Double Tooth Implant
People who need to replace several missing teeth may find implant-supported bridges to be an ideal replacement option. These restorations utilize dental implants to replace the lost tooth roots and missing natural teeth.
The placement of a dental implant will depend on the condition of the patient’s gums and jawbone. If placed properly, a dental implant can be used to support one or more crowns. Some techniques rely on only a few implants to support a full set of replacement teeth.
Dental Implant Options
The traditional approach taken with dental implants is to use a single implant for each missing tooth in need of replacement. However, in some cases, multiple teeth can be supported by one implant. In other cases, a few dental implants can be used to support permanent dentures. Both options provide patients with fixed, permanent replacement teeth along with all the advantages of traditional implants.
Typically, the single implant technique to support multiple prosthetic teeth is employed when a person lacks sufficient jawbone required to allow multiple implants or in situations where the patient has inconsistent jawbone mass across their mouth. In these cases, implant surgeons will place dental implants in locations where the jawbone is most strong.
Things to Consider When Opting for Dental Implants
Patients should thoroughly discuss their treatment with the dentist prior to choosing dental implants as some underlying health issues may need to be addressed prior to implant surgery. Included in these health issues are:
Periodontal (Gum) Disease: To maximize the likelihood of an implant procedure being successful, any pre-existing gum disease will first need to be addressed. Patients will likely be referred to a periodontist to treat the disease before undergoing implant surgery.
Overall General Health: Some underlying health conditions can have a negative impact on a person’s ability to heal following implant surgery. As such, conditions like diabetes, immune system issues, or cancer, may eliminate a person from being a candidate for dental implants.
Jawbone Condition: Should a patient have insufficient jawbone mass needed to support a dental implant, they may require a bone grafting procedure before implant surgery to bolster the bone needed for implants.
Advantages of Implant-Supported Bridges Compared to Other Restoration Options
Implant-supported bridges offer several advantages when compared to other tooth replacement treatments. In addition to a more natural look and function, implant-supported bridges replace teeth without needing to rely on adjacent natural teeth for support. This differs from fixed bridges or removable partial dentures that utilize adjacent teeth to hold them in place.
Implant-supported bridges are also advantageous in their ability to help better preserve the jawbone. Because dental implants directly interact with the jawbone and serve as replacement roots, bone deterioration commonly found with other restorations is avoided with implant-supported bridges.
In the long run, dental implants are superior in their esthetics, comfort, and functionality. Fixed bridges or removable dentures can cause gum and bone recession leading to visible defects and a collapsed smile. In addition, removable dentures tend to shift out of place in the mouth which can reduce or eliminate the patient’s ability to enjoy certain foods.