There are several options available to patients after losing a tooth. One of the more popular options -- and perhaps the longest-lasting solution – is implant dentistry. This involves the placement of one or more dental implants, followed by the attachment of abutments and a crown, bridge, or denture.
Depending on the number of teeth that are being replaced, a dentist may recommend either an implant-supported crown, implant-supported bridge, or implant-supported denture. The following is a detailed review of each dental implant option for long-lasting tooth (or teeth) replacement.
Implant-supported crowns are dental restorations that involve the placement of a dental implant above or below a missing tooth, followed by the attachment of a dental abutment and a dental crown. The dental implant is made of titanium and goes through osseointegration with the jawbone to provide a secure and reliable hold for the dental crown. The dental crown is usually made of a tooth-colored ceramic material that is indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Implant dentistry can also work for replacing multiple teeth as well. When replacing a section of teeth, dentists may recommend an implant-supported dental bridge. This includes at least two dental implants strategically positioned on each side of the bridge followed by the attachment of the abutments and dental bridge. Similar to implant-supported crowns, implant-supported bridges use ceramic crowns to complete the restoration.
Implant-supported dentures follow a similar concept as implant-supported bridges. In fact, many refer to bridges as implant-supported partial dentures. For complete dentures supported by implants, four (or sometimes five) implants are positioned inside the jaw, and the complete denture is attached to the abutments of each dental implant. This minimizes the invasiveness of the implant dentistry process while still providing the patient with a high-quality and long-lasting smile.
There are two main methods for traditional tooth replacement: a fixed dental bridge and a removable denture. A fixed bridge requires at least one (often two) healthy natural teeth, one on each side of the missing tooth, used as abutments for the crown restoration. A partial denture rests upon and is supported by the gums. Unfortunately, neither option is as strong or long-lasting as implant dentistry restorations. In fact, with minimal repairs to the restorations, dental implants can last for more than twenty years. In contrast, removable dentures typically last less than a decade, and a fixed bridge does not last nearly as long.
We encourage you to give us a call if you are considering implant dentistry for long-lasting tooth replacement. Our mission is to help patients achieve an attractive and healthy smile, and we take pride in providing implant dentistry options that are reliable and last for a long time.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Dentist in San Diego, CA
We encourage you to give us a call if you are considering implant dentistry for long-lasting tooth replacement. Our mission is to help patients achieve an attractive and healthy smile, and we take pride in providing implant dentistry options that are reliable and last for a long time.
Request an appointment or call Scripps Ranch Dental at 858-222-6164 for an appointment in our San Diego office.
Implant dentistry offers a tooth replacement solution that looks and feels natural. This is due in large part to the implant, which fuses together with the jawbone and serves as the support and root of the replacement tooth. This review discusses the unique benefits of choosing implant dentistry to replace a missing tooth.The most notable…
Implant dentistry is growing in popularity due to the unique benefits that it offers over other alternatives for multiple teeth replacement. The most commonly recommended treatment options for implant dentistry when replacing more than one tooth are implant-supported bridges and implant-supported dentures.This review discusses the primary types of implant dentistry options for patients seeking teeth…
During the consultation with an implant dentist, the patient and the dental team can put together a treatment plan. There are various steps during the teeth replacement process. Knowing them ahead of time can help the patient prepare prior to any scheduled procedures to ensure the implant dentistry process is as easy and convenient as…
Anyone who has experienced a full mouth reconstruction knows these procedures are challenging. The processes can be long and include some pain and discomfort. The recovery process can take some time and be difficult for some people. The good news is that you can get the results you want and enjoy a brand-new smile once…
Crown lengthening is the practice in periodontics of exposing the teeth to provide a stable base for a new prosthetic crown, correct a gummy smile, or access cavities or perforations under the gum line. There are several methods to achieve this, with some being more invasive than others. Let us explore the procedures available today.Lengthening…