From removable dentures to bridges, any tooth replacement option can restore some of the function lost when a tooth is missing. However, the dental implant may be the most effective option for achieving maximum comfort and stability. Dental implants in Albion look and feel like natural teeth, allowing you to speak and eat easily.
But what exactly does a dental implant do that a denture or bridge cannot? Here is what you need to know about this popular tooth replacement option.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a form of tooth replacement that involves the fusion of a titanium or zirconia screw to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration.[1] After the fusion is complete, an abutment is then attached to the implant, which is used to support a natural-looking prosthetic tooth.
One of the most notable benefits of dental implants is that they can also be used to support a dental bridge or a fixed denture. When several teeth are missing at once, just a few dental implants can replace them and restore your smile.
What Is Lost When a Tooth Is Missing?
When you lose a tooth, you don’t just deal with aesthetic concerns; you also lose significant function in your mouth. Chewing can become uncomfortable, and speaking can be a challenge. In time, your remaining teeth can shift into the gap where your tooth was lost and cause various issues with your oral health.
Another significant loss that occurs when a tooth is missing is the stimulation needed to maintain bone mass in the jaw. The tooth roots send signals to the jaw to stimulate growth. When a tooth is lost, those signals are no longer there, and the jawbone can deteriorate. This can result in a shifting of your facial structure and a prematurely aged look.
How Other Replacement Options Compare to Dental Implants
Three major tooth replacement options exist: dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Each option can restore at least some of the form and function to your mouth when a tooth is lost. However, the dental implant is unmatched when it comes to stability, comfort, and longevity. Take a closer look at how dental implants compare to other common tooth replacement options.
Dental Bridge
The dental bridge gains support from existing teeth, which means that some of the bite force it provides comes from those teeth, too. Those healthy supporting teeth need to be prepped to fit the bridge. The prepping includes filing some of those teeth and compromising some of their integrity. Dental bridges require meticulous oral hygiene to make sure cavities do not develop in the supporting teeth. Dental bridges need to be replaced every few years if their material starts to deteriorate. A dental bridge can help address speech difficulties caused by a missing tooth but does not stimulate bone growth in the jaw.
Dentures
Another common replacement option, dentures gain support from the gums, so bite strength is notably less than what a natural tooth offers. Additionally, dentures are not as effective at addressing speech difficulties as a bridge or implant and do not stimulate jawbone growth.
Dental Implants
What makes dental implants so unique is that they act similarly to natural tooth roots because they fuse with and gain strength from the jawbone. With a level of bite force similar to that of a natural tooth, this tooth replacement option can comprehensively restore your smile’s function.
Additionally, dental implants also stimulate bone growth in the jaw, allowing them to help maintain your bite strength as time goes on.
Dental Implants in Albion From Albion Family Dental
A dental implant can transform your smile and significantly improve your quality of life. At Albion Family Dental, we take pride in providing exceptional dental care for a wide range of oral health concerns in New York, including missing teeth. To find out whether a dental implant is right for you, contact us to schedule an appointment today. Call us at 585-589-9044.
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