The main differences between a tooth-supported prosthesis and a dental implant

Among the different types of dental prostheses that exist, today we focus on the prosthesis on teeth, and its differences with the dental implant. We tell you how a fixed dental prosthesis on teeth differs from a prosthesis with dental implant, the best types of dental treatments to replace lost teeth and regain lost functionality and confidence.

What is a removable dental prosthesis?

A removable dental prosthesis is a dental device used to replace missing teeth. Also known as dentures.

Unlike fixed dental prostheses, such as bridges and dental implants, removable dental prostheses can be removed and replaced by the patient. These may be complete or partial. Full dentures are used to replace all the teeth in a dental arch, while partial dentures are used to replace some teeth.

• Complete dentures are attached by suction and adhesion to the palate and gingiva,
• Partial dentures are attached to the remaining teeth with a clasp system.

What is a fixed dental prosthesis?

A fixed prosthesis allows the replacement of missing teeth through the placement of a prosthetic structure. Unlike removable prostheses, these prostheses are permanent.

There are different types of fixed dental prostheses, but the two most common types are dental bridges and dental implants.

• Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth and are attached to adjacent teeth with dental cement. These adjacent teeth are ground and prepared to receive the dental caps or crowns that support the bridge. The dental bridge rests on the gums and the back of the bridge is placed over the ground teeth.
• Dental implants, on the other hand, consist of a small piece of titanium that is inserted into the maxillary or mandibular bone and acts as an artificial root for a replacement tooth. Once the implant has fully integrated into the bone (which can take several months), an abutment or connector is placed over it and a dental crown is attached to the abutment.

Differences between a tooth-supported prosthesis and a dental implant

Both dentures and dental implants are treatment options to replace one or more missing teeth. However, there are some important differences between these two approaches.

Tooth-supported dentures are attached to the adjacent natural teeth. The replacement tooth is attached to the natural teeth by grinding them down, placing dental crowns and joining them with a bridge. This solution is suitable when the adjacent teeth are strong and healthy, and can support the load of the bridge.

On the other hand, dental implants are small titanium structures that are surgically inserted into the maxillary or mandibular bone to act as an artificial root for the replacement tooth. Once the implant has fused with the bone, a dental prosthesis (such as a dental crown) is placed. Dental implants are used when adjacent teeth are not strong enough or not available to support a dental bridge.

One of the main advantages of dental implants is that no dental grinding is required on adjacent teeth. In addition, dental implants can last longer than dental bridges and provide greater comfort and stability in the mouth, as they do not rely on adjacent natural teeth to support the load of the prosthesis.

However, dental implants may not be suitable for all patients. Placement of a dental implant requires careful evaluation of the patient’s oral health, including bone density and gum health. In addition, dental implants can be more expensive than dental bridges.

conclusion

As you have seen, there are significant differences between a tooth-supported prosthesis and a dental implant. The choice of which type of treatment is best will depend on medical criteria, on what each patient needs according to his or her case and general and oral health conditions. If you want to recover your smile, contact us and ask for a first assessment appointment. In our dental clinic in Granada we have a team specialized in prosthesis and dental implants in Granada.