Why a dental implant? Instructions: Use the space bar to advance the slide when you are ready.

In this discussion, you’ll learn the reasons that dental implants have become the most appropriate way of replacing a missing tooth. On completion of this short education program, you’ll then be in a better position to make a decision regarding the future of your dental health.

Let’s first look at a section of your mouth and teeth to get a better perspective on what has led to your visit today.

Let’s first look at the back teeth.

The teeth are supported by bone.

And the bone is covered with gum tissue.

The teeth are constantly subjected to tremendous forces from the large muscles on the side of the face. These forces are then distributed among the teeth.

When a tooth is lost… the forces become redistributed over the adjacent teeth.

When a tooth is lost… the forces become redistributed over the adjacent teeth.

When a tooth is lost… the forces become redistributed over the adjacent teeth. As more teeth are lost, the remaining teeth must absorb more forces.

When a tooth is lost… the forces become redistributed over the adjacent teeth. As more teeth are lost, the remaining teeth must absorb more forces.

When a tooth is lost… the forces become redistributed over the adjacent teeth. As more teeth are lost, the remaining teeth must absorb more forces.

Another way of looking at the problem is to compare it to standing on your toes.

Another way of looking at the problem is to compare it to standing on your toes.

What would happen to the forces if you were standing on only one foot?

What would happen to the forces if you were standing on only one foot?

What would happen to the forces if you were standing on only one foot?

The remaining foot would take twice the force. Toes would become inflamed.

STRESSED Your foot would become The remaining foot would take twice the force. Toes would become inflamed.

How is this stress handled by your teeth?

How is this stress handled by your teeth? If we have no back teeth, even if a removable partial denture is present, the front teeth have to absorb the chewing forces.

If we have no back teeth, even if a removable partial denture is present, the front teeth have to absorb the chewing forces.

If we have no back teeth, even if a removable partial denture is present, the front teeth have to absorb the chewing forces.

If we have no back teeth, even if a removable partial denture is present, the front teeth have to absorb the chewing forces.

If we have no back teeth, even if a removable partial denture is present, the front teeth have to absorb the chewing forces.

If we have no back teeth, even if a removable partial denture is present, the front teeth have to absorb the chewing forces.

Besides the added stress caused by the muscular forces, the clasped teeth in a partial denture receive additional stress.

Wear may also occur. wear

The stress on the front teeth is so great that they will loosen, shift, or wear.

The stress on the front teeth is so great that they will loosen, shift, or wear.

The stress on the front teeth is so great that they will loosen, shift, or wear.

The stress on the front teeth is so great that they will loosen, shift, or wear.

The stress on the front teeth is so great that they will loosen, shift, or wear.

The stress on the front teeth is so great that they will loosen, shift, or wear.

The stress on the front teeth is so great that they will loosen, shift, or wear.

The stress on the front teeth is so great that they will loosen, shift, or wear.

The stress on the front teeth is so great that they will loosen, shift, or wear.

The stress on the front teeth is so great that they will loosen, shift, or wear.

Upper teeth erupt into the empty space,

Upper teeth erupt into the empty space,

Upper teeth erupt into the empty space,

leaving no room for the opposing teeth.

One way of handling the problem of one or more missing teeth is by doing a fixed bridge.

In a fixed bridge solution, the adjacent teeth are ground down.

The forces on the teeth holding the bridge are still borne by those teeth. The replacement is a solid piece which is cemented to the teeth called a fixed bridge.

The forces on the teeth holding the bridge are still borne by those teeth.

The forces on the teeth holding the bridge are still borne by those teeth.

The forces on the teeth holding the bridge are still borne by those teeth.

The forces on the teeth holding the bridge are still borne by those teeth.

Let’s look at a close up view of what happens.

Forces directed to the bridge tend to dislodge the bridge over time.

Forces directed to the bridge tend to dislodge the bridge over time.

Opening the opportunity for cavities to form under the bridge. Forces directed to the bridge tend to dislodge the bridge over time. Opening the opportunity for cavities to form under the bridge.

A dental implant will absorb the forces and take the excess stress off of the adjacent teeth.

Your bone absorbs the forces, very much like a natural tooth.

Let’s see how dental implants can help replace several missing teeth.

Let’s see how dental implants can help replace several missing teeth.

Let’s see how dental implants can help replace several missing teeth.

Now the forces can be equally distributed, saving damage to the natural teeth.

Now the forces can be equally distributed, saving damage to the natural teeth.

Compare that to a partial denture.

Compare that to a partial denture.

Compare that to a partial denture.

Compare that to a partial denture.

Compare that to a partial denture.

Compare that to a partial denture.

Compare that to a partial denture.

Compare that to a partial denture.

Compare that to a partial denture.

Or to a fixed bridge.

Our goal is to help you determine the most effective way to preserve your teeth and support your ability to chew. Please ask your dental assistant any questions that you might have.