By Larry Otte, DMD, Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons of Peoria
In many cases, a dental implant is the ideal solution to replace a missing tooth. Historically, patients with a missing tooth chose a fixed bridge or a removable partial denture. Cosmetic appearance, longevity, treatment time, and cost are factors which may make a dental implant the preferred choice.
Dental implants are screw-like structures (Figure 1) that replace the missing tooth and are surgically inserted into the jawbone by your oral and maxillofacial surgeon. A crown, which resembles the natural tooth, is attached to the implant and can be color matched to the adjacent teeth resulting in the optimal cosmetic result. Dental implants not only mimic the appearance of natural teeth but their function as well (Figure 2). The implant will not move when eating or speaking thus giving confidence to the patient when engaging in these activities. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, and can be placed in an office setting under local anesthetic. For patients that may have apprehensions regarding dental care, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can perform IV sedation or general anesthesia in an office setting for patients that prefer alternate methods of anesthesia regarding dental implant placement.
A fixed bridge is an option to replace missing teeth. Teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are cut down and used as anchors to attach to the bridge (Figure 3). Unlike a traditional bridge, placement of a dental implant does not require the adjacent teeth to be altered thus retaining their natural appearance. Bone loss, which will result in the area of the missing tooth, may result in a compromised cosmetic appearance. According to the American Dental Association, a fixed bridge has an average lifespan of 10.1 years. The out-of-pocket cost for a fixed bridge is comparable to a dental implant.
A removable partial denture is made of pink acrylic, white plastic teeth, and a metal framework. The partial denture is held in the mouth by metal clasps, which attach to the natural teeth to secure it into the mouth (Figure 4). The partial denture can move around in the mouth causing difficulty with eating and speaking. Bone loss can occur where the teeth are missing, resulting in a less than favorable cosmetic appearance. The average life span of a removable partial denture is 5 to 7 years. The cost of a removable partial denture is typically half that of a dental implant.
A dental implant is the recommended solution to replace a missing tooth for the following three reasons:
- A superior esthetic result can be achieved because bone loss is minimized, adjacent teeth are not cut down, metal clasps are not required, and there is no movement when eating or speaking.
- Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, unlike bridges or partials, which will eventually require replacement.
- The overall time and cost of an implant is less than a fixed bridge or removable partial denture when factoring in the cost of their replacement.
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| Larry Otte, DMD |
For more information on implants or to schedule an appointment, contact the Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons of Peoria, located at 2807 N. Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL. Call 309-682-1213 or visit www.aospeoria.com.
Photo courtesy of Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons of Peoria