What can you do instead of dental implants? Bridge? Prosthesis? Inlay Onlay? What are the risks of a dental implant? How to fill a gap between two teeth?
I. Causes for Avoiding a Dental Implant (Contraindications)
A dental implant is not necessarily the solution for a hole in the gum or another dental problem.
Sometimes it is not appropriate for the patient to have a dental implant. This may be due to the patient’s condition.
If the patient has hemophilia, for example, or certain blood circulation problems, then it is contraindicated to install a false tooth.
Dental implants are also contraindicated in cases of diabetes or if you smoke heavily.
II. What Can You Do Instead of Dental Implants?
1. The Bridge
a) Interdental Bridge
The interdental bridge is a mechanism for replacing missing teeth. An interdental bridge is usually installed on both sides of a missing tooth or teeth.
It has the advantage of being easy to install, relatively inexpensive and the aesthetic result is quite convincing.
But the interdental bridge is not feasible in the case where all the anterior teeth are missing. It is also necessary to reduce the abutment teeth to fit the crowns.
b) Extension Bridge
The extension bridge is also called a cantilever bridge. This type of bridge uses a mechanism quite similar to the interdental bridge, except that here it is attached to only one side of the missing tooth
There are many advantages to the cantilever. It is a perfect and inexpensive way to replace teeth at the end of a dental arch.
There is no need for surgery and it is a fixed solution.
But as with the interdental bridge, the anchor teeth must be reduced because the crowns will be placed on them.
c) Bonded Bridge to Replace a Single Tooth
A bonded bridge replaces a missing tooth by bonding it to the nearby teeth with a type of fin.
The bonded bridge avoids any manipulation of the adjacent healthy teeth. In addition, it is a perfect way to replace a front tooth. Dental cement is used to bond the tooth to its neighbors.
One of the disadvantages of a bonded bridge is that it may not hold together very well. Because the tooth is only bonded on one side, the hold is not as good as with other bridges.
2. Prosthesis with Metal Structure
a) Dental Stellite
The dental stellite is a partial prosthesis that can be adopted if the anterior teeth are present and only the posterior teeth are missing.
This prosthesis has discreet metal attachments. It is semi-removable, which makes it easy to clean. Moreover, it does not require an operation for its installation.
It is necessary to have at least 4 reduced teeth to install a dental stellite, otherwise, it will not be stable.
b) Removable Partial Denture with Clasps
The removable partial denture with clasps is rarely used, because it is not very aesthetic, especially because of the clasps.
Nevertheless, it remains a practical and economical solution.
The removable partial denture with clasps is made of a mixture of cobalt and chrome and can replace one or more teeth.
This prosthesis is held in place by clasps installed on the natural teeth while resting on the remaining teeth.
3. The Inlay Onlay
The inlay onlay is the replacement of the classic filling.
This method is used in the case of dental caries with a hole in the tooth. The old fillings, because of the materials with which they were made, can be dangerous for many patients.
If the decay has affected the outer wall of the tooth, an inlay is placed. If it is the inner wall of the tooth, then it is an onlay instead.
The inlay onlay is made to measure, after a sort of molding of the hole in the tooth. The materials used are designed to withstand chewing.
III. What Are the Risks of a Dental Implant?
A dental implant can cause swelling and edema of the gums. It is also possible for the implant to cause infection, bruising, and bleeding.
Bone loss is also possible, especially if the bone surrounding the tooth is weakened by the implant.
It should be noted that it happens to encounter a lisp problem when putting on a new implant, which can sometimes cause some socialization problems for the person.
IV. Cost of a 3 tooth bridge
The cost of a 3-tooth dental bridge varies between $3000 to $5000. With some professionals, the cost can be between $4000 and $6000.
V. Other Questions About Alternatives to Dental Implants
1. What Is the Difference Between a Post and a Dental Implant?
A post is generally used when the tooth is weakened. It is used to strengthen the tooth. A dental implant is used when the tooth is permanently missing from the jawbone. The dental implant replaces a tooth completely.
2. How to Fill a Gap Between Two Teeth?
A tooth replacement can help when there is a gap between two teeth. A single implant crown can be placed. It is also possible to use a fixed bridge or a bridge on implants.
Different types of prostheses can fill a gap between two teeth. But to choose a solution, your dentist must first consult you. He or she will give you the options.
3. Why Won’t an Implant Take?
The first reason that a dental implant may not take is an oral infection.
Mucositis, which is an inflammation of the gums, can prevent a dental implant from taking.
Bacteria can prevent the tissues around the implant from holding it in place.
4. How Can I Avoid Paying for a Dental Implant?
Some health insurance companies can help you reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Another option that some people opt for is dental tourism.
Indeed, some countries have cheaper dental costs than the USA. In Mexico, for example, the price of dental care can be cut in half or more.
In Europe, for example, you can go to Hungary for low prices and quality dental services.
Spain is another country that combines quality service and low prices.
Useful Links:
An Observational Clinical Study of the T3 Dental Implant System
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