If you have recently lost a tooth, it is best to start considering a single tooth implant or other options for the replacement and restoration of your smile. While many patients think that a dental bridge is their best option, there are several reasons that dentists recommend a tooth implant instead. Here are some of the biggest reasons our team suggests a single tooth implant over a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth.
There are some critical differences between a dental bridge and a single tooth implant. A dental bridge is a prosthetic (or false) tooth that is placed into a unique structure held in place by the adjacent teeth. This creates a bridge attached to the other teeth but then rests on top of the gum.
In contrast, a single tooth implant is a crown that is attached to the underlying post. The post is a small metal or titanium implant that is installed into the jawbone underneath the gums. The customized replacement tooth then fits into the space between the tooth and holds firmly in place on the post.
A single tooth implant does not just look like a natural tooth, but it also feels and behaves like one. Because a dental bridge has specific care instructions and processes for keeping it clean, the wearer must treat it like the other teeth. This means that brushing and flossing should be done as normal.
Additionally, because single tooth implants are affixed to the post, they do not move or come out. That means that patients do not have to worry about the tooth coming loose or falling out while eating or speaking.
When the tooth's roots are no longer attached to the jawbone, the body does not recognize the need for that bone tissue anymore. To save energy, the body begins to resorb that bone, also known as bone resportion. During this process, the bone will deteriorate and weaken the structure of the jaw.
In contrast, a single tooth implant post is coated with a unique material that promotes new bone growth and helps the new bone grow into and around the post. The jawbone may also grow stronger after the patient gets a tooth implant. This is because the post stimulates the jawbone similar to a natural tooth root, producing sensations through biting, chewing, and speaking that encourage strong bone tissue.
The teeth will shift if they are not correctly aligned. If an individual loses a tooth, the other teeth may shift to fill the space, resulting in a misaligned or gapped smile. While a dental bridge helps to fill the space above the gum, it does not stop the roots of other teeth from pushing into the newly vacated area. This can cause teeth to twist or shift. Instead, a single tooth implant helps fill the space in the bone and over the gums, maintaining proper alignment and appearance.
A single tooth implant can transform the appearance and function of your smile. Do you have questions for the Buffalo Prairie Dental team? Call our Quincy office to learn more about the benefits of single tooth implants or to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.buffaloprairiedental.com or call Buffalo Prairie Dental at (217) 334-4355 for an appointment in our Quincy office.
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