Generally, when you have a missing tooth, a dentist will give you two options for its replacement :
- Removable
- Fixed
Removable option includes replacement of teeth with the use of dentures. Dentures are a cost effective option to replace missing teeth. Although being an economical and fast option of replacement, it causes resorption of underlying bone and bone loss.
Fixed Options include :
- Bridges
- Implants
Bridges involves alterations of two adjacent teeth for placement of a single missing teeth. Thus, a 3 unit bridge is fabricated to replace a single missing tooth.
Where as, Implants mimic roots of natural teeth and artificial crowns are placed on support of the implant. They are placed surgically in the jaw bone. They are placed in the cancellous (spongy) bone. Once placed implants fuse with the jaw bones by a process of Osteointegration which generally require 2 to 3 months. Once integrated crowns on placed on the implants.
Advantages of Implants :
- They do no require drilling of adjacent teeth, thus maintaining natural tooth environment.
- They are highly aesthetic and looks like natural teeth.
- They help maintaining bone density and prevents bone loss.
- They give good tactile sensation while chewing almost similar to natural teeth.
Types of implants:-
- Conventional Implants – These Implants are based on the principal of Osteointegration and thus require a good bone height and width for placement of implants. Generally involves bone auguemtation, bone grafting, sinus lifting, ridge splitting procedures. One placed implants take 2 to 3 months for integration. Implants can be loaded with crowns in 2 to 3 months.
- Swiss Implants – They are basal cortical implants or bicorticals. Implants are placed basically on the principals of Osteofixation. They are placed supporting the cortical bone (hard calcified portion of the bone). Thus these implants can be loaded in 3 days. Patients get fixed teeth in 3 days. These implants can also be placed in weak and thin bones. These implants do not require any cut or bone augumentation or bone grafting surgeries. Few cases can be flapless. Ideal for full mouth rehabilitation.