Why Are They Better Than Bridges And Dentures?
Whether you are missing a single tooth or several teeth, you may be considering removable dentures like partial or full dentures, or a dental bridge, as well as dental implants. Replacing teeth with a prosthetic like a bridge, implant, or denture is important, as tooth replacement will help preserve your smile, and restore the natural function of your teeth.
But you may be wondering if dental implants are really necessary. They are expensive, especially compared to removable dentures or a dental bridge. Do you really need one? Are they necessary, and are they really a better option compared to an alternative dental treatment? In this article from Central Periodontics, we’ll answer all of those questions – and much more.
Are Dental Implants Really Necessary?
The short answer is “yes.” In the vast majority of cases, dental implants are the best option for replacing a tooth or teeth that have been lost due to tooth decay, gum disease, or any other oral health issue, such as an oral injury.
As a rule, we recommend dental implants to all of our patients who qualify for the procedure. Because dental implants use an artificial tooth root to support a dental prosthesis, like a dental crown, they offer superior comfort, durability, and strength compared to partial removable dentures. In addition, they do not require the removal of enamel from healthy teeth, unlike a dental bridge.
The key to the power of dental implants is their two-part design. During the dental implant procedure, the dental implant is placed directly into your gum and jaw tissue by a periodontist. Then, when it heals, it bonds with the surrounding bone permanently through a process called “osseointegration.” Essentially, it becomes an artificial tooth root, replacing the root of the tooth that you lost.
Once the implant has healed, this artificial root can be used to support a dental crown. Alternatively, your periodontist can use multiple implants to support a dental bridge or an implant-supported denture. The result is a dental restoration that looks and feels just like a natural tooth.
As long as your jaw and gum tissue is healthy and strong enough for an implant after tooth loss, we highly recommend that you choose dental implants.
Four Reasons To Choose Dental Implants Over Bridges And Dentures
Still not sure if dental implants are the right choice, compared to bridges and dentures? Here are a few benefits of picking an implant over an alternative treatment, like a dental bridge or dentures.
- Better oral hygiene – It’s easy to clean and brush your dental implant. You can treat it just like a natural tooth. Brush and floss properly, and you can easily keep your new tooth in great shape. In contrast, it can be harder to properly clean a dental bridge, due to the complex bridgework used to support a false tooth between two dental crowns.
- Long lifespan – Dental implants can last for decades with proper placement and care. In contrast, dentures can be replaced as often as every 3-5 years.
- Looks and feels just like natural teeth – This is one of the most important benefits of dental implants. Both full and partial dentures have a tendency to move around a bit, and dental bridges may feel somewhat bulky compared to natural teeth. But dental implants do not shift or move, and they feel just like natural teeth. They look natural, too, which keeps your smile looking beautiful.
- Prevents bone loss and resorption – If you want to keep your jaw bone healthy after tooth loss, a dental implant is certainly the best choice. Implants prevent bone loss and resorption after you have lost a tooth, because the implant is placed directly into the gum and jaw. The pressure from chewing helps stimulate the jaw tissue below the implant, keeping it strong.
In contrast, bridges and dentures do not do this. Over time, the bone below your denture or bridge will continue to deteriorate. This can lead to changes in your facial structure and appearance. To keep your jaw bone healthy, dental implants are the best choice.
For these 4 reasons – and quite a few more – dental implants have become the gold standard for smile restoration after tooth loss, and we highly recommend that you consider implants rather than a partial denture or a dental bridge if you are missing one or more teeth.
What If My Jaw Is Not Strong Enough For Dental Implants?
Thanks to modern procedures like bone grafting and sinus lifts, even patients who have a weakened jaw due to tooth loss may be eligible for dental implants. Bone grafts and sinus lifts can be used to add more bone to the area where the implant will be placed.
Over time, the bone heals and integrates with your natural jaw tissue, providing a robust and stable platform to which the implant can be attached. So don’t worry. Even if you believe that your jaw may not be strong enough for a dental implant, a bone graft or sinus lift from Central Periodontics may be enough to strengthen your jaw, and allow you to have an implant placed. We recommend you contact us for a consultation to learn more.
Learn More From Central Periodontics – And Get Started Today!
If you are interested in dental implants, and this article has convinced you that they are right for you, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with Central Periodontics in Canberra right away. As leading experts in implant dentistry in Canberra City, we can help you learn more about implants, and understand if they may be right for restoring your smile.
*Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.