What is Implant Dentistry & The Alternatives

Dental health is vital for the overall well-being of all of us, and missing teeth can significantly impact our quality of life. Tooth loss can affect how you chew and speak and can lead to bone loss in the jaw, affecting the structure of your face over time.

Modern dentistry has developed several alternatives for replacing missing teeth. One of the most popular and advanced options is implant dentistry. However, before diving into implant dentistry, it’s also essential to consider some alternatives available for replacing missing teeth.

Our guide, “Implant Dentistry vs. 3 Alternative Options: What’s Best?” will explain implant dentistry, its benefits, and the other options you may want to explore if implants aren’t the best choice.

What is Implant Dentistry?

Implant dentistry is a specialized area focused on using dental implants to replace missing teeth. A dental implant consists of three parts:

• The implant itself (a titanium post or screw).
• An abutment (a connector).
• A crown (the visible part that looks like a natural tooth).

A surgical procedure places the implant into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. Over several months, the titanium post fuses with the jawbone in osseointegration, ensuring a strong and permanent foundation. After fully integrating the implant with the bone, the abutment and crown are placed to complete the restoration.

Types of Dental Implants

There are several types of dental implants that patients may consider, depending on their specific dental needs:

• Single-tooth implants are designed to replace one missing tooth. The implant holds one dental crown.
• Multiple Tooth Implants: These are used when several teeth are missing, but not all in a row. A bridge supported by implants can replace multiple teeth.
• Full Mouth Implants: Also known as “implant-supported dentures,” this option is for patients missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. These implants can support the entire arch of teeth.
• Mini Implants: These implants are smaller in diameter than traditional ones and may be used in patients with less bone density.

Benefits of Implant Dentistry

Implant dentistry offers several advantages over traditional tooth replacement options:

1. Natural Appearance and Feel: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. The crowns are custom-designed to blend with your existing teeth, providing a seamless appearance.
2. Durability: Dental implants with proper care are designed to last for decades or even a lifetime. Unlike dentures, which may need replacement every few years, implants are a long-term solution.
3. Bone Preservation: A significant benefit of implants is preventing bone loss in the jaw. When a tooth is lost, the bone around the missing tooth begins to deteriorate. Implants stimulate the bone, preserving its density and strength.
4. Improved Oral Health: Unlike dental bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent teeth, dental implants don’t compromise the health of neighboring teeth, which can preserve your natural tooth structure.
5. Enhanced Comfort: Since dental implants are permanently fixed in the jaw, they eliminate many of the discomforts associated with removable dentures, such as slippage, gum irritation, or difficulty speaking and chewing.
6. No Dietary Restrictions: You can enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying; they function like natural teeth.

The Implant Procedure

With implant dentistry, the process involves several stages.

1. Initial Consultation: Your chosen dentist will evaluate your oral health and bone density through X-rays or CT scans to determine if you’re a good candidate for implants. If you have insufficient bone in your jaw, a bone graft might be necessary before placing the implant.
2. Surgical Placement: The implant is surgically placed into your jawbone. This is a minor surgery and is usually performed under local anesthesia.
3. Healing Period: After placing the implant, it needs time to heal and integrate with your jawbone. This process can take several months, during which you may receive a temporary crown or denture to cover the implant.
4. Final Restoration: Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, the abutment and crown will be attached to complete the restoration.

Alternatives to Implant Dentistry

While implant dentistry is often considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, other options are available for patients who may not be candidates for implants due to health reasons, bone density issues, or financial constraints. Here are the most common alternatives:

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is used to fill the gap that happens by one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth (pontics) supported by crowns on the adjacent teeth. Dental bridges can be a great option for patients who have healthy adjacent teeth that can be used for support.

Pros of Dental Bridges

• Cost-Effective: Generally, dental bridges are less expensive than implants.
• Quick Solution: Bridges can be completed in just a few visits.
• Non-Surgical: No surgery is required, making it a less invasive option than implants.

Cons of Dental Bridges

• Alters Healthy Teeth: Adjacent teeth need to be filed down to accommodate the crowns.
• Bone Loss: Bridges do not address bone loss in the jaw.
• Limited Durability: Bridges typically need replacement every 10-15 years.

Dentures

Dentures are removable prosthetic appliances created to replace several missing teeth. There are two primary types: partial dentures, which fill the gaps left by only a few missing teeth, and full dentures that replace all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.

Pros of Dentures

• Affordable: Dentures are often more affordable than implants or bridges.
• Non-Invasive: Dentures do not require surgery or invasive procedures.
• Flexible: They can be adjusted or replaced as needed over time.

Cons of Dentures

• Stability Issues: Dentures can shift or slip in the mouth, causing discomfort and difficulty with eating or speaking.
• Bone Loss: Like bridges, dentures do not prevent bone loss in the jaw.
• Maintenance: Dentures require regular cleaning and may need periodic adjustments or replacements.

Resin-Bonded Bridge (Maryland Bridge)

A resin-bonded or Maryland bridge uses metal or porcelain wings on the back of the adjacent teeth to hold the artificial tooth in place. This is less invasive than traditional bridges because it doesn’t require altering the adjacent teeth as extensively.

Pros of Resin-Bonded Bridges

• Minimal Alteration: The adjacent teeth don’t need to be filed down as much as with traditional bridges.
• Cost-Effective: These bridges tend to be more affordable than implants.

Cons of Resin-Bonded Bridges:

• Weaker Bond: The metal wings can come loose over time.
• Aesthetic Issues: The metal framework may be visible, especially if the adjacent teeth are transparent.

Implant Dentistry or The Alternatives: Choosing the Right Option for You

When the need arises to replace missing teeth, each option discussed in the guide has advantages and disadvantages. Dental implants offer the most durable, natural-looking, and functional solution. However, not every patient is a candidate for implant dentistry, and alternatives such as dental bridges or dentures may be more appropriate in some cases.

If you’re considering dental implants or exploring other options, consulting a top-rated dentist is essential to making an informed decision. For residents in New Jersey and those wanting to travel for the best implant dentistry and other dental services, Dr. Paul Feldman at Suburban Essex Dental is a trusted and experienced dentist with an excellent reputation.

With Dr. Paul Feldman’s expertise and top dental staff, the appropriate solutions will be provided to restore your teeth, smile, and overall dental health.

Contact Dr. Paul Feldman at Suburban Essex Dental today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how implant dentistry and other services can benefit you!