Some patients may be told that they are not good candidates for dental implants due to bone loss. These patients may be advised that they should choose a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth instead. Keep in mind that you can always get a second opinion if a dental implant is your preferred treatment following tooth loss.
If you’ve heard this, you should consult with a periodontist to learn about the technology that can make dental implants a possibility for you. There are some strategies that can help patients access dental implants even if they’ve already experienced bone loss at the implant site.
A periodontist can use various techniques such as three-dimensional jaw imaging and computer-guided implant placement to improve patient outcomes.
Unlike dental bridges, which require crowns to be placed on surrounding teeth for support, dental implants can stand alone.
The case for dental implants is a compelling one. Patients gain a number of benefits when a periodontist places dental implants into their jaw rather than replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge. Unlike dental bridges, which require crowns to be placed on surrounding teeth for support, dental implants can stand alone. The process of placing a crown involves removing healthy enamel, which can weaken a tooth. Dental implants, in contrast, have no impact on adjacent teeth.
Additionally, dental implants help to preserve the surrounding jawbone, which will erode in the absence of a tooth’s root or a root-like structure, such as that provided by a dental implant. A dental bridge has no form underneath the gum line, so the bone will atrophy. Eventually, the bridge may need to be replaced as a result.
A dental implant also is more effective at chewing than a dental bridge because it can absorb stronger chewing forces. This quality allows patients with a dental implant to enjoy a more varied diet.
Another benefit of dental implants is that the devices themselves are not susceptible to tooth decay since they are made of titanium.
If you’ve been told that your case is not appropriate for dental implants, we encourage you to get a second opinion. Contact our practice, which has been a pioneer in providing treatments like dental implants, to learn more about what you can do to take advantage of this increasingly popular treatment.
