There are several options available to patients after losing a tooth. One of the more popular options -- and perhaps the longest-lasting solution – is implant dentistry. This involves the placement of one or more dental implants, followed by the attachment of abutments and a crown, bridge, or denture.
Depending on the number of teeth that are being replaced, a dentist may recommend either an implant-supported crown, implant-supported bridge, or implant-supported denture. The following is a detailed review of each dental implant option for long-lasting tooth (or teeth) replacement.
Implant-supported crowns are dental restorations that involve the placement of a dental implant above or below a missing tooth, followed by the attachment of a dental abutment and a dental crown. The dental implant is made of titanium and goes through osseointegration with the jawbone to provide a secure and reliable hold for the dental crown. The dental crown is usually made of a tooth-colored ceramic material that is indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Implant dentistry can also work for replacing multiple teeth as well. When replacing a section of teeth, dentists may recommend an implant-supported dental bridge. This includes at least two dental implants strategically positioned on each side of the bridge followed by the attachment of the abutments and dental bridge. Similar to implant-supported crowns, implant-supported bridges use ceramic crowns to complete the restoration.
Implant-supported dentures follow a similar concept as implant-supported bridges. In fact, many refer to bridges as implant-supported partial dentures. For complete dentures supported by implants, four (or sometimes five) implants are positioned inside the jaw, and the complete denture is attached to the abutments of each dental implant. This minimizes the invasiveness of the implant dentistry process while still providing the patient with a high-quality and long-lasting smile.
There are two main methods for traditional tooth replacement: a fixed dental bridge and a removable denture. A fixed bridge requires at least one (often two) healthy natural teeth, one on each side of the missing tooth, used as abutments for the crown restoration. A partial denture rests upon and is supported by the gums. Unfortunately, neither option is as strong or long-lasting as implant dentistry restorations. In fact, with minimal repairs to the restorations, dental implants can last for more than twenty years. In contrast, removable dentures typically last less than a decade, and a fixed bridge does not last nearly as long.
We encourage you to give us a call if you are considering implant dentistry for long-lasting tooth replacement. Our mission is to help patients achieve an attractive and healthy smile, and we take pride in providing implant dentistry options that are reliable and last for a long time.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Dentist in Long Grove, IL
We encourage you to give us a call if you are considering implant dentistry for long-lasting tooth replacement. Our mission is to help patients achieve an attractive and healthy smile, and we take pride in providing implant dentistry options that are reliable and last for a long time.
Request an appointment or call Long Grove Dental at 847-636-5020 for an appointment in our Long Grove office.
Implant dentistry makes everyday activities easier. After tooth loss occurs, certain activities can become more of a challenge, and it can affect the person’s appearance and level of confidence. The good news is that many restore their confidence level and improve their ability to eat, speak, and care for their smile each day with implant…
Implant dentistry involves the replacement of natural teeth after tooth loss occurs using titanium posts (known as dental implants) and the attachment of a restoration, such as a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture. A bone graft is often necessary before an implant dentistry procedure, particularly when there is not enough healthy bone inside the…
Implant dentistry includes the entire treatment implant process, from the consultation visit to providing aftercare and educational services to ensure the implants remain in good condition. The following review discusses how you can get the most out of your dental implants through good aftercare practices.You can care for your dental implant restoration by implementing a…
A traditional dental bridge can replace up to three or four consecutive teeth on the same side of a dental arch. It is one of the most common dental replacements you can get. Knowing how to care for it can help maintain your new smile for a long time. Here are some tips for ensuring…
Minor flaws in your teeth might make you hide your smile. If so, dental veneers might be the answer for you. These thin, customized porcelain shells will fit over your existing teeth and even out their appearance.Over time, dental veneers have become more prevalent as a cosmetic dental choice. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain…