If you’re missing a tooth or several, you might be wondering what your options are. In this guide, we’ll walk through the different types of dental implants and other common tooth replacement solutions. You’ll learn who’s a good candidate, what kind of costs to expect, and how to figure out which option fits your needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for something quick or long-lasting, we’ll help you understand which choices are considered the best dental implants for different situations. If you need a periodontist, we have offices in Salt Lake City and South Jordan and offer competitive prices! Our offices are conveniently located near Magna, North Salt Lake, Bountiful, Sandy, Draper, and Midvale.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution for people who are missing one or more teeth. They act like artificial tooth roots. A small post is placed in the jawbone, and a replacement tooth is attached to it later. The goal is to restore your smile and help you chew and speak comfortably again. People often get implants after losing teeth from injury, decay, or gum disease. They’re a great option when bridges or dentures aren’t enough. Many adults choose implants to feel more confident and eat their favorite foods again. They look and feel natural, which makes them a very popular choice.
Types of Dental Implants and Costs
1. Single Tooth Dental Implants
These replace one missing tooth with a single implant post and crown. They look and feel like a natural tooth.
Cost: Around $3,000 to $6,000 per tooth, depending on location and materials.
2. All-On-4 Dental Implants
This option supports a full set of upper or lower teeth using just four implants. It’s ideal for those who have lost most of their teeth.
Cost: Typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 per arch.
3. Full Arch Dental Implants
Very similar to All-On-4 but may use more implants for added support, like All-On-6 or All-On-8.
Cost: Usually between $20,000 and $40,000 per arch.
4. Immediate Load Dental Implants
Also called same-day implants. These allow for a temporary tooth or teeth to be placed right after the implant surgery.
Cost: Varies, but expect $4,000 to $6,500 per implant. Full mouth costs are often similar to All-On-4.
5. Implant-Supported Dentures
These dentures snap onto implants for better hold and function. They’re more stable than traditional dentures.
Cost: Usually $6,000 to $10,000 per arch.
6. Traditional Dentures
While not implants, many people compare them as a lower-cost tooth replacement option. They sit on the gums and are removable.
Cost: $1,000 to $3,000 per arch.
7. Mini Dental Implants
These are smaller and often used when there’s not enough bone for full-size implants.
Cost: Around $1,500 to $3,000 per implant.
Best Dental Implants
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best dental implant option. If you need to replace just one tooth and have good bone support, a single implant is usually the way to go. It restores your smile without affecting your nearby teeth and helps maintain the natural structure of your jaw.
For those who have lost most or all of their teeth, All-On-4 or full arch implants offer a stable, lasting solution. These options provide a complete set of fixed teeth that look and function like the real thing. They’re especially helpful for people who want to avoid the hassle of removable dentures.
If you’re looking for fast results, immediate load implants allow for temporary teeth to be placed the same day as surgery. This works well for patients who don’t want a gap during healing. Mini implants and implant-supported dentures are also good choices for people with bone loss or those seeking a less complex procedure.
Procedures You Might Need With Dental Implants
Before getting dental implants, some people need additional procedures to prepare the mouth to make sure the implants stay secure. These steps help improve the chances of long-term success and are usually based on the health of your gums and jaw. Not everyone needs these extra procedures, but here are some of the most common ones to be aware of:
Tooth extraction
If a tooth is badly decayed, broken, or loose, it often needs to be removed before an implant can be placed. Most of the time, this is a simple procedure. Depending on the condition of the tooth and surrounding bone, your dentist might recommend waiting for the area to heal or placing the implant right away. Healing time varies but is usually a few weeks to a few months.
Bone grafting
Over time, missing teeth can cause the jawbone to shrink. If the bone isn’t thick or strong enough to hold an implant, a bone graft may be needed. This involves adding bone or bone-like material to the area to build it back up. The graft material can come from your own body, a donor, or synthetic sources. Healing can take several months, but it gives the implant a strong base.
Sinus lift
In the upper back jaw, the bone is often thin and close to the sinus. If there’s not enough height for an implant, a sinus lift can help. This involves lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material beneath it. Over time, the bone heals and creates enough room for the implant. It’s a common procedure when replacing molars or premolars in that area.
Gum disease treatment
Healthy gums are essential for dental implants to succeed. If there’s any sign of gum disease, it must be treated first. This may involve deep cleanings, antibiotics, or other treatments. Once the gums are healthy again, your specialist can move forward with the implant process.
Ridge expansion
Sometimes, the jawbone is too narrow to fit an implant. A ridge expansion widens the bone to create more space. This is done by gently spreading the bone and placing graft material in the gap. It’s a more specialized procedure but can make implants possible for patients with a narrow ridge. Healing takes extra time, but it prepares the area for successful placement later.
Your dentist or specialist will let you know if any of these are needed before starting the implant process.
The Types of Dental Implants Guide Conclusion
Replacing missing teeth is about more than just looks. It’s about eating, speaking, and living comfortably every day. Dental implants offer a strong, lasting way to get back what you’ve lost. Whether you need to replace one tooth or a full set, there’s several options that can work for you.
If you’re thinking about dental implants or just need help figuring out the right solution, give our team at Utah Periodontal Specialists a call. Patients trust us because we take the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and use proven methods to get great results. We’re here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
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