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Dental Implants With an overall success rate of about 95% and almost 50 years of clinical research to back them up, dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant designed to replace a single tooth is composed of three parts: the titanium implant that fuses with the jawbone; the abutment, which fits over the portion of the implant that protrudes from the gum line; and the crown, which is created by a prothodontist or restorative dentist and fitted on to the abutment for a natural appearance. Many people who are missing a single tooth opt for a fixed bridge. Patients should be aware that a fixed bridge may require the cutting down of healthy, adjacent teeth that may or may not need to be restored in the future. Then, there is the additional cost of possibly having to replace the bridge once, twice or more over the course of a lifetime. Similarly, a removable partial denture may contribute to the loss of adjacent teeth. Studies show that within 5 to 7 years there is a failure rate of up to 30% in teeth located next to a fixed bridge or removable partial denture, which is also important for patients to note. Dentures and Implants Together. If you are missing several teeth in the same area of your mouth, you may still enjoy the confidence and lifestyle benefits that come with dental implants. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will place two or more dental implants, depending on the number of teeth that are missing. Your replacement teeth will be attached to the implants to allow excellent function and prevent bone loss. The implants will serve as a stable support that tightly locks into your replacement teeth and dentures to prevent slipping and bone loss. Reprinted with permission from American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
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