Dr. Vincent Mariano, a Springfield family dentist and prosthodontist, explains two different kinds of dental implants and why they sometimes work better for replacing patient’s missing teeth than bridges and dentures.
NORTHAMPTON, EAST LONGMEADOW AND SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Some patients may think that their only choices for replacing their missing teeth are bridges and dentures. Little do they know that dental implants have increased in popularity among prosthodontists for replacing patients’ missing teeth and improving self-confidence.
Dental implants, which are surgically inserted into the jawbone, are metal posts that lie beneath the gum. Replacement teeth are fixed to the posts after they have been placed.
“The purpose of implants is to replace missing teeth, particularly where there are no adjacent teeth that are needed to insert a bridge,” said Dr. Vincent Mariano, a Springfield, Ma family dentist and prosthodontist at family dentistry practice EMA Dental. “They are a beneficial alternative, especially for patients who take good care of their teeth, to bridges and dentures.”
Mini-implants and implant-retained dentures are the two types of dental implants that are most commonly used. Mini-implants, which help secure patients’ lower dentures, have a smaller diameter than regular implants. Not only do mini-implants cost less than full-size implants, they can also be inserted in a matter of a few hours and usually do not require prosthodontists to make a gum incision. Besides stabilizing lower dentures, mini-implants can serve as a permanent and cost efficient solution to individual missing teeth.
Implant-retained dentures are sustained by two to four dental implants, and involve partial or full dentures. They are frequently used when patients do not have any teeth in their jaws. Whereas traditional dentures may cause patients to have difficulties eating and talking, implant-retained dentures do not shift and cause these types of issues. Also, traditional dentures may not even be an option for replacing patients’ teeth because they can cause discomforts like gagging, sore spots and other oral problems.
In some cases, dental implants are replacing bridges. Not all patients have teeth adjacent to those that are missing, which means some other form of replacement has to be used. Whereas dental implants are stabilized via the metal posts placed into patients’ jaws during the implant process, permanent bridges are inserted using a dental bonding agent or crown.
Whether patients opt to use bridges, dentures or dental implants to replace their missing teeth, what is important is the fact of replacing lost teeth. Replacing missing not only restore patients’ facial structure, but also improve their speech and lessen their chance of developing gum disease.
Prosthodontists like Northampton, MA dentist Dr. Mariano are dedicated to helping patients better their oral health and have the smile of their dreams. They have the experience necessary to know what option best fits patients when it comes to replacing their missing teeth. They are happy to help patients plan their extreme makeover and get on the right road toward restoring their smile. Interested patients should call EMA Dental today to schedule their consultation and learn more about dental implants.
