16 Jan Single Tooth Replacement: What is the best option?
Patients who must replace a missing tooth have a number of options. Only one of those restorations, dental implants, offers patients a structurally complete tooth replacement. This quality gives patients a number of advantages in contrast to conventional appliances.
Dental Implant Structure
Dental implants are small cylinders made of biocompatible titanium, so the surrounding jaw bone tissue is able to fuse with the dental implant after the oral surgeon inserts it into the patient’s jaw. As a result of this osseointegration process, dental implants become fixtures in the jaw and function similarly to biological tooth roots. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement treatment that consist of a root-like structure and a crown.
Dental implants can be used to support a single crown, dental bridge or denture. As such, the devices are appropriate for tooth replacement in a variety of scenarios, ranging from the loss of a single tooth to a complete arch.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Patients who work with an oral surgeon to get dental implants gain a number of advantages. Implant-supported appliances are more stable over time because the dental implants anchor the jaw tissue and prevent its atrophy. Therefore, the shape of the jaw remains constant over time and the appliance retains its fit.
For single tooth replacement, the stand-alone quality of dental implants also is advantageous. Dental implants do not require crowns to be placed on adjacent teeth for support, so those teeth can remain intact.
Dental implants are also more efficient at chewing, as they can withstand stronger chewing forces due to the bond with the surrounding bone tissue.
Dental Implant Placement Considerations
Successful osseointegration is the foundation of dental implant durability, so patients must have adequate bone tissue to support this process. Your surgeon will examine the quality of bone at the implant site via imaging at your initial consultation to make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. Additionally, patients must be healthy enough to tolerate the surgical procedure used for dental implant placement. Your surgeon will also assess your oral health and overall well-being at the consultation.
If you want a tooth replacement that will last for decades and maximize functionality, consider dental implants. Visit Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery for a consultation.