Which Dental Implant Do I Need?

Patients with missing teeth may experience a loss of confidence due to the altered appearance of their smile. They may also suffer a decline in oral function as they struggle to chew and speak. These problems may worsen if they do not seek tooth replacement from their dentist.

These patients can find long-lasting solutions with dental implants. These secure fixtures can replace one, several, or an entire arch of missing teeth, depending on a patient’s unique needs. So which implant should you receive? Read on to learn about three types of dental implants that can restore your smile after tooth loss.

types of dental implants Media Pennsylvania

3 Dental Implants to Replace Missing Teeth

Single Dental Implant

A single dental implant is an ideal tooth replacement solution for patients missing one tooth. They may benefit from more than one of this type of implant if needed though.

This fixture uses a titanium post anchor that a dentist surgically places in the patient’s jaw. Once this heals after a few months, the patient returns to their dentist to receive a crown that attaches to this anchor above the gumline. This serves as a prosthetic tooth.

Patients will appreciate the way that this implant will fill gaps in their smiles, enhancing their appearance. They can rest assured that they will receive a gorgeous and natural-looking finish with the custom-made prosthetic.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridge

Patients with three or more missing teeth in a row can receive optimal restorative treatment with an implant-supported dental bridge. This implant uses two anchors: one to support each end of the bridge prosthetic.

The procedure is greatly similar to that of a single dental implant. The difference lies in the type of prosthetic teeth used to replace the missing teeth.

This implant will improve the dental patient’s oral function, allowing them to speak and chew as they normally would. They will not have to worry about their device slipping out of place because the prosthetic fits securely once the anchor fuses to the jawbone.

All-on-Four Dental Implant

An All-on-Four dental implant replaces an entire arch of teeth. A patient can receive this fixture on the top arch, the bottom arch, or both if needed. This implant uses four anchors to support the denture prosthetic, hence its name.

The implant-supported denture features more restorative benefits than the removable option. The anchors serve as replacements for missing tooth roots below the gumline. This will stimulate the jawbone, keeping it strong and stopping it from deteriorating.

Removable dentures will only replace teeth above the gumline, so the jawbone will remain at risk of degenerating. Using implants to replace teeth will help to preserve the jaw and facial structure.

Implants will last longer than removable appliances too. Dentures will need replacing every five years or so because the appliance shape may not hold. A dental implant can last for twenty or more years with proper care and maintenance. Talk to your dentist to see if this treatment will work best with your unique dental needs.