Dental implants are a popular choice for those who are missing one or more teeth.They can be used with three different types of dental prosthetics: crowns, bridges, and dentures. In this blog post, we will discuss why dental implants are a popular choice for those who are looking for tooth replacement options. We will also discuss each type of implant-supported restoration in detail and explain when they are necessary.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are placed in the jawbone to serve as a replacement for the root of a tooth. After being placed in the jawbone, these titanium posts are designed to fuse with the surrounding bone in order to act as an anchor for a dental prosthetic. They are commonly recommended for people who are missing one or more teeth and want a long-term solution to replace their missing teeth.
Dental implants are a popular choice for those who are looking for tooth replacement options because they offer many benefits over other methods, such as dentures or bridges. While both bridges and dentures have been used as tooth replacement options for years, dental implants are a newer option that offers many advantages. For example, dental implants are much more secure than dentures or bridges and they do not require the surrounding healthy teeth to be altered in order to support them. In addition, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, while dentures and bridges may not last as long.
Some of the benefits of dental implants include:
- Dental implants are a long-term solution. Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
- Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth.
- Dental implants are strong and stable. They will not slip or move around like dentures can.
- Dental implants preserve the jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone begins to deteriorate. Dental implants help to preserve the jawbone and prevent it from shrinking over time.
Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure that should be performed by a trained and experienced dentist or oral surgeon. The first step is to numb the area with local anesthesia. Once the area is numb, the dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue and place the implant into the jawbone. The incision is then closed with sutures.
After the implant has been placed, the jawbone will need to heal for a few months before the next step can be performed. During this time, the implant will fuse to the jawbone and become strong and stable.
Once the implant has fused to the jawbone, the next step is to place the implant-supported restoration. This is usually done in two steps. First, a small metal post, called an abutment, will be placed on top of the implant. The gum tissue will then be closed around the abutment.
The second step is to place the dental prosthetic (crown, bridge, or denture) on top of the abutment. The type of dental prosthetic that is used will depend on the number of teeth that are being replaced and the location of the implants.
Implant-Supported Crowns
An implant-supported crown is a dental prosthetic that is used to replace a single tooth. Crowns are made of porcelain or ceramic and are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. When used in coordination with a dental implant, the crown is attached to the dental implant with a small screw. This allows a single missing tooth to be restored without affecting the surrounding teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge is a dental prosthetic that is used to replace two or more missing teeth. Bridges are made of porcelain or ceramic and are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. Unlike dental crowns, however, bridges are made up of multiple fake teeth. These fake teeth, known as pontics, are cemented together and held in place by dental implants on either side of the bridge. When used in coordination with dental implants, the bridge is attached to the dental implants with small screws. This allows multiple missing teeth to be restored with only the need for two dental implants.
Implant-Supported Dentures
An implant-supported denture is a dental prosthetic that is used to replace all of the teeth in an arch (top or bottom). Dentures are made of porcelain, acrylic, or ceramic and are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. There are different types of implant-supported dentures that can be used and they vary slightly from one another. For example, some implant-supported dentures are made to be removable and can snap in and out, while others are permanently fixed in place. Some also have a piece that covers the palate, while others are open on top. No matter the type, when used in coordination with dental implants, implant-supported dentures provide a much more stable and secure fit than traditional dentures.
In Conclusion
Overall, implant-supported restorations are a great way to replace missing teeth. Crowns, bridges, and dentures are the three types of dental prosthetics that can be used in coordination with dental implants. Each type of prosthetic is used to replace missing teeth, but they vary in terms of how many teeth they can replace and how they are attached to the dental implant. However, all three prosthetics are strong and stable, look and feel natural, and can be used to replace one or more teeth. If you are considering dental implants, be sure to discuss all of your options with your dentist so that you can choose the best restoration for your needs.
