The part of your natural tooth that is visible is the “crown.” Your tooth root is embedded in your jawbone giving the tooth a stable foundation which allows you to bite and chew.
A dental implant is a substitute, or replacement tooth root, which provides a stable foundation for a replacement crown. The bone forms a biological bond with the new root (implant) giving your new crown the same stable foundation as a natural tooth.
Dental implants allow replacement of the entire missing tooth, which was never before possible. Implant supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth.
The relationship between the tooth roots and 
bone maintains the integrity of facial structures. The bone holds the roots in place and the roots hold the bone in place. When teeth are missing, the bone which previously supported the teeth has no function and starts to melt away, or resorb.
The impact of deteriorating bone from complete tooth loss includes collapsed facial profIles, lost lip support, increased wrinkles around the mouth and the appearance of a pointed nose and chin that are too close together.
| Consequences of Tooth Supported Bridge |
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- Bone collapses/caves in behind false tooth since root is not replaced
- Requires grinding down adjacent teeth, permanently destroying tooth structure
- Long term esthetics compromised due to bone collapse—defect is visible
- Can be difficult to clean
- As cement washes out, peg teeth under bridge can decay
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Long Term Benefits of an Implant Approach |
- Replaces tooth root, which preserves bone
- Does not require grinding down adjacent teeth
- Prevents bone collapse, providing better long term esthetics
- Cleaned like a natural tooth—more hygienic
- Looks, feels, functions like natural tooth— but does not decay
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| Consequences of Partial Denture |
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- Accelerates bone loss
- Hooks put pressure on teeth, resulting in additional tooth loss
- Uncomfortable— rocks when eating can pinch gums
- Not esthetic
- Must be relined (made thicker) as bone melts away
- Replaced every 3-5 years
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Long Term Benefits of Implant Supported Replacement Teeth |
- Replaces tooth root(s), which preserves bone
- Does not damage adjacent teeth
- Look, feel, function like natural teeth
- Teeth arc stable (firmly attached to implants)
- Restores natural chewing capacity
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