. A bridge suspends a false tooth between two healthy teeth, which must be fitted with crowns to act as supports. Partial dentures use resin and wires to replace a group of teeth, and full dentures replace an entire arch.
These restorations are fairly straightforward, and have been refined over decades of use. However, they do have their drawbacks. Most significantly, the lack of a tooth root means that these restorations don’t provide the chewing pressure needed to maintain jaw bone density.
Restorations with Implants
A dental implant places a titanium post into the jaw bone, a bio-compatible metal that fuses with the bone. The restoration is then fixed to the implant, making it a permanent functional replacement.
Unlike other restorations, the implant acts as a tooth root, preserving jaw bone density and teeth alignment. It also holds the restorations in place, so they don’t have to be removed for cleaning.
Choosing Between the Two
Which type you choose will likely come down to two or three factors. In general, dental implants offer greater benefits for your dental health. They last longer, preserve your facial structure and allow you to speak and eat the way you normally do.
However, there are a couple of things that may disqualify you from an implant. The first comes down to bone density. A dental implant needs a fair amount of bone to keep it stable with chewing pressure. If your bone has deteriorated, it may not hold the implant securely. You may need additional procedures, such as a bone graft, to provide the strength for the implant.
The second issue is placement. If the missing tooth was in an awkward place or if the nearby teeth have shifted, it may not be possible to place the implant. Also, if the missing tooth is from the upper jaw, there may not be enough bone between the mouth and the sinus cavity. An implant could potentially break through into the sinuses, which could cause health problems.
To make a full decision, you will need to have a thorough exam, including x-rays. The dentist will examine your teeth and bone structure, which will help him determine if an implant is viable.
Considering dental implants? Dr. Meda helps patients in South Bend with implant placement. For more information, contact our office today!