A dental implant is a method of affixing a crown, dental bridge, or permanent denture. It is the closest thing to a natural tooth that your dentist can provide and is widely regarded as the best solution for missing teeth.
Dental implants are the preferred method of replacing missing teeth. A metal post is put in place of the root, and an artificial tooth that looks and feels natural replaces the missing tooth. The process takes some time because the implant will fuse to the jawbone.
An implant crown is the best option to replace one missing tooth in either the front or back. An implant-supported bridge is an excellent choice to replace a span of several missing teeth — anywhere from three to 12.
Whether or not you've stayed a long time after having your teeth extracted is not a reason not to undergo dental implants. So it doesn't matter the number of years you've spent; 3, 5, 10 or any number of years past, you can still get your dental implant surgery.
Dental crowns, sometimes called dental caps, serve many purposes in dentistry. They can enhance the look of a misshapen tooth, protect a tooth after a root canal, or strengthen a tooth with a large filling. Dental crowns can even replace a missing tooth.
Bridges are not as strong as dental implants, which can make for a weaker bite. Bridges require work on surrounding teeth, while dental implants do not. Because bridges do not replace the root of the missing tooth, bone loss may continue unabated.
Dentures
Dentures are low cost way and cheaper alternative for replacing missing teeth. Dental bridges can be more expensive because in order to replace one tooth you effectively need to pay for three, two abutment teeth (one either side of the gap) and the new pontic (replacement tooth) in the middle.
With numbed nerves, you can expect not to feel any pain during your dental implant procedure. You may feel pressure at times, but it should not cause you discomfort. For patients who have anxiety with dental procedures, oral sedation is available.
If you're looking for missing teeth solutions, whether it's replacing your front tooth, a rear tooth, several or all teeth, your options fall into three main categories: dental (tooth) implants, dental bridges, and dentures.
There is no time limit on getting dental implants. You could get dental implants throughout your entire life—age doesn't play a role. The only factors about dental implants are whether they will work for your dental goals and whether your jaw can support them.
A dental implant provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth.
Dental implants lead to fewer visits to the dentist because they're easier to maintain compared to dentures. With dental implants, you never have to worry about them falling out while speaking or laughing in social situations. Also, they feel more comfortable and look more natural than dentures.
From a professional standpoint, dental implants are better than dentures because they maintain the anatomic and aesthetic structure of your face, mouth and jawbones. Also, dental implants are more comfortable because they can eliminate denture pain and irritation in the gums.
Are Dental Implants Worth It? Yes, for most individuals with a missing tooth, teeth implants are worth the time commitment and financial investment. The benefits of dental implants are extensive and impact you in more than one area of your life.
On average, the lifespan of a dental bridge is five to 15 years. Some can last even longer with proper care and maintenance.
Generally, however, at least a quarter of the visible part of the tooth is needed to support a crown. If too much of the natural tooth is missing, then extra care may be required to establish a foundation that can hold the crown in place.
After the tooth is numbed, it must be shaped, where some of the tooth structure must be “trimmed” away. Typically, for front teeth, 63 to 73 percent of the teeth are trimmed away, while the range is 67 to 75 percent for the back teeth.
While there is no exact number of crowns that is too many, your dental care treatment may need an overhaul if you've exceeded a limit set by your dentist. You may be able to avoid crowns in the future if you take better care of your teeth or if you undergo necessary oral surgery.