Difference Between Tooth Replantation & Dental Implantation

A lot of patients often get confused with tooth replantation and dental implantation. Both sound similar but there’s a big difference between replantation and implantation. Tooth replantation is used to manage avulsed permanent teeth whereas a dental implant is a metal post that replaces the root portion of a missing tooth. 

1. What is tooth replantation?

Tooth replantation is the reinsertion of a tooth that has been avulsed (knocked or torn out) of its socket. Often the best option is to replant the tooth as quickly as possible. This is true only for permanent teeth. Once replanted the tooth can heal in one of two ways if managed correctly. 

The dislodged tooth should be picked up by the crown and should be rinsed but not brushed or cleaned. The tooth should then be put into saline and go to a dentist within 30 minutes which of the accident. At the dental clinic the dentist will replant the tooth and may give antibiotics to prevent infection.  

2. What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is  a process that begins by placing an artificial tooth root in the socket of the missing tooth, then topping it with an artificial tooth after the implant has integrated with the alveolar bone. The entire process can take many months from start to finish.

1. Difference Between Replantation and Dental Implants

The biggest difference between replantation and dental implants is that replantation is used to replant natural teeth whereas a dental implant is artificial. In terms of costs tooth replantation costs start at 2,000 RMB but a dental implant is much more expensive with costs starting at over 10,000 RMB per implant. 

Gum Grafts Before Dental Implants

You might have decided to get a dental implant, but after a examination the dentist has suggested that you need gum graft surgery. Why do you need gum graft surgery? Is it painful? How much does it cost?  

1. Why is a gum graft needed before a dental implant?

Once a tooth has been missing for a period of time gum recession is more serious and this is when a gum graft needs to be considered. A gum graft can ensure the success of the dental implant and that it is securely fitted. With dental implants it is important that both the jaw bone and gum tissue are healthy and strong for dental implants to succeed. If your gum and bone tissue aren’t healthy enough, the implant  may become loose and possibly fail.

2. Is a gum graft painful?

Before starting the gum graft, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area so that the procedure does not hurt. After the procedure you may experience discomfort over the next few days which will subside. However, if the pain does not subside but gets worse then you should contact your dentist immediately.

3. How much does a gum graft cost?

Gum graft surgery costs generally start at 3,000 RMB, however costs will depend on the type of gum graft surgery. For example pedicle gingival grafts where a flap of tissue from an area right next to your gum recession and uses the flap to cover the area of receding gum tissue. This type of gum graft is less costly compared to free gingival graft where tissue is directly removed from the top layer of tissue on the roof of the mouth and stitches this tissue to the existing gum area.

Tips: Although a gum graft can be used to correct the effects of receding gums, but this does not mean that the problem won’t recur. Therefore, patients need to take extra care with oral hygiene and see the dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and dental cleanings.

Which Type of Tooth Replacement is Best?

Can dentures be as good as your own natural teeth? The answer is no, any tooth replacements can never be as good as your own teeth. Which type of denture is best? In terms of the closest thing to natural teeth, a dental implant is the best option followed by dental bridge and lastly a denture. So which type of tooth replacement is best for you?

There is currently 3 types of tooth replacement to choose from: denture, dental bridge and dental implant.

1. Dentures

Dentures are removable and not as natural looking and often have the tendency to shift around. Also dentures are fragile and aren’t as durable, replacements need to be made every 3 to 5 years.

2. Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is fixed and cannot be removed they are bonded to existing teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges can be made of porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials. Fixed bridges create a filler tooth that is supported by crowns placed over healthy teeth on either side of the gap in the mouth to keep the bridge in place. Dental bridges need to be replaced every 5 to 8 years.

3. Dental Implant

Dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone, once in place, a oral surgeon mounts a replacement tooth to the implant. A dental implant is very natural looking and does not require you to have your tooth enamel removed to fit a dental bridge. When properly cared for with good dental hygiene and dental implant can last 20 and possibly 30 years.

After briefly introducing the three possible tooth replacement options, the answer is that no replacement can be compared to your own natural teeth. However, if you must choose between the three options then the dental implant is the closest replacement for a natural tooth.

How Often Should Dental Implants be Replaced

Dental implants and dentures along with crowns are all considered dental prosthesis. So how often do dental implants need to be replaced?

When Should Dental Implants be Replaced?

After getting your dental implants you will need to make appointments to see your dentist for check-ups but you will not need to replace your implants regularly. After the dental implants are implanted and you take care of our teeth and adhere to dental hygiene the implants can last for a long period of time. In comparison to dentures and crowns, dental implants can last from 10 years to 20 years.

However, there are cases where dental implants don’t last as long for some patients. Therefore, to increase the lifespan of the dental implants it is suggested that patients come in for examinations and check-ups every 3 months during the first year, then after the first year then an examination once a year.  

There are individual cases where dental implants need to be replaced. For example if the implant becomes loose or if the crown or other parts of the implants are damaged or break. In such cases replacement of the damaged parts will be able to restore the implant.

To ensure that the dental implants provide the results, patients should take oral hygiene seriously and make changes to their diet, such as avoiding hard foods. Regular visits to the dentist at least twice a year for a professional clean to remove plaque and dental calculus is also essential.