Dental Implant Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Dental Implant Options for Replacing Missing Teeth from SmileWell Family Dentistry in Torrance, CAThere are several dental implant options for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant permanently replaces a missing tooth, saving smiles and helping people eat their favorite foods for years to come. Unlike other options for replacing missing teeth, dental implants do not require regular check-ups from a dentist.

The three most common types of dental implants include:

  • Endosteal implants
  • Subperiosteal implants
  • All-on-4 implants®

While all of these implants replace missing teeth, each implant is slightly different. A professional dentist should be consulted to help choose the implant that best fits each person’s needs.

Endosteal implants

An endosteal implant consists of two parts: a small titanium screw and an artificial tooth. The titanium screw is implanted into the jawbone to act as a replacement root. The artificial tooth is attached to the top of the screw. Compared to other dental implants, endosteal implants are the most stable. Endosteal implants also require the longest treatment time because the titanium screw must fuse to the jawbone before the artificial tooth is attached.

Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. However, since the implant is screwed into the jawbone, adequate jawbone density is required to receive an endosteal implant.

Subperiosteal implants

For people that do not have sufficient jawbone density or don’t want an implant in their bone, subperiosteal implants are another option for replacing missing teeth. Unlike endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants are inserted into the gum tissue and placed on top of the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants consist of a metal frame that is implanted in the gum tissue. This frame has posts where artificial teeth are attached. Because the metal frame is not implanted into the jawbone, subperiosteal implants are less stable than endosteal implants but are a suitable dental implant option for people with low jawbone density.

All-on-4 implants

Both endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants are suitable options for people who have lost only a few teeth. If a person has lost an entire row of teeth due to gum disease, All-on-4 implants may be a more fitting option for replacing missing teeth. To attach an All-on-4 implant, a professional dentist will implant four titanium screws into a person’s jawbone. Unlike an endosteal implant, in which only one artificial tooth is attached to each screw, in All-on-4 implants, a full set of artificial teeth is attached on top of the screws. Thus, All-on-4 implants replace more teeth at a time compared to endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants.

Choosing the right dental implant

Having missing teeth may negatively affect a person’s dental health and self-esteem. Luckily, there are several dental implant options for replacing missing teeth. People with sufficient jawbone density will benefit from an endosteal implant. Those with less jawbone density can receive a subperiosteal implant. Those that need to replace an entire set of teeth should consider an All-on-4 implant. Nevertheless, a professional dentist should be consulted to help choose the right dental implant for each person.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Options for Replacing Missing Teeth in Torrance, CA

Request an appointment or call SmileWell Family Dentistry at 310-904-6375 for an appointment in our Torrance office.

Recent Posts

Options For Replacing Missing Teeth Due To Tooth Decay

If you are new to dentistry, it may be difficult for you to decide on your options for replacing missing teeth. There are many options available, but here are some of the most common ones that can help replace missing teeth due to tooth decay:Dental implants are one of the most long-lasting options for replacing…

Prosthetic Dentistry Options For Replacing Missing Teeth

Have you ever wanted to know your options for replacing missing teeth? Less than 50% of adults in the United States have all their adult teeth. The likelihood of missing at least one tooth increases as you age. Two-thirds of adults ranging in age from 40 to 64 are missing at least one tooth. Nearly…

Implant Overdenture Options For Replacing Missing Teeth

Implant overdentures may be the best investment when it comes to options for replacing missing teeth. Although you have many options for replacing missing teeth, implant overdentures may be the right option for you. Implant overdentures are known as “snap-on dentures” because the denture connects to the implant via a snap assembly in which a…

Recent Posts

Options For Replacing Missing Teeth Due To Tooth Decay

Options For Replacing Missing Teeth Due To Tooth Decay

If you are new to dentistry, it may be difficult for you to decide on your options for replacing missing teeth. There are many options available, but here are some of the most common ones that can help replace missing teeth due to tooth decay:Dental implants are one of the most long-lasting options for replacing…

When To Choose Invisalign Over Traditional Braces

When To Choose Invisalign Over Traditional Braces

Invisalign® is a discreet teeth-straightening method. Research shows that many people prefer this method to traditional braces. The clear aligners offer a more comfortable way to align teeth. Knowing when to choose Invisalign can help you prepare for your upcoming appointments.The metal wires and brackets of traditional braces can cause scrapes and holes in the…