Dental Implants, Bridges And Dentures While it is easy to choose the type of filling while restoring a tooth, it is as tough when it comes to choosing the right kind of prosthesis for replacing missing teeth. Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry which deals with edentulous spaces and how to replace the missing teeth. Dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures form the backbone of prosthodontics and we are going to discuss these in detail in this article.
Dental implants
These are the latest addition to the treatment options of replacement of missing teeth, which earlier included only dentures and dental bridges. Technically, an implant is an artificial device that is placed in the body to achieve certain results. A dental implant can replace a single missing tooth, can close large gaps by supporting dental bridge and can also replace the entire dentition by supporting the denture.
Structural components - dental implant consists of a screw-like structure which is predominantly, made of titanium metal and is called a post. The middle part known as abutment acts as the connecting link between the uppermost part called crown and the post. Crown part anatomically resembles the lost tooth.
Types of the implant - broadly, implants are of 2 types:-
Endosteal - these implants are placed in the jawbone.
Subperiosteal - these are placed below the gums but above the jawbone. But this type of implant is not as popular since they have compromised strength.
Method of placement
Placing an implant is a surgical procedure in which local anesthesia is administered to numb the bone tissue. The titanium post is then inserted into the bone and the wound is then allowed to heal. This post is then allowed to fuse with the bone tissue which may take weeks. After this, the abutment and the crown are placed on it which requires taking impressions of your teeth by your dentist. The total procedure will require several visits to your implantologist but it’s worth it. More information about the dental implant procedure has been written by this Harley Street Dental implant dentist.
Dental bridge
A dental bridge replaces the lost teeth by the support of teeth adjacent to the edentulous space. It may be a three-unit bridge that can close the gap of one missing tooth, and it may be several unit bridges that close the gap for several missing teeth. But, a large unit bridge has its own limitations and the decision should best be taken by your prosthodontist.
Structural components- a dental bridge comprises of the retainer which are hollow from inside and fit upon the supporting teeth which are known as abutment teeth once they have been prepared to receive the bridge. The retainers look like your natural teeth and match the color of adjacent teeth. The part of the bridge that actually replaces the lost teeth is called a pontic and this pontic and retainer are attached to each other by a connector.
Method of placement- unlike implant, it’s a non-invasive procedure in which; the teeth adjacent to the edentulous space are first reduced in size to receive the retainer part of the bridge. It may or may not involve the administration of local anesthesia. Your dentist then takes the precise impression of your oral cavity and the prepared teeth and then a bridge is fabricated in a lab. This bridge is then cemented to the abutment teeth and bite adjustments are made by your dentist.
Dentures
Dentures are removable prosthesis made from a material called acrylic and have artificial teeth attached on a gum colored acrylic body.
Types of dentures
Partial denture- replaces only a few of the teeth in a jaw Complete denture- replaces all of the teeth in a jaw.
Structural components- a complete denture has just a denture base and teeth whereas a partial denture has major and minor connectors, rests and retainers in addition to these; to make it function better and make sure that they don’t get displaced while eating or speaking.
Method of placement-it’s a totally non invasive procedure but; while partial dentures require fewer appointments, a complete denture requires many visits from impression making to the final adjustment of the denture and even after that it may not give a satisfactory result since unlike implants and bridges; they are not attached to the bone or teeth. The most common problem that people wearing dentures face is the displacement of the denture, especially lower while eating or even speaking.
Implants are expensive as compared to other options but the durability is the longest if they are properly taken care of. Bridges may not always be the best option for you since they cannot cover very large gaps. Dentures should be considered if cost is a factor since they are not as comfortable to wear as implants and bridges. Hence the advice of your dentist is the best to go with.
