Dental Implants vs Other Options

Why Dental Implants?

Dental implants are state of art in tooth replacement. 98 percent of success rate makes dental implant is the best option to replace your missing teeth. Dental implants are the most advanced way of replacement of missing teeth and are highly recommended as the best long-term tooth replacement option. A dental implant involves a primary surgical procedure in which a dental fixture is placed into the jawbone and allowed to adhere with the jawbone over a period of a few months. 

Implant Supported Overdentures

All on 4 or implant supported overdenture is fixed way to complete rehabilitate entire dentition in a patient’s mouth. 4 to 6 dental implants are placed in upper and lower jaw bones which are later used as a base to attach and stabilize denture or replacement teeth over it. 

Dental implant supported overdentures requires one to two planning and preparation appointments where the doctor shoots x-rays and make CT records to visualize and conceptualize the exact density of bones and where the dental implants have to be positioned. After the placement of dental implants temporary or interim set of teeth is provided until permanent teeth of teeth is fabricated. After usually few months when implants have firmly adhered to the underlying jaw bone permanent set of dentures are provided. 

Implant supported overdentures are the best way to rehabilitate and replace the entire set of teeth.

What Happens During a Dental Implant Procedure?

A dental implant placement is done in stages over a period of few months. Initially x-rays and 3D scans are opted to make a clear picture of where and what type of dental implant should be placed. 

• You will be given an anesthetic to make the procedure painless and comfortable. 
• A minor surgical procedure is performed for the placement of dental implant into the jaw bone. 
• Once the dental implant is placed wait for a few months while the bone grows around the dental implant.
• Once the healing is complete and dental implant is stable in the jawbone,  it’s time to create a foundation for your new tooth.
• Later, shade and contour of your missing teeth is determined to mimic your other natural teeth.
•  Your dentist will take an impression to create a mould of your mouth to make the artificial tooth or teeth.
• Finally, the artificial tooth or teeth are fabricated and are screwed or cemented into the foundation.

Other Options to Replace Missing Teeth.

What About Bridges?

Fixed dental bridge or fixed partial denture is another popular alternative to dental implant. It is more cost effective as compared to dental implants. Fixed partial dentures as custom fabricated from metal alloys, porcelain fused metal and all ceramic materials. To get fixed partial denture you need to have suitable adjacent abutment supporting teeth. First of all the adjacent supporting teeth is prepared to receive the fixed prosthesis. Then after impression is made of the area of interest so that prosthesis can be fabricated in the dental laboratory. Finally on the third visit the manufactured fixed partial bridge is cemented on supporting to teeth to replace the missing teeth.

Generally dental implant is the most effective permanent way to replace the missing teeth followed by fixed partial bridges. Once your dental implant or bridges is placed in your oral cavity, it always advised to maintain a good oral hygiene.

Removable Partial Dentures (RPD)

A removable partial denture as the name suggests is a removal appliance that can be used by the patient as per his or her will. RPD are held at its place by adjacent natural teeth. Additional clasps can also be incorporated in the denture assembly to ensure extra support from the abutment teeth.

Removable partial dentures can be fabricated from acrylic, cobalt chrome base metals and sometimes flexible RPD are made from nylon based material.

Removal partial dentures are the least invasive method to replace a missing natural tooth, but it is nowhere near as stable as dental implants. A removable partial denture is most budget friendly in terms of replacing missing teeth, but it will never provide the same esthetics and functionality as compared to dental implants. Moreover after a period of use bone loss may also affect the stability of the removable denture. Of all the options for replacing missing teeth Removable partial dentures is the least desirable, it is only recommended when others options cannot be advocated.

Removable Complete Dentures

Removable complete denture is a removable appliance which is used to replace all missing teeth. It comprises of upper and lower full removable dentures which derives its support from gums and surrounding alveolar bone. It is again a completely non invasive technique to replace all missing teeth. It is a low cost alternative to dental implant supported overdentures. 

Removable complete dentures can often be bulky and oversized which can often affect one’s ability to taste food. Removable full dentures are often uncomfortable and unstable.

Removable complete dentures do tend to move around intra oral slightly on eating, smiling or even yawning. Removable full dentures may sometimes lead to speech difficulties. The pressure delivered by removable dentures on gums can accelerate bone loss.

Resin Bonded Bridge

Resin bonded bridge can be Maryland bridge, Rochette Bridge or Virginia bridge. This type of bridge primarily suitable for the rehabilitation of front teeth because the front does not have to bear the excessive stress during biting and chewing as compared to posterior teeth.

Resin bonded bridge is a permanent fixed way to restore a missing teeth where the wings of the resin bonded bridge is attached and cemented to inner or lingual surface of abutment adjacent teeth. Preparation on this supporting to is minimal and it is only done to improve the cementation o the wing on the lingual surface of the tooth.

It can be made from metal alloy or it can also be prepared from all ceramic material such as zirconia. This type of bridge is better than removable dentures but these are not as durable and strong as dental implants.

Conclusion

At Tatum Point Dentistry we always go out of our way to ensure that every patient understands their oral health options. While Dental Implants are usually the best, permanent replacement for missing teeth; we don't know what is right for your needs until we see you in person. If you are interested in dental implants or replacing missing teeth get in touch with our expert dental team at Tatum Point Dentistry today!