Types of Implant Restorations

Dental Implant Crowns

When a single tooth is missing, the standard of treatment is placement of a single implant and implant supported crown. This prevents the need for removing any healthy bone from adjacent teeth in order to place a three-unit fixed bridge. As a result, dental implants are actually more conservative and tooth-saving than traditional bridgework. Additionally, a single implant can be more aesthetic and easier to keep clean than a bridge.

A normal tooth consists of a crown and a root. The crown is that part of the tooth which is visible in the mouth. The root is under the gum tissue, surrounded by the bone. The crown is supported by the root portion attached to the bone. Implants are placed into the bone so that a prosthetic crown (the visible part of your tooth) can be firmly attached. State-of-the-art technology in implant dentistry makes it possible to provide replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.

After a relatively short period of time, the implant is restored with an abutment (implant post) and a crown. This process involves taking an impression of the implant and fabricating the abutment and crown. For individuals who wish to replace missing teeth, dental implants may be an effective long-term solution.

Dental Implant Bridgework

When multiple teeth are missing and need to be replaced, there are several options: conventional fixed bridges where remaining teeth are drilled down and used as anchors, allowing missing teeth to be replaced; removable dentures made of acrylic base and teeth which can move around in the mouth; and implant supported bridgework utilizing multiple implants.

In the long term, implant bridgework is the better choice. In addition to being comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, implant bridgework functions like natural teeth. Dental implants allow preservation of the jaw bone by eliminating bone resorption.

Implant Supported Overdentures

When all teeth are missing, the choices for restoring patients to a full complement of teeth are categorized into two types of procedures: conventional, removable dentures and implant supported dentures.

Conventional removable dentures have an important place in dentistry, but also have several drawbacks:

1. Removable dentures can be uncomfortable due to movements and less retention.
2. Removable dentures can cause further resorption of the jaw bone by placing additional pressure on the remaining bone
3. Removable dentures can reduce your ability to eat and enjoy certain foods.

By utilizing a minimum of two, to a maximum of ten dental implants, a conventional denture can be made more retentive. The denture can be attached on the implants by friction or screws to allow better stability, retention and more natural biting and chewing capacity.

As a result, implant supported dentures have the following advantages:

1. They are more comfortable since less movement of the dentures occur due to increased stability
2. They allow better biting and chewing capacity
3. They allow the jaw bone to be more healthy and intact since implants allow preservation of the remaining bone