Dental Implants Used in Multiple
Tooth Replacement
This is an example of how a dental implant are used to
replace multiple missing teeth.
Advantages
No grinding of
adjacent teeth
No Need for root canals
Stimulates bone/gum tissue,
thus preventing any bone defects
Look and feel like natural
teeth
Replacing a single
missing tooth with an implant has the advantage of removing the
need to grind down adjacent teeth as you would to place a bridge.
Occasionally, this grinding process can lead to the need for
further treatment such as root canal therapy on these prepared
teeth. Bridges that are not kept clean can result in decay under
the bridge and result in further tooth loss. Remember
dental implants can't get decay.
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Click above to see a 3-D
video on how multiple Dental Implant are used to restore 3
posterior/back teeth
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and print the following dental implant brochures
A traditional bridge involves grinding
down adjacent teeth to support the bridge. It is a stable solution with good
esthetics and function that is fairly easy to install. However, this
alternative has two main disadvantages: continuous bone resorbtion in the
edentulous area, and sacrificing healthy teeth on behalf of the bridge.
Disadvantages
Extra
forces are placed
on the supporting teeth
Must
grind/or shave
the supporting teeth
Possible
need for a root
canal
Risk for
decay
under the bridge
Not able
to floss the bridge (must use other aids)
Lack of
stimulation of bone leading to jaw
bone defects
(see pictures)
This alternative is often perceived as
uncomfortable and a bit complicated to use. Function can’t be compared to
that of an implant bridge. This denture is made of plastic and metal, which
affects its look. It is quite expensive to fabricate due to its many parts.
However, the installation process is simple, and natural teeth are spared.
Disadvantages
Extra
forces are placed on the
supporting teeth which can lead to tooth
mobility
Risk for
decay or bone
loss around the
teeth that support the partial denture