Minimally invasive and precise implant placement
Alternatives to Dental Implants
Dental implants have come to be the primary option for most people who are looking to replace a missing tooth and restore their smile. However, there are still a number of reasons why you either may not be able to or simply do not want to use this procedure as your tooth-replacement solution.
Fortunately, there are multiple great alternatives to dental implants for you to choose from. From dentures to crowns to bridges, you can absolutely still restore the form and function of your mouth that was lost when you lost your tooth without the need for any tooth implants.
To help you get acquainted with the alternatives to dental implants, we’ve created this easy guide to all of the most popular options. We’ve included some basics on what the restorations are, as well as some info on the different procedures required to receive them.
Reasons Why Tooth Implants May Not Be Suitable for You
While dental implants have an incredible success rate and are a great tooth-replacement option for many, there are still some for whom the procedure is not suitable. The reasons why you might be one of those people vary widely and can include everything from medical conditions to prescription medications to personal preference.
Below are some of the most common reasons you may need an alternative to dental implants.
- Advanced periodontitis (gum disease)
- Weakened immune system
- Alcoholism
- Unchecked diabetes
- Cancer
- Certain medications
- Dental anxiety
- Cost
Some of these circumstances can potentially change, meaning you’d be able to receive a dental implant down the road. However, you may not be interested in waiting an undetermined amount of time to replace your missing tooth. In that case, you’re most likely better off opting for an alternative to dental implants.
Read on to learn about what those alternatives are.
What Are My Options If Dental Implants Are Not Suitable for Me?
If you’re unable to receive tooth implants, or you think you’d simply prefer an alternative, then you’ve got a number of options to choose from. We’ve listed them below, along with some useful information regarding each one.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a prosthetic cap that’s designed to look and function just like a natural tooth. It’s fitted over a tooth that has experienced significant damage or decay after the tooth has been prepared. Dental crowns are most often made from porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, or acrylic.
The procedure to receive a dental crown requires that you still have some of your tooth to place the cap over. This means that you could not receive dental crowns if your tooth was entirely missing. Instead, it serves as an alternative if you were considering extraction and then replacement with a dental implant.
Should you opt for a dental crown, you will receive a local anesthetic so you’re comfortable as your dentist reshapes the existing tooth to be fitted for the cap.
Impressions will then be taken and sent off to a lab, which will custom create a dental crown for you. Once the crown is produced, you’ll return to the office to have it placed over your tooth.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a tooth-replacement option that uses the existing teeth to support a prosthetic tooth. They’re most often made from metal, ceramic, or a combination of metal and porcelain.
While dental bridges don’t have quite the same level of support that a dental implant does, they still do a great job of restoring form and function to the area of your mouth where you’ve lost teeth. They’re also a far less invasive procedure when compared to dental implants and far less expensive, too.
When you receive a dental bridge, your dentist will need to prepare the supporting teeth so they can receive crowns. Once that’s done, impressions will be taken so the bridge can be custom made. Once the bridge is complete, you’ll return to your dentist’s office to have it permanently placed.
Dentures
Dentures are an effective tooth-replacement option when several or even all teeth are missing. They’re a set of false teeth that can be removed at will and do not require any invasive procedures to receive. This makes dentures a great option for anyone who suffers from dental anxiety.
Because dentures are not permanently fixed in the mouth, they do not have the same bite power as dental implants can provide, which is certainly a drawback. However, the comparative ease with which you can receive them and the difference in cost are both significant, which can be a tremendous positive for many.
To receive dentures, you’ll need to have a cast of your mouth taken so a custom-fitted set of false teeth can be produced. Then, steps will be taken to ensure that your dentures have the proper length and bite. Finally, once the dentures have been created, you’ll have them fitted. In all, this typically takes four appointments.
Which Alternative to Dental Implants Is Best for Me?
There are a number of different factors that are going to determine the best alternative to dental implants for you. One of the most important among them is the reason why you’re not receiving dental implants in the first place.
If your reason was dental anxiety, then dentures are the least invasive procedure. If your reason was cost, pretty much every option is less expensive than a dental implant.
If your reason was a medical condition that prevents you from being able to receive dental implants, any of the alternatives present a better option than going without a tooth.
If you’ve carefully considered all of your options and you’re still having trouble determining which alternative you want to go with, speak with your dentist, and they’ll be glad to help you find the perfect solution.
Dental Implant Alternatives from Rancho San Diego Dental
You don’t need to live with a gap in your smile just because you can’t receive dental implants. Contact Rancho San Diego Dental by calling (619) 363-6372 today to learn about our alternative options for replacing missing teeth.
