Dental Implants for Tooth Loss
Losing a tooth is very common in the world. People lose teeth following different oral conditions. For some, struggles with tooth cavities and decaying are the primary cause. However, some patients have their teeth removed following an injury or accident. Whatever the cause of losing a tooth, it is not a pleasant cosmetic look. It is why dentists have several solutions to counter the challenge of missing teeth.
When replacing a tooth, permanency, and longevity should be your greatest concern. A dentist near you is charged with the task of informing you of the available solutions. However, it is your role to choose the dental solution that best works for your preferences.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium oral appliances or fixtures that are used to replace missing teeth. They feature a replacement from the root of the teeth. It is why a dental implant procedure involves installing an implant in the jaw of the patient. The metal frames have to be placed beneath the gum tissue, which usually necessitates a surgical procedure.
Why Would You Need A Dental Implant?
Before considering any dental implants, it is important to know why you would need the implants in the first place. As mentioned earlier, dental implants are used as a treatment option for missing teeth. Your dentist may recommend a dental implant under the following conditions:
- For a dental bridge – Dental bridge or dental implant are both relevant in correcting missing teeth situations. Technically, a dental bridge is the most common treatment for closing gaps of missing teeth. However, when using dental bridges, implants can be used. Their use will be to hold the dental bridge in place and offer more stability. In that situation, they are considered implant-supported bridges. They are more preferable to traditional dental bridges that rely on adjacent natural teeth for support.
- For permanency – When patients suffer from missing teeth, it introduces other dental problems. A dentist will recommend dental implants for such patients. However, since there are other treatment options for missing teeth, dental implants are recommended for patients who are looking for permanency and longevity of their new set of teeth.
- For dentures – When patients have multiple missing teeth, they can have complete or partial dentures installed. When these are in place, they are removable. In time, the shrinkage of the gum tissue can cause the dentures to loosen and be uncomfortable. Instead of calling your dentist every time for readjustment, implants are used. The implants will support the dentures throughout.
When you go for an all on 4 dental implants, the dentist has to inform you of several factors that might affect the option of teeth replacement you get. Technically, all on 4 dental implants means that you only need 4 implants to replace all teeth in a single arch, whether upper or lower. This means you do not need an implant for every missing tooth. However, a dentist can advise otherwise, based on some of the following factors:
- Location of the tooth – dental implants are perfect alternatives for back teeth. Given that the premolars and molars deal with a lot of pressure from chewing, you require a stable fixture that can withstand the pressure.
- The quality of the jawbone – the jawbone is needed at its best to house the dental. If the quantity of the jawbone is not sufficient, then its quality is not at its best. Other than that, the bone structure must be stable enough to accommodate a foreign fixture, without falling apart. This means any cracks, thinning, and breakages along the jawbone might hinder a patient from getting implants.
- The health of the patient – a dental implant is surgically installed. If the patient’s health is compromised, then a dentist might not vouch for a dental implant.
- The cost – dental implants are more expensive than other forms of teeth replacement. Some patients may be unwilling to spend so much money. Besides, you have to invest in dental crowns to cover the implants after installation. Such costs can be limiting, causing patients to opt for other treatments.