Dental Implant Options for Missing Teeth
Dental implants can be used in several different ways depending on how many teeth are missing, the condition of the jawbone, and the type of final restoration planned. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide dental implant surgery in Winston-Salem and Mount Airy, NC, and work closely with each patient’s restorative dentist or prosthodontist to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Replacing a Single Missing Tooth
A single dental implant can be used to replace the root of a missing tooth without requiring treatment of the neighboring teeth. After the implant has integrated with the jawbone, the restorative dentist places the final crown.
Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth
When several teeth are missing, dental implants may be used to support individual crowns or an implant-supported bridge. The number and location of implants depend on the patient’s anatomy, bone availability, bite, and restorative treatment plan.
Replacing All Teeth in an Upper or Lower Arch
For patients who are missing, or expect to lose, all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch, dental implants can provide support for either a removable or fixed restoration.
Implant-Retained Overdentures
An implant-retained overdenture is a removable denture that attaches to dental implants for improved retention and stability. Attachment systems such as Locator-style attachments can help reduce movement compared with a conventional denture while still allowing the prosthesis to be removed by the patient for cleaning.
Learn more about implant-retained overdentures.
All-on-X / Fixed Full-Arch Dental Implants
For appropriate patients, multiple dental implants can support a fixed full-arch prosthesis that remains in place rather than being removed by the patient. This treatment is commonly referred to as All-on-X or, in some treatment configurations, All-on-4.
Learn more about All-on-X and full-arch dental implants.
Bone Grafting and Implant Planning
The amount and quality of available jawbone are important considerations when planning dental implant surgery. Some patients have adequate bone for implant placement, while others may benefit from bone grafting or other procedures before or at the time of implant placement. Three-dimensional imaging may be used when appropriate to evaluate the surgical site and assist with treatment planning.