Dental Implants: Types of Tooth Replacement
Fixed Tooth Replacements (only able to be removed by a dental professional)
Single missing tooth: implant crown supported by 1 implant. Fixed in place and not removable by the patient.
Multiple missing teeth: multiple implant crowns or an implant bridge supported by a few implants. The number of implants varies based upon the number of teeth being replaced, patient health, and quantity / quality of bone availabile. Fixed in place and not removable by the patient.
All teeth missing (in a dental arch): A full arch implant bridge supported by 6 or 8 implants. The number of implants varies based upon the number of teeth being replaced, patient health, and quantity / quality of bone availabile. Fixed in place and not removable by the patient. Even patients who have worn complete dentures for many years may be a candidate to have a full set of teeth replaced.
Removable Tooth Replacements (removable by you)
Multiple missing teeth or all teeth missing: A single removable denture with attachments connecting to a few implants to improve stability of the partial denture. The number of implants varies based upon the number of teeth being replaced, patient health, and quantity / quality of bone available.
Removable tooth replacements are known as “implant over-dentures.” In this scenario the implants serve to prevent movement of dentures. Almost any patient who suffers from a loose denture can benefit from dental implants to help stabilize the denture and prevent bone loss caused by dentures over time.