(vs. Other Restorative Procedures)

If your patient is a candidate, this should be reason alone to choose implants over other restorative options.

When comparing restorative dental procedures available to us today, dental implants rank high - and every patient in the market for tooth replacement should know that this is the most ideal option, provided they are a candidate.

In this article, let’s compare dental implants to two other popular restorative treatments: crowns and bridges and partial dentures, with a focus on four key factors that every patient should consider: the typical procedure/what to expect, their durability and longevity, how they function and feel in the mouth, and their aesthetic or cosmetic qualities.

Dental Implants vs. Crowns and Bridges vs. Partial Dentures: Help Your Patient Make The Best Choice

When comparing procedures, and how long each typically take:

Your patient should understand that dental implants do involve a surgical procedure, and following the placement of their implant(s), they will need to undergo a healing process of approximately 3 months. A bone grafting procedure may also be required prior to treatment.

It’s beneficial to emphasize the payoff of this 3-month healing period to your patient: Permanence is better - and their patience will pay off!

Your patient should also be aware that crowns and bridges may be attached via dental implants (which would require a surgical procedure), or by the patient’s pre-existing neighbouring natural teeth, with the middle artificial tooth not directly fixed to the jaw bone. Both crowns and bridges and partial dentures require molds or impressions to be taken in the office for the custom-creation of the restoration, which will typically be available from the dental lab after a series of weeks.

When comparing durability and longevity:

Emphasize to your patient how dental implants have an exceptionally high (up to 97%) success rate, with the the ability to last an entire lifetime provided proper daily oral hygiene practices are followed. They are also extremely durable due to their materials and fixed characteristic; capable of withstanding the highest forces and chewing pressures.

Your patient should know that both crowns and bridges and partial dentures can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years before requiring professional re-treatment, and while considered to be quite durable, do not have the same general longevity as dental implants.

When comparing function and feel:

Explain to your patient that dental implants are a fixed and permanent restoration; surgically implanted into the jaw to mimic the function and feel of a natural tooth root. A dental implant generally functions just like a natural tooth does - and since it is as close to a natural tooth as a dental restoration can get, it also tends to feel the most natural with functions such as chewing and biting down.

Patients can expect crowns and bridges to feel comfortable as well, but perhaps not as natural as a restoration with three neighbouring and permanently implanted dental implants.

Partial dentures are removable and attached to existing teeth - therefor they may not feel comfortable as crowns and bridges, and certainly can’t compare to a restoration with implants regarding feeling most natural and tooth-like.

When comparing appearance:

Because of the individual and singular quality of a dental implant, this restoration is virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth - from its securely implanted root to natural-looking crown.

Crowns and bridges and partial dentures, on the other hand, are also designed to blend seamlessly with the patient’s natural smile - but it’s important for partial dentures candidates to know that this restoration may be more easily detectable if constructed using a metal material to attach the replacement teeth. In other cases, the teeth can be attached via the same material used to resemble the gum for a more natural-looking result.

Dentists: You can Trust Abutments International Inc. with All of Your Dental Implant Supply Needs

Established to offer our customers high quality implant products at reasonable prices, Abutments International Inc. is thrilled to a be part of dentists’ success in providing exceptional quality restorations to their patients. Please contact us today if you have any questions, or to inquire about any one of our products.