In modern dentistry, patients have a number of choices available to replace one or more missing teeth. One of the most important decisions to make, however, is choosing between traditional and implant-supported restorations.
At the Auburn dental practice of Dr. Tom S. Rohdy, we provide patients with options to correct their smile using both removable and fixed prosthetics with implants, and have created this guide to explain the strengths each option. Consider the following when making your decision for restorative care:
The Benefits of Traditional Restorations
Traditional restorations for missing teeth include bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures. Those who have lost one or more teeth enjoy the relative speed and ease with which these prosthetics can be fabricated and placed.
Full dentures are supported by adhesives, while bridges and removable partials are affixed to remaining healthy teeth. Extensive pretreatment is rarely required before these restorations are placed. Dentures and bridges are fabricated by a dental lab to be completely customized to your unique bite and to match the shade of your remaining healthy teeth.
Potential Drawbacks
While these restorations provide more immediate benefits, they do not preserve the health of the jawbone in the long term. Without roots supporting the prosthetic teeth, bone will begin the process of resorption, causing a sunken, aged appearance, and eventually making regular bite function more difficult.
Traditional bridges are not free-standing, as they require shaping neighboring healthy teeth to support crowns. Alternatively, partial dentures utilize a metal framework hooked around healthy teeth, which can wear down dental enamel the long term. Adhesive supported dentures require the mixed support of denture cement and the natural suction of the jaw, making them prone to slippage.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Implants support a number of natural-looking restorations. Acting as a replacement tooth root, titanium posts stimulate the jawbone and prevent the resorption that regularly occurs after teeth have been lost. Prosthetics supported by implants are also durable and allow full bite function without the fear that your restoration will slide out of place.
Implants are entirely self-contained; neighboring teeth are not affected to support your tooth or teeth replacement.
Potential Drawbacks
While implants are the gold standard for restorative dentistry, they require surgical placement, and not every patient will immediately qualify. Those who have experienced prolonged tooth loss or gum disease will likely require bone grafting or periodontal treatment before implants can be placed.
To learn more about dental restorations and to find out which options best suit your personal health goals, contact Dr. Rohdy and our team today to schedule your exam and consultation.