Key Takeaways
- There are several types of dental implants, including single-tooth implants, implant-supported bridges, All-on-4, 3-on-6, and zygomatic implants.
- The best dental implant option depends on how many teeth are missing, your jawbone health, and your overall oral health.
- Dental implants can replace one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch of missing teeth.
- Full-mouth dental implants can cost anywhere from about $20,000 to $60,000 or more per arch, before insurance and depending on preparatory treatment.
- A consultation with a periodontist is the best way to determine which type of dental implant is right for your smile.
Dental implants have a success rate of 95% or more for many healthy patients, which is one reason they’re such a trusted option to replace missing teeth. Fortunately, there are several types of dental implants available, so treatment can be tailored to your specific needs. Keep reading, and we’ll go over the most common implant options, how they work, how the alternatives compare, and much more. If you need dental implants in Utah, we have offices conveniently located near Murray, Draper, and Lehi.
Different Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants aren’t really a one-size-fits-all solution. Some terms describe how an implant is placed, while others describe how implants are used to replace one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch. As a result, there are several dental implant options to choose from. The right one for you usually depends on things like how much healthy jawbone you have, where the missing tooth is located, how many teeth need to be replaced, and your overall oral health.
- Single-Tooth Implants: A single-tooth implant is used when only one tooth is missing. The implant is placed in the jawbone and topped with a custom dental crown that blends in with the surrounding teeth. This option feels much more natural than a removable partial denture or flipper and helps prevent nearby teeth from shifting into the empty space.
- Endosteal Implants: This is the most common type of dental implant. An endosteal implant is placed directly into the jawbone and acts like an artificial tooth root. Once it heals and bonds with the bone, it can support a crown, bridge, or denture. It’s often a great choice for patients who have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant.
- Subperiosteal Implants: Subperiosteal implants sit on top of the jawbone but underneath the gum tissue rather than being placed inside the bone. They’re generally considered an option for patients who don’t have enough jawbone for traditional implants and don’t want to undergo a bone grafting procedure. They’re rarely used today but can be considered in select cases when conventional implant placement isn’t the best fit.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Implant-supported bridges can replace several missing teeth in a row without requiring an implant for every individual tooth. Instead, implants are placed at strategic points and used to hold a bridge in place. This can be a good fit for patients missing multiple adjacent teeth.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Implant-supported dentures are designed for people who are missing many or all of their teeth. Rather than relying only on suction or adhesive, the denture attaches to dental implants for a more secure fit. This can make everyday things like eating, speaking, and smiling feel much more comfortable.
- All-on-4 Dental Implants: All-on-4 is a full-mouth dental implant option that uses four implants to support a complete arch of replacement teeth. It can be a good choice for patients who’ve lost most or all of their teeth and want a fixed alternative to traditional dentures. Because the implants are placed at specific angles, some patients might be able to avoid extensive bone grafting.
- 3-on-6 Dental Implants: A 3-on-6 treatment uses six dental implants to support three separate bridges across the upper or lower arch. Unlike a single full-arch denture, this approach is designed to feel more like having individual sections of natural teeth. It can be a great option for patients who want a fixed, non-removable restoration and have enough healthy jawbone to support the additional implants.
- Zygomatic Implants: Zygomatic implants are a more advanced option for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw. Instead of being anchored in the jawbone, these longer implants are placed into the cheekbone, which is typically denser and stronger. They’re usually reserved for more complex cases, but they can make full-mouth dental implants possible for people who might not qualify for traditional implants.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
To be a good candidate for dental implants, you need healthy gums, enough jawbone to support an implant, and be committed to keeping up with daily oral hygiene. Even if you have some bone loss or gum concerns, that doesn’t necessarily mean implants are off the table. A periodontist can evaluate your smile, discuss any treatment that may be needed first, and help you determine whether dental implants could be the right fit.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular choice to replace missing teeth because they’re designed to look, feel, and ultimately function like natural teeth. But they aren’t the only option and might not be the best fit in every scenario. Here is a simple look at how dental implants compare to some of the most common alternatives.
1. Veneers vs Dental Implants
Veneers and dental implants are used for very different reasons. Veneers are thin shells placed over the front of healthy teeth to improve their color, shape, size, and overall appearance. They can’t replace a tooth that is missing or badly damaged beyond the point of repair. Implants, on the other hand, replace the entire tooth, including the root. Veneers are usually less expensive than an implant. Basically, if the tooth is still healthy and you’re mainly concerned about appearance, veneers might be the better fit.
