Dental Implant Options
The dental implant option is so appealing to both surgeons and patients alike because it does not harm or alter any neighboring teeth. Plus, dental implants look the most natural and are the most permanent option.
While dental implants are an excellent choice, that doesn’t mean it will be the best solution for everyone. First, you will need to be in good overall health to undergo the procedure. Your jaw bone will also need to be assessed and determined as healthy enough to support the dental implant(s), which means it has to be free of atrophy or disease. Sometimes, patients will need to undergo a bone grafting procedure prior to dental implant placement to rebuild the jaw bone. Dental implants are the most effective choice for replacing missing teeth when compared to other options.
Bridges are a very practical option for people who are not considered good candidates for dental implants. Bridges act as a partial denture that replace multiple missing teeth. Bridges are not surgically secured in your mouth; they are bonded onto your other teeth. Some bridges can be fixed, while others are removable, but which one the patient receives is based on their individual need. Bridges are made from a variety of metals, alloys, or porcelain, so check with your oral surgeon to make sure this option is right for you. While bridges are a viable option, it is recommended that most patients receive dental implants. If you are considered a candidate for dental implants, you will receive the most natural, durable, and permanent replacement teeth.
Dentures are usually recommended to patients who are missing most of or all of their teeth. If there are a few teeth that remain, you may need to have an extraction procedure before the denture is placed for it to adhere to your mouth properly. If this is the case for you, you may have a temporary denture to wear while your gums heal from the extraction procedure. Sometimes over-dentures are worn over the remaining teeth or implants, but with all things considered, no two people are alike and every set of dentures will be different. Your oral surgeon and dentist will work together to design a custom and comfortable denture.
There are so many dental implant options available, you will be able to find one that allows you to regain natural-looking teeth that will give you your ability to chew correctly while restoring your facial structure and confidence. Dental implants offer the best option for a solution to tooth loss that will last a lifetime.