The Implant Dilemma
Of all tooth replacement procedures including dentures, partial dentures, and bridges, dental implants are the most natural because they replace both the root of your tooth and the crown. However, in order to be a candidate for an implant, you need to have healthy jawbone structure in the implant area.
If you’ve had missing teeth for some time, or even if you have a dental bridge, your underlying jawbone may not be dense and strong enough for implant treatment, and that’s the implant dilemma!
What An Implant Consists Of
Dental implants consist of three parts: a small titanium post that serves as your tooth root; an abutment; and a dental crown. The post is “implanted” into your jawbone where the missing tooth is located. An abutment is then attached to the post; and a dental crown is bonded to the abutment. No other dental work can simulate the look and feel of real teeth like a dental implant.
The Dilemma
However, if your jawbone has begun to atrophy (die and resorb), you may first need a bone grafting procedure before placing an implant. A bone graft consists of transplanting bone tissue to the area of your jaw that has become weak, and they are beneficial for growing new bone so the area becomes dense and healthy enough to maintain an implant post.
The Benefits of Implants
Although when it comes to missing teeth, dentures and bridges are excellent options, implants are the most natural and stable. Implants do not need to be removed when sleeping; can be cared for the same way as your natural teeth; their strength and stability allow you to eat foods of any firmness and texture; they allow you to speak naturally; and they last a lifetime.