2. Dentures vs Dental Implants
Dentures are removable replacement teeth that can replace several teeth or a full arch of teeth. They’re generally much more affordable upfront than dental implants, especially when replacing all of the teeth. Traditional dentures cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the materials and whether they’re partial or full dentures. Full-mouth implants can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The tradeoff is mainly stability. Dentures can sometimes shift, rub against the gums, or require adhesives, while implants stay fixed in place and feel much more natural and secure while eating and speaking.
3. Dental Bridges vs Dental Implants
A dental bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth with the teeth on either side for support. It’s usually less expensive upfront than an implant and can often be completed more quickly. A bridge might cost a few thousand dollars, while an implant and crown often cost much more. The downside is that a traditional bridge usually requires the dentist to reshape the healthy teeth next to the gap. An implant stands on its own and doesn’t rely on neighboring teeth, which can make it a better long-term option.
4. Crowns vs Dental Implants
A crown is a cap that covers and protects a damaged tooth that still has a healthy enough root to keep. An implant is used when the tooth can’t be saved or is already missing. Crowns are usually less expensive because they don’t involve surgery or replacing the tooth root. They generally cost around $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth, depending on the material and location. If a tooth can be restored with a crown, that is usually preferable to removing it. However, if the tooth is too damaged, infected, or unstable to save, an implant might be the best solution.
5. Root Canals vs Dental Implants
A root canal is used to save a tooth when the inside of the tooth becomes infected or badly inflamed. The dentist removes the damaged tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and often places a crown afterward to protect it. In many cases, saving your natural tooth with a root canal is the best option if the tooth is still structurally intact. A root canal and crown can cost less than an implant, although the total can still add up to a few thousand dollars. An implant might be recommended if the tooth can’t be saved, has severe damage below the gumline, or continues to cause problems after treatment.
6. Flipper Teeth vs Dental Implants
A flipper is a lightweight, removable appliance that temporarily fills in the space left by a missing tooth. It’s often used after an extraction while someone heals or decides on a more permanent treatment. Flippers are one of the least expensive options, generally only costing a few hundred dollars to around $1000. They’re nice because they can help restore the look of a smile quickly and inexpensively, but they’re not meant to function like a permanent tooth replacement. Compared to an implant, a flipper is less stable, removable, and more likely to need replacement sooner rather than later.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
One of the great things about dental implants is that they’re meant to be a long-term solution, not something you have to replace every few years. With consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, the implant itself can often last for decades or maybe even a lifetime. The crown, bridge, or denture attached to the implant can wear down over time and might eventually need to be repaired or replaced, much like any other dental restoration. Taking care of your gums, avoiding tobacco, and staying on top of routine visits can all play a big part in helping your implant last.
Different Types of Dental Implants Conclusion
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, the right option should help you feel comfortable when eating, speaking, and smiling for years to come. Dental implants can be a great fit for many people, but the best treatment always comes down to your unique needs and budget.
If you have missing teeth and are looking for an experienced periodontist in the Salt Lake City area, we’d love to see you at Utah Periodontal Specialists. We offer dental implant treatment at a great price and take the time to help you understand which options might be the best fit for your smile. While we may not offer every type of dental implant, we can walk you through the solutions we do provide and help you feel confident about your next step. With locations in South Jordan and Salt Lake City, taking care of your oral health is easier than ever.
FAQs
What are the main types of dental implants?
The main types of dental implants include endosteal implants, subperiosteal implants, All-on-4 implants, 3-on-6 implants, and zygomatic implants. The right option depends on your jawbone health, how many teeth are missing, and your overall treatment goals.
Which type of dental implant is best?
There is no single best type of dental implant for everyone. A single-tooth implant may be best for one missing tooth, while All-on-4 or 3-on-6 may work better for someone missing a full arch of teeth.
Are dental implants better than dentures?
Dental implants are usually more stable than traditional dentures because they’re anchored right into the jawbone. Dentures are usually more affordable upfront, but implants typically feel more secure and can make eating and speaking much easier.
How much do dental implants cost?
Dental implant costs vary depending on the type of implant, how many teeth are being replaced, and whether extra procedures like bone grafting are needed. A single implant often costs several thousand dollars, but replacing both the upper and lower arches could cost upwards of $40,000 in total.
How do I know which dental implant option is right for me?
The best way to know is to meet with a periodontist for an evaluation. They can look at your gums, jawbone, missing teeth, and overall oral health to recommend the option that makes the most sense for your smile.
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