Congenitally Missing Teeth: Are dental implants an option?
Some patients are not born with a full set of 32 permanent teeth. In these cases, they should consider prosthetic tooth replacement options to complete their smiles. In the right conditions, dental implants can be a good solution for replacing a congenitally missing tooth. Structure of a Dental Implant Dental implants are unique among tooth replacement treatments because they consist of a root-like structure that supports a prosthetic crown or appliance. The dental implant is a titanium cylinder that an oral surgeon inserts into the jaw. After dental implant placement, the surrounding bone gradually fuses with the implant’s surface, and the dental implant becomes a fixture in the patient’s jaw. Qualifying for Dental Implants The quality of bone at the implant site is a critical element of long-term dental implant success. Often times, patients with congenitally missing teeth may also be lacking some bone structure in the area. This…