Dental implants are the only solution for replacing a lost tooth by restoring both the root and the crown portion. Like the natural tooth, the forces developed during chewing will be transmitted to the bone, maintaining its physiological activity and volume.
Bone whose size decreases due to edentulousness will cause aesthetic disharmony. The shape of the face will have a sagging, sunken appearance, with accentuated grooves, suggesting an aged appearance.
Bone loss phenomenon
When a dental unit is lost, the forces developed during physiological activities will no longer propagate to the bone. An unstimulated bone will deteriorate. Initially, it will lose height and then thickness, and eventually, you will have a shortened and thin bone, unable to support a dental implant.
The teeth adjacent to the edentulous tooth also undergo changes, moving towards the space left free and creating particular situations of malposition that are difficult to rehabilitate. The protection of the edentulous space by a dental bridge does not ensure the maintenance of bone activity and therefore does not prevent bone resorption. In addition, in order to make a dental bridge we must also sacrifice the healthy substance of the teeth bordering the edentulous gaps.
A major contraindication to implantation
The failure of this maneuver or, on the contrary, the main reason for avoiding dental implants is the insufficient quantity of bone or its poor quality. In this case, however, the situation can be remedied by bone addition.
Benefits of dental implants for the oral cavity
Biocompatibility – With a success rate close to an ideal, implants fit perfectly into the harmony of the dental arches, mimicking the natural tooth down to the smallest detail, functionally and morphologically;
Comfort – Mobile prostheses are a nuisance because they have to be removed, giving the patient uncertainty about stability and retention in the oral cavity. On the other hand, fixed prosthetic work can fit too snugly on the gum causing discomfort, keratitis or ulceration. The implant is inserted into the bone, the risk of detachment is minimal and chewing and other functions of the dento-maxillary appliance are carried out in optimal conditions.
Why choose a dental implant?
The advantages that this operation brings are superior and certified by numerous clinical cases. At present, dental implants are the solution of choice in the rehabilitation of edentulousness.
Aesthetic solution – dental implants, through root and crown angulation, give the impression of a natural tooth both functionally and aesthetically.
Bone protection – achieved, as mentioned above, by transmitting pressure into the thickness of the bone structure.
Dental bridge versus dental implant
Preserving neighboring teeth – if a missing tooth is restored with a dental bridge, this requires the sacrifice of adjacent teeth. This situation will not be present when restoring edentulousness through implants, when the teeth adjacent to the gap will not suffer any damage.
Quality – the mechanical and aesthetic properties of implants are certified by numerous studies. Even if the price is higher compared to a dental bridge, the longevity of dental implants is guaranteed to be 10 years, although in most cases no problems have been reported even after this period has been exceeded.
Like any surgery, this operation is not without risks. Therefore, patients should always listen to the instructions given by their dentist and come to the dental clinic when they are called for dental implant hygiene or evaluation.
