Exploring Alternatives to Dental Implants

While dental implants are great for restoring missing teeth, they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some patients may not want the oral surgery associated with implants or they may have a medical condition that will interfere with the healing that has to happen post-procedure. Our Hudsonville dentists understand this and offer other options to choose from.

Here are a few of the dental implant alternatives we have available for patients who are wanting to replace teeth.

Pros and “Cons” of Dental Implants

There are so many benefits to choosing dental implants for yourself. However, there are also a few drawbacks that may lead some to consider other restorative options. One aspect viewed as a disadvantage is the time it takes to fully complete the process and get to the point where the dental crown is placed on top.

The months in between when the implant is embedded in the jawbone and when the crown comes into play are of course dedicated to proper healing and bone growth. If this portion of the procedure is rushed, you risk implantation failure. Our dental implant dentists never want that to happen so to ensure your smile is restored in function and look, we wait until your mouth is ready. With that said, this isn’t a process that everyone wants to endure as some would prefer to have teeth restored in a faster way.

Other factors that may deter patients include:

• Sufficient bone in the jaw is needed and a dental bone graft may be recommended if there isn’t.
• Dental implants are more of an investment compared to other procedures.
• Oral surgery is required.

On the other hand, the advantages associated with dental implants include:

• An improved ability to eat and speak.
• Natural stimulation of the jawbone which prevents future bone loss.
• Highly durable and long-lasting materials used.
• No adhesives required as they are permanent.

Ultimately, our dentists want you to be satisfied with the appearance and health of your smile. If you’d like to learn more about the dental implant procedure, we’d be happy to help. If you’d instead like to pursue alternatives, that’s fine too!

If You’re Not Sold on Implants, You Can Choose:

1) Full or Partial Dentures

Both types of dentures differ from dental implants in a few ways. For one, they are removable whereas implants are surgically (and permanently) placed into your jaw. Because of this, dentures rest on top of the gums and do not require oral surgery aside from any tooth extractions that may be needed before placement.

It is important to remember that if you choose this option, adjusting to wearing dentures does take some time. They can feel awkward or uncomfortable at first but with a little practice, you’ll be speaking and eating like normal. Depending on how many teeth you need replaced, a partial denture may suit you better. In general, partial dentures take less time to get used to.

Learn More → Adjusting to Dentures: The First 30 Days

Our dentists offer full, partial, and immediate dentures. The latter of which is given as a temporary solution after extraction, but before your final denture is ready. We’ll examine your mouth to confirm your candidacy and take impressions to ensure the produced dental appliance is custom fit to you. Once your dentures return from the lab, we’ll remove any temporary version and put them in place taking the time to double-check the color, shape, and size.

2) Dental Bridge

Appropriately named, a dental bridge literally “bridges the gap” left by one or more missing teeth. It is a fixed, or permanent, solution that replaces lost teeth and gives you a beautifully natural smile.

Traditional dental bridges consist of two or more crowns with a false tooth in between. The crowns are placed over anchoring teeth on either side of the gap, also known as “abutment teeth”. It’s a natural-looking restoration that works great, especially in instances where only one or two teeth are missing.

Aside from traditional and implant-supported bridges, other types include:

• Cantilever Bridges: Used when there are natural teeth on one side of the missing tooth or teeth.
• Maryland Bridges: Consist of a pontic that is supported by a framework bonded onto the backs of two adjacent teeth. Primarily used for front teeth.

Our dentists start by preparing the supporting teeth that will receive crowns. The teeth will be reshaped and recontoured before impressions of the teeth are taken. We’ll send these impressions to a lab where they’ll fabricate the bridge, crowns, and false tooth that will rest in between. A temporary bridge will be given in the meantime.

Once all components are ready, we’ll remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent version. Your bite and the fit of the bridge will be checked before you leave.

Make an Appointment to Talk Tooth Replacement

Have missing teeth but not set on dental implants? Our dentists in Hudsonville, MI, can speak with you about either dentures or a dental bridge depending on how many teeth need replacing. Call Hudsonville Dental today at (616) 209-4024 to schedule an appointment and start the conversation about your smile.

This blog post has been updated.