Missing tooth or teeth cost you much more than just your appearance. They are much more than only a cosmetic problem. Whether you are missing a single tooth or several teeth, it is bound to increase your risks of long-term oral health issues.

Let’s look at the types of hidden health risks associated with tooth loss:

1. The remaining teeth surrounding the missing tooth or teeth gradually start shifting into the spaces left open. Such changes often need to be rectified by orthodontic treatments which may be more expensive and time-consuming as compared to the teeth restoring dental procedures.
2. Unnatural shifting of teeth as mentioned above can also cause additional bite problems and even in some cases severe pain in the Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ.
   
3. The vacant spaces created due to missing teeth increase the risk of gum diseases. Food particles easily accumulate in these areas, and the site soon becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria which may lead to plaque and tartar development. If left untreated for long, this can eventually result in serious gum diseases.
4. The ability to chew and speak can be severely impaired if you are missing several teeth. If this isn’t treated immediately, it can cause further health complications. For instance, if the food is not chewed properly, it will not enter your system as it usually should. As a result of which the digestion can suffer. The inability to eat raw fruits and vegetables can devoid your body of essential nutrition which may result in poor general health.
5. Tooth loss is inevitably followed by loss of jaw bone. The gradual deterioration of jaw bones affects the facial structure as it is instrumental in determining how the face ‘drapes’ over this bone. This results in what is commonly known as a sagging face which gives an older appearance. This may lead to lower self-esteem and decreased confidence, especially in public settings.

So, what are the options to replace missing teeth? Dental implants are one of the most commonly preferred options when it comes to addressing the problem of missing teeth. Here’s why:

• Dental implants help prevent bone loss as they are made of titanium – a material which has a unique ability to fuse with the living bone. Hence, it eventually becomes a permanent part of the jaw bone. The implants stabilize and stimulate the bone to help maintain its density and volume.
• They feel and function in a way similar to the natural teeth.
• Dental implant surgery has a much higher rate of success as compared to other tooth replacement dental procedures.
• Depending on the oral care, patient’s bone health, experience of the oral surgeon who performs the dental implant surgery, etc., dental implants can last for a lifetime.

Besides dental implants, bridges and dentures are also used for tooth replacement. These options, however, involve some amount of risk as they may cause damage to the adjacent teeth or the anatomical structures on which they rest. For instance, fixed dental bridges depend for support on two adjacent teeth which must be filed down and capped. This can make the filed teeth prone to decay, cavities or even root canal issues. In case of removable partial dentures, anchorage onto existing teeth is required. This may loosen the existing teeth over a period of time. Whereas, full dentures might put pressure on the bony ridges that support the teeth. This increases the chances of accelerated bone loss.

Both these options may be less expensive as compared to dental implant surgery. However, dental implants are an investment worth making, given its long-term and more beneficial results.

We at Monarch Dental Clinic in Vadodara, offer exceptional and highly customized services for tooth or teeth restorations. To know more about how you can benefit from improved oral health and a flawless smile, get in touch with us today.  

Poor oral hygiene, injury to teeth, gum diseases – the reasons for missing tooth or teeth can be many. Tooth or teeth replacement options have considerably evolved thanks to technological advancements in restorative dentistry. Dental implants and dental bridges are two such options which are commonly used for replacing tooth or teeth. Let’s understand what these are and the advantages they offer.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They are essentially replacement tooth roots and are made to match the natural teeth. They offer several advantages:

• Enhanced facial appearance
• Improved speech, oral health, and confidence
• Better Bite
• Convenience
• Long-lasting results

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are used as bridges to close the gap created by one or several missing teeth. The dental bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap. The two or more anchoring teeth are known as abutment teeth, with false tooth or teeth in between known as pontics. Dental bridges are supported by implants or natural teeth. Bridges help restore your smile and the ability to properly chew and speak, help maintain the natural shape of the face, distribute the forces in bite and assist the remaining teeth to keep their natural position.

Even though both dental implants and bridges seem to offer similar advantages, dental implants are preferred more. Let’s take a look at the underlying reasons.  

Why Choose Dental Implants over Bridges?

1.When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that area starts shrinking which can affect the adjacent teeth as well as the surrounding teeth. Dental implants prevent this and promote bone growth, which helps preserve the facial structure.

2. Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth when it comes to feel and function. This is because the titanium implant replicates the restoring form, function, and durability of the tooth root.

3. In the case of dental implants, there is no risk of tooth decay as opposed to bridges. Implants are also relatively easy to keep clean as simple floss can easily get around the implant. They don’t require any particular cleaning devices or equipment or any extra efforts when it comes to oral care.

4. Bridges sit above the gum in the space where the tooth is missing. Whereas, dental implants are fixed into the jaw bone which offers natural stimulation with chewing actions. This provides protection and strength to the jaw bone which lies beneath the missing tooth and hence prevents the undesirable effects of bone loss commonly seen in patients with bridges. Implants also promote healthy bone growth and reinforce the jawbone which in turn helps to maintain the facial jawline.

5. The success rate of dental implants is much higher as compared to dental bridges. It varies depending on their location in the jaw. However, in general, dental implants have a much higher success rate of up to 98%.

6. The quality of the implants, patient’s bone health, oral hygiene, the experience of the restorative dentists or oral surgeons performing the dental implant surgery, etc. help determine the longevity of the dental implants. Mostly, dental implants last for a lifetime if they are cared for as prescribed by the dentist. Besides, all the dental implants come with a lifetime warranty. So, with dental implants, you can flaunt a healthy smile for years to come.

If you are looking for one of the best dental clinics in Vadodara for dental implants, get in touch with us at Monarch Dental Clinic. We offer exceptional services to help you get that perfectly healthy and gorgeous smile of your dreams.