Page 74 - Southdown Dental Implant Book

Nine: Dentures, Bridges, Implants - Comparison Chart | 73 How long do results last? Pros Cons With the right maintenance and conditions, up to 15 years Perfectly healthy teeth on either side of a “gap” may need to be reduced, in order to attach bridge If one of the attached teeth fails on either side of the bridge, then this will cause the entire bridge to fail The tooth (or teeth) is/are replaced “aesthetically,” or above the gum line The adjacent teeth will not be able to “crowd” into the gap(s) The patient’s bite is improved With the right maintenance and conditions, dentures can last up to 10+ years *relining may be necessary during this time as the jawbone atrophies It’s possible to achieve a more youthful appearance Dentures can help support the patient’s lips and cheeks Chewing efficiency can be lessened If not fixed into place, dentures can fall out Jawbone will continue to atrophy Dentures can impede speech, and if not “fixed” into place properly, they can fall out As gums wear down, and nerves rise closer to the surface, dentures can become painful Titanium implant below gum line: with the right conditions and maintenance, the lifetime of dental implants can be indefinite (perhaps forever) Crown (restorative “tooth”) above the gum line: can last up to 15 years The closest in looks and functionality to having natural teeth Healthy, adjacent teeth will not be affected (or reduced) during treatment The daily maintenance required is the same as it is for natural teeth Preserves the jawbone by stopping bone loss 97% success rate over a 40-year life span The patient can eat whatever they like! The ability to chew normally is restored An abutment screw (the device that attaches the crown – or “tooth” – to the implant) can loosen or break The procedure requires an anesthetic In some cases, the entire process can take up to six months (or more, depending on whether or not auxiliary procedures are required to build up bone or soft tissue, for example)