There are several options available to patients after losing a tooth. One of the more popular options -- and perhaps the longest-lasting solution – is implant dentistry. This involves the placement of one or more dental implants, followed by the attachment of abutments and a crown, bridge, or denture.
Depending on the number of teeth that are being replaced, a dentist may recommend either an implant-supported crown, implant-supported bridge, or implant-supported denture. The following is a detailed review of each dental implant option for long-lasting tooth (or teeth) replacement.
Implant-supported crowns are dental restorations that involve the placement of a dental implant above or below a missing tooth, followed by the attachment of a dental abutment and a dental crown. The dental implant is made of titanium and goes through osseointegration with the jawbone to provide a secure and reliable hold for the dental crown. The dental crown is usually made of a tooth-colored ceramic material that is indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Implant dentistry can also work for replacing multiple teeth as well. When replacing a section of teeth, dentists may recommend an implant-supported dental bridge. This includes at least two dental implants strategically positioned on each side of the bridge followed by the attachment of the abutments and dental bridge. Similar to implant-supported crowns, implant-supported bridges use ceramic crowns to complete the restoration.
Implant-supported dentures follow a similar concept as implant-supported bridges. In fact, many refer to bridges as implant-supported partial dentures. For complete dentures supported by implants, four (or sometimes five) implants are positioned inside the jaw, and the complete denture is attached to the abutments of each dental implant. This minimizes the invasiveness of the implant dentistry process while still providing the patient with a high-quality and long-lasting smile.
There are two main methods for traditional tooth replacement: a fixed dental bridge and a removable denture. A fixed bridge requires at least one (often two) healthy natural teeth, one on each side of the missing tooth, used as abutments for the crown restoration. A partial denture rests upon and is supported by the gums. Unfortunately, neither option is as strong or long-lasting as implant dentistry restorations. In fact, with minimal repairs to the restorations, dental implants can last for more than twenty years. In contrast, removable dentures typically last less than a decade, and a fixed bridge does not last nearly as long.
We encourage you to give us a call if you are considering implant dentistry for long-lasting tooth replacement. Our mission is to help patients achieve an attractive and healthy smile, and we take pride in providing implant dentistry options that are reliable and last for a long time.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Dentist in Columbus, OH
We encourage you to give us a call if you are considering implant dentistry for long-lasting tooth replacement. Our mission is to help patients achieve an attractive and healthy smile, and we take pride in providing implant dentistry options that are reliable and last for a long time.
Request an appointment or call Ohio Cosmetic Dentists at 614-503-5240 for an appointment in our Columbus office.
Implant dentistry makes everyday activities easier. After tooth loss occurs, certain activities can become more of a challenge, and it can affect the person’s appearance and level of confidence. The good news is that many restore their confidence level and improve their ability to eat, speak, and care for their smile each day with implant…
Dental bridges can be supported by adjacent natural teeth (traditional fixed bridges) or by dental implants (implant dentistry bridges) on each side of the restoration. It is helpful to understand the differences with each option before making a final decision as to which of the two popular teeth replacement solutions is right for you. Implant…
Many dentists recommend implant dentistry to patients seeking teeth replacement because it is safe and has proven results. Implant dentistry also provides a way to fulfill a range of teeth replacement needs, and you can restore your smile after losing a single tooth, a section, or an entire row of teeth with dental implant restorations.The…
Implant dentistry makes everyday activities easier. After tooth loss occurs, certain activities can become more of a challenge, and it can affect the person’s appearance and level of confidence. The good news is that many restore their confidence level and improve their ability to eat, speak, and care for their smile each day with implant…
Invisalign® is often the preferred choice for patients looking to straighten their smiles without the hassle of getting metal braces. If you have been avoiding teeth straightening because you are worried about people noticing metal brackets and wires on your teeth, Invisalign could be the perfect choice for you. Continue reading to see how you…