Brannon Dental Group: About Dental Implants by Brannon Dental GroupBrannon Dental Group points out that if you are missing a single tooth, one implant and an implant crown can replace it. A dental implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and its root.What are the advantages of a single-tooth implant over a bridge?Brannon Dental Group has found that a dental implant provides several advantages over other tooth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth. Brannon Dental Group explains that the other common treatment for the loss of a single tooth is a tooth-supported fixed bridge. A bridge requires that adjacent teeth be ground down to support the cemented bridge.In the long term, a single implant can be more esthetic and easier to keep clean than a bridge. Gums can recede around a bridge, leaving a visible defect when the metal base or collar of the bridge becomes exposed. Brannon Dental Group notes that resorbed bone beneath the bridge can lead to an unattractive smile. The cement holding the bridge in place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay the teeth that anchor the bridge and require the replacement of other teeth.Brannon Dental Group notes that if you are missing several teeth, implant-supported bridges can replace them. Dental implants will replace both your lost natural teeth and some of the roots.What are the advantages of implant-supported bridges over fixed bridges or removable partial dentures?聽Dental implants provide several advantages over other teeth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, implant-supported bridges replace teeth without support from adjacent natural teeth. Brannon Dental Group sheds light on the fact that other common treatments for the loss of several teeth, such as fixed bridges or removable partial dentures, are dependent on support from adjacent teeth.In addition, because implant-supported bridges will replace some of your tooth roots, your bone is better preserved. Brannon Dental Group goes on to explain that with a fixed bridge or removable partial denture, the bone that previously surrounded the tooth root may begin to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact.In the long term, implants are esthetic, functional and comfortable. Gums and bone can recede around a fixed bridge or removable partial denture, leaving a visible defect. Resorbed bone beneath bridges or removable partial dentures can lead to a collapsed, unattractive smile. Brannon Dental Group adds that the cement holding bridges in place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay teeth that anchor the bridge. In addition, removable partial dentures can move around in the mouth and reduce your ability to eat certain foods.