Tooth loss can have many negative consequences for your smile’s appearance as well as its functionality. That is why many people seek some sort of treatment to replace a missing tooth.
The type of treatment you choose can affect your long-term oral health outcomes. All tooth replacement devices are not equal.
For example, a tooth implant is a structurally complete tooth replacement option. The implant itself, a small titanium cylinder, essentially fills in for the absent tooth’s root and secures a prosthetic crown. Implants may also anchor dentures or bridges in place.
After the oral surgeon inserts the implant into the jaw, the bone forms a biological bond with the titanium surface, which makes the implant a permanent part of the mouth’s structure.
A fixed bridge or a conventional denture, on the other hand, does not replace the root structure like a tooth implant does. These appliances only include the crown portion of the tooth.
Because of their structural characteristics, dental implants offer a more durable and stable tooth replacement. Not only does the implant secure the prosthetic, it also anchors the jawbone, which will erode in the absence of a root that holds it in place.
With bridges and dentures, the jawbone will erode. This process can cause the bridge or denture to lose its fit over time, and it may need to be replaced.
Dental implants also preserve more chewing function. Because the implant has a physical link to the jawbone, it can withstand stronger forces than a bridge or denture alone. Patients who don’t choose dental implants may find that their dietary choices are more limited.
Additionally, if no tooth replacement is used, the remaining teeth may shift to fill in the empty space left behind by a lost tooth.
Dental implants have a number of advantages over other tooth replacement treatment options. Visit our oral surgeon at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists to learn more about dental implants and how they may benefit you.
