Prostheses Commonly Used With Dental Implants

Many patients with missing teeth find themselves looking at implants as a solution. dental implants have become a popular tooth replacement option in recent years that offers numerous benefits for a patient's oral health.  Different types of prostheses are used with implants for different severities of tooth loss.

Benefits of dental implants

Implants are nowadays one of the most common dental treatments to restore teeth, as they are a sturdy and reliable option. They are long-lasting, permanent solution and help to preserve and strengthen the bones of the jaw, as bone loss and shrinkage are common after tooth loss. Implants also look and function like natural teeth, giving patients a smile they can feel confident in without the worries that can sometimes come along with other replacement options.

Types of prostheses used in implants

Implants use different types of prostheses for the treatment of missing teeth. The type of prosthesis selected often depends on the location of the teeth and how many need to be replaced. Three main types of prostheses are commonly used with dental implants.

Crown

A crown is most often used to replace a single missing tooth. These tooth-colored caps have the shape and appearance to match natural teeth. A dental crown is normally placed over the natural tooth. However, a tooth that is severely damaged or decayed cannot support a crown and instead needs a dental implant.

For a dental implant-supported crown, the natural tooth needs to be pulled first, if it is still in the mouth. An implant is placed in the jawbone, then a connecting piece known as an abutment is placed on top, protruding from the gums. A dental crown is fabricated and attached to the abutment.

Bridge

A traditional dental bridge is comprised of two crowns with a false tooth in between them for support. This restorative treatment can replace multiple adjacent missing teeth. Implant-supported bridges are used when natural teeth are unable to support a traditional bridge. The procedure is similar to an implant-supported crown but requires two dental implants to be placed.

Denture

Dentures are a type of restorative treatment to replace multiple teeth. This option involves a set of replacement teeth that are attached to an artificial gum base made of acrylic resin base that resembles natural gum tissue. Dental implants can be used in conjunction with dentures to keep them permanently fixed in place and may be done for both the upper and lower sets of teeth. Dentures are normally a solution for patients who have already lost most or all of their natural teeth. If there are any teeth remaining, they need to be removed so the dentures to be placed. 

Conclusion

Dental implants are a restorative procedure done to help replace teeth that have been lost or become so damaged they must be extracted. Depending on the number of teeth lost, different prostheses may be recommended for replacement.

Request an appointment here: https://www.westtexasperio.com or call Advanced Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at (432) 538-3318 for an appointment in our Odessa office.

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