Dental Implants

Ways Dental Implants can be used to Replace Teeth

Tooth Replacement with Dental Implants can be Fixed or Removable.

Fixed Options Anchored with Dental Implants - remain in the mouth and are not removable (examples bridge, crown, fixed hybrid denture). People commonly use the word "Permanent" to mean fixed.

Removable Options Anchored with Dental Implants - can be taken in and out of the mouth and are easier to clean (example denture, partial, "flipper", "spit plate")

Single Tooth Implant Replacement:

What options are available to replace one missing tooth?

  • Single Tooth Implant vs Other Tooth Replacement Options
    Dental implants are a unique way to replace missing teeth as they function as an independent system and do not rely on adjacent teeth for support of replacement teeth. This helps to save adjacent teeth.

Does Not Rely on Adjacent Teeth for Support

Does Not Cut Down Adjacent Teeth

95 to 98 % Successful at 18 years

 

Relies on Adjacent Teeth for Support

Requires Teeth to be Cut Down (Prepped)

65 to 75% Successful at 7 years

 

Bonds to Adjacent Teeth (Bond can break)

Metal Backing Can be Ugly

40 % Successful at 5 years

Works Well as Temporary to Maintain Space

 

Is Removable and Can Move Around

Covers Roof of Mouth

50 % Successful at 5 years

Works Well as a Temporary

 

  • Single Front Tooth Implant Replacement
    Tooth Supported Bridge
    		 Single Tooth Implant

  • Single Back Tooth Implant Replacement

     Tooth Supported Bridge
    		  Single Tooth Implant

Multiple Tooth Implant Replacement:

What options are available to replace multiple missing teeth or all of my teeth?

  • Fixed Options - remain in the mouth and are not removable (example bridge, crown, fixed hybrid denture). People commonly use the word "Permanent" to mean fixed.
    • Dental Implant Crowns or Bridge
       

    • Fixed Hybrid Denture (Denture on Stilts)

       
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  • Removable Options Anchored with Dental Implants - can be taken in and out of the mouth and are easier to clean (example denture, partial)

            (1) Partials ("flipper")



                  
In some cases a patient can have more implants placed and switch to a non-removable option such as crowns and/ or bridges.

Removable Partial
Implant Crowns or Implant Bridge (Not Removable)



(2) Dentures "spit plate" or "plate"

 
 



Upper Denture without Implants

Only Remains in place with suction or adhesives

Causes more Bone Loss

As Bone Loss Occurs Dentures Loosen

Ultimately you may not be able to wear dentures. 

Upper Denture Retained with Implants

Implant Anchor Dentures

Dentures "snap" in and out

If 4 to 6 implant are usd the palate does not have to be covered with the denture.

Preserves Bone to Prevent Bone Loss