In the realm of modern dentistry, dental implants have completely revolutionized the way we approach tooth replacement. They offer a permanent solution that not only restores functionality but also enhances the aesthetics of your smile. However, if you’ve received a dental restoration in the past such as dentures or a bridge, you might be wondering if it’s possible to replace your existing restoration with a dental implant. Here’s what you need to know about upgrading your smile with dental implants.
The Rise of Dental Implants
Before dental implants, bridges, dentures, and even crowns were employed to replace missing teeth. While these solutions were effective, and are still utilized to this very date, they might come with certain limitations including discomfort, reduced chewing efficiency, inhibited speech patterns, and the need for repair or replacement after a short while.
Dental implants, made from biocompatible materials like titanium and zirconia, are posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone, mimicking the root structure of natural teeth. Over time, these posts fuse with the bone, providing a stable foundation for the replacement teeth that are attached to the top. Dental implants outperform virtually all other tooth replacement options in terms of look, feel, functionality, and longevity, making them the gold standard of modern tooth replacement and an enticing option for several patients.
Replacing Existing Restorations with Dental Implants
In many cases, existing dental restorations can be replaced with dental implants. The largest determining factor is the patient’s oral health; since dental implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone resorption, the existing bone matter must be strong enough to support and integrate the implant posts. Additionally, patients must also be free from periodontal disease and must not partake in unfavorable oral habits like smoking, tobacco use, or chronic negligent oral hygiene.
Here’s a breakdown of a few common scenarios:
- If you have a single missing tooth or a couple of missing teeth in a row that is currently being replaced by a dental bridge, an implant can be used; not only will it restore the missing tooth, but it will also help to maintain the integrity of the remaining neighboring teeth.
- For patients with several missing teeth that have been replaced with a partial denture, a dental implant can provide more stability for the denture.
- Likewise, for patients who have replaced entire arches of missing teeth with full dentures, multiple dental implants can be strategically placed to accommodate the restoration and grant it incredible stability and chewing efficiency.
The advancement of dental implant technology offers a transformative opportunity for those seeking to upgrade their existing dental restorations. While options like bridges and dentures have long been the standard, it makes sense to consider dental implants, as they are a clear superior alternative and grant patients untold unique benefits for life.
About the Practice
The talented team at United Dental Centers is excited to offer families in the Merrillville, IN area an exceptional level of dental care! Under the leadership of Dr. David Fried and Dr. Kenneth M. Fried, the practice is pleased to provide patients with a wide range of restorative services including dental implants. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a consultation to see if your smile can benefit from dental implants, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone for assistance. Telephone: (219) 980-4900.