A tooth implant is not the only dental procedure that can replace a missing permanent tooth. But you could be slightly reluctant to choose this method, as it requires oral surgery. This surgery is an essential part of the process, but it's not as significant as it might seem. There's also the relevant fact that implants offer a different outcome from dental bridges—and this applies to all your teeth.
A False Tooth
A dental bridge supports a false tooth (called a pontic) in the gap, using the teeth on either side for support (causing them to become abutment teeth). Abutment teeth must be reshaped—or reduced in size, to be more accurate. This reduction allows porcelain dental crowns to be fitted over these teeth, with the pontic suspended between them.
Abutment Teeth
The pontic is not connected to the gums beneath it, and its available bite force comes from the mastication of its abutment teeth. These abutment teeth have been permanently altered. Their preparatory work removed a layer of their protective surface enamel, and without their crowns, the teeth have the potential to be excessively sensitive and can be more vulnerable to corrosion and decay. For these reasons, the fitted crowns are now a permanent fixture in your mouth.
Oral Surgery
A tooth implant is also permanent, albeit in a different way. It starts with the aforementioned oral surgery. Please be assured that this surgery is minor, is conducted on an outpatient basis, and only requires a local anesthetic. That should illuminate how routine this form of surgery is. The surgery is for the actual placement of the implant, which is a small piece of titanium alloy that resembles a small screw.
Bone Healing
The screw configuration provides more surface area for your jaw bone to grip onto. This grip is achieved via integration, with the bone healing around the implant and generating new bone tissue. The implant soon becomes a fixed part of your jaw and can now perform the same role as a natural tooth root.
Post Extension
A small titanium post extension is fitted to the implant projecting outwards from your gums. A realistic ceramic tooth is then bonded to the extension, and your tooth is now functional. Due to its foundation in the jaw, its performance will be comparable to a natural tooth, and no crowns or other modifications are needed for any other teeth in your mouth.
Tooth implants are self-contained permanent teeth replacements that work with the rest of your teeth, allowing those teeth to remain in a natural state. For more information on tooth implants, contact a professional near you.
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