Yesterday, we discussed how Dr. Calcagno can restore dental implants with lifelike dental crowns. Today, we’re going to look a little more in depth at this unique tooth replacement option. What makes implants different from bridges and dentures? What benefits do they offer when compared to traditional prosthetics?
Dental Bridges and Removable Dentures
In the past, these were the most common options for replacing a missing tooth. A dental bridge addresses one to three missing teeth in a row. The lifelike prosthetic is held in place with dental crowns. The crowns are placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap in the smile, anchoring the new teeth in place.
Full dentures, which replace every tooth on one or both arches, are held in place with natural suction. A partial, which addresses multiple missing teeth spread out across the arch, is held in place with metal clasps that attach to the natural teeth.
Dental Implants
Implants differ because they don’t rely on crowns, suction, or metal clasps to stay in place. Instead, a biocompatible titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone. There, the post bonds with the jaw like a natural tooth root, stimulating jawbone growth and avoiding loss of jawbone density (which occurs following tooth loss).
Afar the area heals we attach an abutment that holds the restoration in place, completing your new tooth. While bridges require replacement every 10 to 15 ears and dentures every 5 to 10, implants can last a lifetime with proper care and attention.
Implant-Retained Prosthetics
In addition to replacing a single missing tooth we can also address multiple tooth loss with implants. By placing between six and eight posts, we can support a full denture that doesn’t slip during meals or speech. We can also anchor a dental bridge in place without relying on crowns.
