Losing even a single tooth comes with a major decision about replacement options. In these cases, for qualified patients, dental implants offer unmatched longevity and reliability.
For individuals who’ve lost several or all of their teeth on one arch, dental implants still offer the best functional solution. However, replacing all of your teeth with implants carries a financial, physical (after all, implant placement is surgery), and time commitment that many patients can’t, or don’t wish to make. This is where implant-supported dentures (All-on-4®️/All-on-X) are a game-changer.
This guide compares your options so you can arrive at our Troy office with a clear idea of what to ask.
Missing tooth replacement with dental implants comes in three main forms:
- A single implant crown for one tooth
- An implant-supported bridge for several teeth in a row
- Full-mouth implants, which typically use four or six implants to replace a complete arch
The best choice depends on several factors, including bone density, health of the remaining teeth and gums, overall health, and budget.
How Dental Implants Work to Replace Missing Teeth
A dental implant is a small post, usually made of titanium, that’s placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over several months, the bone grows around the post in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable anchor.
A restoration, like a crown, bridge, or denture (https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622), is then attached on top. Because implants replace the root as well as the visible tooth, they neither need adhesive nor neighboring teeth for support, and with good hygiene and regular dental visits, they can last decades!
Replacing a Single Tooth: The Dental Implant Crown
When only one tooth is missing, a single implant is often the most conservative way to replace it.
How Single Implants Work
A single implant has three parts:
- The implant post in the bone
- An “abutment” that connects the implant and the final restoration
- A porcelain crown matched to the shade and shape of the surrounding teeth
Because the post supports the crown on its own, neighboring teeth don’t need to be altered, as they would for a traditional bridge. At Degenhardt Dental, Dr. Christopher Degenhardt and Dr. Ted Degenhardt, and our outstanding team offer comprehensive implant dentistry in Troy, so single-tooth replacement can be planned and performed in our office.
Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth in a Row: Implant-Supported Bridges
Fortunately, when several teeth in a row are missing, you don’t need an implant for each tooth. Because implants are so sturdy, a few can support a bridge that spans the entire gap. This fully restores chewing and smile aesthetics without relying on natural teeth for support. It also keeps the cost and treatment time more manageable than replacing each tooth individually.
We'll map out how many implants your span needs and where they should go for optimal function.
Restoring a Complete Arch: Full-Mouth Implants & All-on-4®/All-on-X
For patients who have lost most or all of the teeth in an arch, a full-arch solution can rebuild a complete set of teeth on just a few implants.
Who Is a Candidate for Full-Arch Implants?
Full-arch implants are designed for patients with extensive tooth loss, several failing teeth that can’t be saved, or a desire to move away from traditional dentures that can slip and irritate the gums.
Degenhardt Dental offers All-on-X implant dentures, which use two to six strategically placed implants to hold a custom denture securely in place. An added benefit is that the implants keep the jawbone stimulated instead of letting it deteriorate, preserving bone density and facial structure. The result is a far more stable bite and natural-looking smile, so eating, speaking, and laughing feel more natural. Candidacy for All-on-X depends on the health of your bone and overall health, so a thorough exam and imaging come first.
Which Implant Option Is Right for You? Factors to Consider
A few questions can help you size up your tooth replacement options before your first visit, and the answers will shape your treatment plan.
Current Jawbone Density and Need for Bone Grafting
Implants need enough healthy bone to anchor them. If the jawbone is too thin or soft as a result of denture wear, trauma, gum disease, or age, a bone graft beforehand can reinforce it. This, too, is a service that Degenhardt Dental offers in our Troy dental office.
Number and Location of Missing or Failing Teeth
A key factor in implant treatment planning is how many teeth are missing and where. One gap suggests a single implant crown. A few teeth in a row point toward a bridge. Widespread loss or failing teeth call for a full-arch solution. Location also plays a big role, with front teeth having unique cosmetic demands, while back teeth that carry heavy chewing require greater strength and durability.
Budget, Insurance Coverage, and Long-Term Goals
While implants carry a higher cost than some other tooth replacement solutions, they’re truly a long-term investment. It’s important to consider how long your results should last as well as the upfront cost. Weigh the cost against your goals. Do you need a single natural-looking tooth? Or a stable and reliable rebuilt bite that you can confidently trust without the hassle of a removable denture?
Insurance coverage varies by plan, but in many cases covers little (or none at all) of the cost of implants, so you’ll want to confirm your benefits and payment options before committing to treatment. Ultimately, the best way to choose is a professional consultation, where you and your implant dentist can review your bone, your teeth, overall health, and your budget together.
Precision Placed Dental Implants in Troy, MI
If you’re in Troy and want to learn more about your various missing tooth replacement, including full-arch dental implants, contact Dr. Christopher Degenhardt, Dr. Ted Degenhardt, and the friendly and experienced Degenhardt Dental team to schedule a consultation.