Missing teeth cause a host of issues, like difficulty eating or speaking proficiently. While dentures and bridges can adequately replace missing teeth, many patients desire increased comfort and performance from their prosthetics. Dental implants completely replace missing teeth, from the roots to their crowns, and enhance traditional restorations to provide improved function, appearance, and health.
What Problems are Associated with Missing Teeth?
While many may not realize it, teeth provide the support to maintain jaw bone structure in addition to chewing and helping us communicate. When teeth go missing, remaining teeth begin to shift while the jawbone goes through a process of resorption, deteriorating and shrinking over time. Replacing the tooth immediately after it has been lost prevents the resorption process and preserves the structural integrity of bones and teeth.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are comprised of three major components: the post, the abutment, and the restoration or prosthesis.
Dental implant posts replace teeth roots, a functional portion of the tooth that supports the jaw as the jaw supports it, allowing the bone to maintain its integrity. Additionally, the titanium material used to create the dental implant post is biocompatible and able to fuse with existing bone, working together to bolster the implant’s overall strength.
The abutment connects the implant post to the prosthesis to generate the complete restoration. If the prosthesis should receive damage for any reason, restoring dental implants is as easy as replacing the abutment and crown.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The benefits dental implants have on traditional restorations include:
- Increased Comfort
- Enhanced Stability
- Restored Performance
- Greater Durability
Dental implants can be made to replace a single tooth, a row of teeth, or an entire arch of teeth using crowns, bridges, and dentures respectively. Moreover, patients receiving full dentures along with their dental implants can choose between receiving fixed implant-supported dentures or removable overdentures.
While traditional restorations are still effectively used by many dentists, advancements in dentistry has allowed dental implants to supply patients with the most comprehensive way to replace a tooth.
Learn More!
Dental implants are the more comprehensive way to replace missing teeth. Find out more about the improvements dental implants can have on contemporary restorations. Call or visit Orange Family Dental Center in Orange and schedule an appointment with Dr. Samra today!