When Is an Implant Bridge a Good Alternative to Partial Dentures?
By Richard Klein | Published on April 5, 2011 | 0 Comments
Before a dentist can determine whether an implant bridge will be a good alternative to partial dentures, he must first examine the patient and find out what he is working with. According to Dr. Richard Klein of Now Dental of Suffolk in Smithtown, NY, dental implants are very case-dependent, and something that works for one patient might not work for everyone else.
On the topic of partial dentures specifically, Dr. Klein explains that partial dentures are a type of denture that can either be supported by tooth or supported by soft tissue (like the gums). A partial denture almost always sits in one of two places: either on the adjacent teeth in the front and behind the open space in the mouth, or directly on the soft tissue itself. From the patient’s perspective, what’s important to remember about partial dentures is that they are removable and they can be put in or taken out of the mouth at any time.
The downside to having partial dentures is that they can move around and shift inside the mouth while a person is trying to eat, which can lead to a number of problems including food impaction. From Dr. Klein’s perspective, the more pressing issue with partial dentures is that they do not stimulate the alveolar bone. Because of this, a patient’s alveolar bone tends to be lost over time. This bone loss progresses more rapidly for some patients than for others, but it will happen eventually for almost anyone who has a partial denture rather than an implant.
This leads Dr. Klein to his next point, which is the reason why an implant bridge is often seen as a preferable option to partial dentures. As a dentist who specializes in dental implants in Smithtown, NY, Dr. Klein explains that the alveolar bone will disappear if it is not stimulated properly, and the only way for a person to stimulate it without having the natural tooth in place is by getting an implant. When it comes to maintaining bone, implants are much better than dentures.
Implant bridges are an excellent way to replace multiple missing teeth. With the placement of just two or four “anchor” implants, a dentist can place a fixed bridge that will change the look of a patient’s entire smile. Implant bridges are generally seen as the preferable option in the long run. Although implant bridges can be more expensive than partial dentures, they provide many more benefits and they are much easier to take care of for most patients.
Whether a person chooses an implant bridge or a single implant, the reality is that many of the problems that come up with partial dentures are nonexistent with dental implants. Patients in Smithtown, NY, who have dental implants or implant bridges do not have to worry about having a removable prosthesis moving around in their mouths, since implants are permanently fixed once they have been put in place.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.