Being born without certain permanent teeth can be an issue that is more complicated than it may seem at first. Many people are born without one or more permanent teeth such as the lateral incisors, canines, or the first molars. Whenever possible, the recommendation is to replace the missing teeth. However, depending upon the anatomic circumstances that accompany the missing teeth, certain tooth replacement options may work better than others.
Among the available options, dental implants are the replacement teeth that are the most versatile, customizable, and attractive.
When teeth are congenitally missing (teeth that never form, develop, or grow in the jaw), there may be a dip or a defect in the bone and gumline where the tooth belongs. In some cases, there may not be enough space between the adjacent teeth to accommodate a new tooth. There is also the likelihood of a cleft lip or cleft palate which may require additional surgical procedures during the course of tooth replacement. These circumstances can make it difficult to achieve functional and esthetic success with removable partial dentures or even fixed dental bridges.
To compare, a removable partial denture typically consists of a plastic or acrylic false tooth that may or may not fit snugly against the gums, a fixed dental bridge is generally made of a combination of porcelain and metal that is 2-3 times the size of the original missing tooth, and a dental implant is a permanent artificial tooth with dimensions that are virtually the same as the original tooth.
Fortunately, dental implants are available in all shapes and sizes, making them compatible with each patient’s unique anatomy. To enhance the advantages of dental implants, your oral surgeon is skilled in the surgical care of the hard and soft tissues that will surround your new tooth. This may include facial reconstruction, bone grafting, and other augmentation procedures. Plus, your surgeon can provide sedation and anesthetic options that can make your procedure more comfortable and relaxing.
A congenital dental condition can be successfully corrected with the help of dental implants. Contact our skilled team at Surgical Arts today to learn more.
