Are you missing a front tooth? How can you decide whether a dental implant or a fixed partial denture would be best? At the Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, our cosmetic dentists provide lifelike restorations for dental implants. But ultimately, an oral surgeon or periodontist will conduct diagnostic studies, explain your options, and anticipate what you can expect from each of them. There are many factors involved in determining your options, and some of them are discussed below.
- Aesthetics
A dental implant will provide the most natural-looking results. The implant “root” is surgically placed in your jawbone. At the Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, our artistic cosmetic dentists ensure your implant restoration, or crown, looks completely natural from the gumline to the biting surface. But if you have gum recession or bone shrinkage in the area of the missing tooth, those issues will need to be corrected first to ensure the replacement tooth looks natural and blends with the surrounding teeth.
- Function
The current function of your natural teeth can affect the function of a dental implant. Some factors to consider include:
- Your bite, or the way your teeth fit together, affects the available space for a dental implant.
- Deep overbite will likely need to be corrected with orthodontic treatment before dental implants can be placed.
- The condition and function of the teeth adjacent to the empty space can help determine whether a dental implant or a fixed partial denture is recommended.
- Space, Bone, and Growth
Dental implants fuse to the bone
Your implant dentist will determine if you have enough space between teeth and bone density for a dental implant. Bone grafting might be needed to support the dental implant.
If a dental implant is placed in the bone of a growing child, when facial growth is complete, the implant can ultimately be relocated in an undesirable position—often higher than the natural teeth. Aesthetics will be compromised, and if the implant interferes with natural teeth, it will need to be removed. A fixed partial denture can be a temporary solution until facial growth is complete. After that, a dental implant can be considered.
If you’re considering dental implants, our accredited cosmetic dentists at the Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry can provide you with natural-looking restorations. Our dentists work closely with oral surgeons to ensure optimal placement of your restorations so they complement your smile and support your oral health.
Call us at 404-994-4509 to schedule a consultation or complete our Request an Appointment form.