Dental Restoration Options for Implant Dentistry Patients
If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, you know just how much that can affect the overall appearance of your smile. Thankfully there are plenty of options to consider whether you're missing a single tooth or many teeth. One of the best possible options is getting dental implants, which can be used to support different kinds of dental restorations.
The team at our Bloomington cosmetic dentistry center would like to take this opportunity to look at dental implants and the different kinds of dental restorations used to improve the health and appearance of smiles.
About Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically anchored into your jawbone and gum tissue. During the healing process, osseointegration takes place, which basically means that the implants fuse with your natural bone and gum tissue. This makes the hold of dental implants extremely strong.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants
The best candidates for dental implants are people who have sufficient bone density and gum density to support the dental implants. Sometimes this isn't the case since tooth loss leads to both gum and bone recession. When you meet with our cosmetic and restorative dentists in Bloomington, you'll learn if dental implants are right for you. In some cases, a gum grafting or bone grafting surgery can be performed to make a person a good candidate for implant dentistry.
Now let's look at the different dental restorations that can be supported with dental implants.
Dental Crowns as Dental Implant Restorations
Dental crowns are individual caps. When addressing tooth decay and tooth damage, a dental crown will fit right over that tooth. A similar approach is used when dental crowns are used in conjunction with Bloomington dental implants. The dental crown is used to cap individual implant posts in a tooth gap.
Dental Bridges as Dental Implant Restorations
Dental bridges are good options for people missing a few teeth in a row. When not supported by dental implants, dental bridges are anchored in place by bracketing around adjacent teeth. When supported by dental implants, the dental bridge snaps into place.
Dentures as Dental Implant Restorations
Dentures are ideal for substantial tooth loss along a dental arch. When not supported by dental implants, dentures are held in place by bracing around a patient's gum tissue and jawbone structure. There are many ways that dental implants can support dentures, though in general, multiple dental implants will be involved in order to maintain a secure fit and hold when the denture is in place.
Picking the Best Options for Your Needs
The best option for your needs will be determined by our dental care team based on the extent of your tooth loss. A single missing tooth will obviously best be served by using a dental crown held by a dental implant, for instance. If you are missing most of your lower teeth or upper teeth, an implant-supported denture will be far more ideal.
When crafting a solution for each patient, we always keep restorative and cosmetic dentistry concerns in mind so that each patient's smile looks great and is healthy as well.
Learn More About Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry
For more information about dental implants and your many options for smile enhancement, be sure to contact our Bloomington cosmetic and restorative dental care center today. The entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible dental health.
