Dental implants are one of the most popular methods of replacing teeth, but every single person has unique needs. Whether you're missing a few teeth or all of them, chances are there's a dental implant solution out there for you. Here are some of the most common and popular options that integrate dental implants.
Standard Implants
Standard dental implants are usually the most familiar for people. But if you don't know much about them, here's a rundown.
Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement. One implant supports one artificial tooth, so if you have multiple missing teeth and want them all replaced, you'll need multiple implants.
The implants themselves are inserted into your gums and extend down into the bone. The bone fuses around the base of the implant and the gums close around the top of it, securing it firmly in place. Then an artificial crown is mounted on top of it.
Dental implants are liked not only because of their permanency but also because they closely mimic the way that real teeth work.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Some people don't want potentially over a dozen dental implants in order to replace many missing teeth. There are, thankfully, options for people like that that still utilize dental implants. One such option is the implant-supported bridge.
Standard dental bridges are mounted onto neighboring teeth which suspend the artificial teeth between them. With an implant-supported bridge, two implants take on this responsibility instead. This takes wear and tear off of any remaining teeth that you have and also makes your bridge a permanent solution, which many consider to be preferable.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Another possible option for you is implant-supported dentures. These are very similar to dental bridges, except that dentures typically replace all missing teeth.
With dentures, there are usually at least four implants supporting a full upper or lower set. These types of dentures are not intended to be taken out like standard dentures. Instead, they stay in your mouth and you care for your oral health the way that you ordinarily would have before you lost your teeth.
Dental implants are a great option for most people, but thankfully, they're also flexible in terms of how many options they can provide you with. Whether you have a weakened jaw or want to keep your costs down, one of these options is bound to suit you. Talk to a dentist if you have further questions or want to get started on getting your new implants.