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Implants are the most functional replacement for missing teeth and generally have the longest lifespan of any of the types of tooth replacement.
A tooth implant is a prosthetic root placed into jaw in the location of the original root. It is very versatile as it can be used to attach a single crown, serve as an abutment for a bridge, or anchor a removable appliance. Four or more implants can be used to replace an entire complete denture.
The procedure to place an implant in a patient’s mouth involves several steps and can take 3 or more months from start to finish. The dental surgeon first inserts a metal post into the jaw bone, which typically causes less discomfort than the original tooth extraction. It then takes several months for the bone to integrate with the post, during which time the patient can wear a partial denture to replace the missing tooth. Once the metal post is secure in the jaw, the dentist will fix an abutment onto it, which is a minor operation. Approximately two weeks later, the dentist will fix an artificial tooth onto the abutment to complete the implant procedure.
Alternative replacements to an implant include a bridge and a removable partial denture. The major difference between these options is that a dental implant is fixed into the jawbone, whereas a bridge or a partial denture sits above the gums, attached to the adjoining teeth. Bridges and partial dentures have lower upfront costs than dental implants, but the ongoing costs of these implant alternatives can add up over time.
One advantage of an implant is that it’s anchored in the gum, so it looks like a natural tooth. Also, placing an implant in the mouth has no impact on the adjoining teeth. When fitting a bridge, the dentist must grind down the teeth on each side to prepare them for the crowns that support the central artificial tooth. Furthermore, when the missing tooth isn’t replaced with a dental implant, the jaw bone is more likely to weaken and lose its structure.
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