Multiple Teeth Replacement With Dental Implants
East Dundee, IL
 A dental implant is a preferred method of replacing multiple missing teeth.
It is made of three parts: a titanium post inserted into the jaw, a connector called an abutment, and an artificial tooth known as a crown that is cemented on top.
This crown can be in the form of a single tooth, multiple teeth, or the full arch - the full upper or lower jaw of teeth.
These dental prosthetics are permanent fixtures that look, feel, and act exactly like normal teeth.
Even though dental surgery is necessary to insert the titanium post into the jaw, and there is a recovery period of at least four months, these implants can last upwards of 20 years and rarely need to be replaced.
What Are My Options for Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth?
There are a few dental implant options for replacing multiple teeth. At Neu Family Dental, we will assess your oral condition and recommend the dental implant procedure based on the number and position of teeth missing and the health of the gums and jaw in that area. Options include: | • |
All-on-4® Treatment Concept
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Immediate Dental Implants
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Implant Supported Dentures
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Implant Supported Bridge |
All on 4 Dental Implant
The All-on-4® Treatment Concept is a permanent, long-term prosthetic that replaces a full arch of teeth. It uses only four titanium posts, two in the front and two in the back, which are inserted, and angled down at 45 degrees.
This positioning increases the stability of the implants and also makes it a suitable option for those with lower jawbone density.
Additionally, we use zygomatic implants in poor upper jawbone health cases. These longer implants go through the upper jaw and embed in the lower portion of the cheekbones, thus providing secondary support.
Compared to conventional full arch replacements, which use six to eight dental implants embedded straight down into the jaw, the All-on-4 method is less invasive.
Therefore, patients have shorter recovery times and can return to normal activity relatively sooner.
Immediate Dental Implants
Immediate dental implants are the best option for those with a few missing teeth spaced away from each other. We insert titanium posts for each missing tooth, and fit separate crowns over each one.
Once they have been fitted in, they will look and act exactly like normal teeth.
Alternatively, we can insert these implants directly after an extraction, which reduces the number of surgical procedures necessary.
However, our dentists Dr. Neu and our doctors may schedule the implantation later if the extraction surgery takes longer or is more extensive than anticipated.
Implant Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures take all the benefits of a denture and combine them with the stability of an implant for a longer, more secure solution.
These are the affordable option between removable dentures and expensive full-arch dental implants.
Unlike a conventional denture, the implanted supported one is made in a horseshoe shape with the middle open so that it is more comfortable, leaving more space for the tongue. This allows patients to speak, eat and smile more easily.
Additionally, these dentures do not require any adhesive and will not move, thus preventing oral issues like mouth sores and bruised gums.
For these kinds of dentures, patients can choose between having them permanently fixed or removable. At Neu Family Dental, we cement permanent ones on top of the implants embedded in the jaw.
They are to be treated exactly like normal teeth and do not require any special cleaning.
Removable ones are snapped on or off the top of the dental implants and require extra care to keep them clean. In either case, we advise getting four to six dental implants.
However, it ultimately comes down to the number of teeth that need replacing and the position of the denture.
What is an Implant Supported Bridge?
We often recommend an implant-supported bridge for those missing adjacent teeth because it is less invasive than surgically inserting multiple dental implants.
Here, dental implants are inserted at either end of the gap, and a single crown is fitted over the gap. Even though it is one piece, this crown is shaped to look like individual teeth next to each other, making it fit seamlessly.
One of the most significant advantages of implant-supported bridges over traditional bridges is that they do not require neighboring teeth for support, which can become damaged under traditional dentures over time.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
There are several benefits of a dental implant over other types of multiple tooth replacements and why they have become standard care.
Dental implants provide a long-term solution lasting upwards of 20 years. While they have a higher upfront cost when compared to removable options, they rarely need to be replaced, thus saving money in the long run.
Additionally, the crowns cemented on top are stronger and more resilient. However, replacing them is easy and affordable if they ever get damaged.
Additionally, dental implants preserve the bone health of the jaw. Once inserted, the titanium post fuses with the jawbone and continuously applies pressure as the teeth are used.
This stimulation prevents bone reabsorption, often seen with those who use other teeth replacement options. The jaw will not sag, deteriorate, or look thinner over time.
Finally, dental implants look, feel, and act like natural teeth. After a brief adjustment period, they are barely noticeable. You can return to eating a normal diet with normal biting and chewing ability without worrying about the implant moving, cracking, or falling out.
As for care, these implants require the same daily oral cleaning as natural teeth.
How Many Teeth Can Be Replaced with Dental Implants?
Dental implants are exceptionally versatile and can replace one tooth, multiple teeth, or the entire arch of teeth.
While there is no limit, we might recommend multiple surgical sessions for patient comfort and to ensure proper healing between procedures.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
A good candidate for a dental implant is a person with adequate jawbone health and healthy gums. It is also important that the jawbone has stopped growing, which is why we do not recommend implants for children.
While a higher jawbone density does help anchor the implant more securely, it can still be inserted in those with a lower jawbone density, but a bone graft may be required.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation with Us in East Dundee!
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment in dentistry, and here at Neu Family Dental, our dentist Dr. Neu will completely examine your specific case, then recommend the best option for you.
Call us today at (847) 230-9143 to schedule your consultation! |
