Those with missing teeth today may be candidates for dental implants, which are superior to simple bridges or partials.
Bridges may still be effective, but you must have existing teeth on each side of the gap. These teeth act as anchor, or abutments, for the bridge. A pontic, or prosthetic tooth, is placed to fill the gap and the bridge is bonded to the abutting teeth. These teeth may also be reduced in size. A bridge may last for ten years or so, but decay or damage around the bridgework can occur.
Dental Implant Roots
There are no abutment teeth needed for dental implants. Dental implants replace the tooth as well as the missing root. In fact, the most common dental implant is placed directly into the jawbone. This is called an endosteal implant and is for dental patients who have decent bone density and volume. The subperiosteal implant is placed directly on the jawbone just beneath the gum tissue. This is ideal for dental patients who have atrophied bone or jaw structures or are missing all of their teeth.
The dental implant is capped with a crown that matches the natural color of your surrounding teeth. It is custom-made. Because it can take several months for the bone or gum tissue to heal around the implant, temporary crowns are placed until a porcelain crown can be fitted. Dental implants will last more than a decade if properly taken care of.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Natural looking Easy to clean and care for, leading to overall better oral health Better alignment in your jaw Placement is flexible since there is no need for abutment teeth Better cost effective method in the long run since dental implants do not need to be replaced as often as bridges or dentures
Missing teeth can gravely affect your periodontal health as well as the shape of your face if neglected for too long. It is important to discuss how missing teeth can be replaced with your dentist.
