When Are Dental Implants the Recommended Option?

Dental implants are the preferred option for replacing missing teeth, as they function and look like natural teeth. They allow patients to forget that they ever lost the tooth in the first place. In this article, you will read about situations where dental implants are the recommended choice for tooth replacement over other options like dental bridges or dentures.

Tooth loss

A dental implant consists of a titanium metal post that integrates with the bone to support a dental crown. The implant sits in the position previously occupied by the lost tooth. Although a dental bridge is an option, a dental implant presents a more conservative option.

If there are no adjacent teeth to hold a dental bridge, the cosmetic dentist may recommend dental implants. The other alternative would be to use a cantilever bridge that relies on one tooth for support, but considering the level of chewing force endured by molars, it may not be advisable as a lasting solution.

Loss of two adjacent teeth

A dental bridge is a viable option when there are two retainer crowns and one pontic (false tooth). When two adjacent teeth are missing, the patient will require a four-unit bridge (two retainers, two pontics). This would work for front teeth because they experience less mechanical stress.

However, a long bridge can have negative impacts on molar teeth. The two retainer crowns will have to withstand not only regular stress but also the force of the two replacement teeth. This could make them vulnerable to damage. The best choice is to replace each lost tooth with two adjacent dental implants to distribute chewing or biting forces evenly.

Loss of multiple teeth on an arch

When over two teeth are missing, a dental bridge is not an option. When three consecutive teeth or more are missing, the most effective options are removable partial dentures or full dentures. These options have their benefits and drawbacks. The advantage is that they are cost-effective and do not require surgery, but they can cause long-term bone loss and may be inconvenient.

The alternative is to use an implant-supported bridge or denture. An implant-supported restoration prevents bone loss in the area. The bridge will use two dental implants to retain the false teeth, which means no healthy teeth will be affected by the procedure.

For complete teeth loss, the removable denture is the immediate solution, but using implants to support the denture gives it more stability and improves its function, generally solving the problems that most denture wearers face. Dental implants typically preserve bone structure over time because they stimulate tooth roots. A typical implant denture relies on four to six implants for support and can look and function like a natural tooth for many years.

In conclusion

If you have lost one or more teeth, dental implants are one of the most efficient options that will give you a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile for years to come. To get started, book an appointment with a cosmetic dentist for a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.