Types of Dental Implants for Replacing Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile—they can impact your confidence, your ability to enjoy your favorite foods and even your overall quality of life. If you’ve ever felt the embarrassment of hiding your smile or struggled with the discomfort of chewing, you’re not alone. At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our oral surgeons understand the profound impact that missing teeth can have, and we’re here to help you regain both your functionality and your self-assurance. With our advanced dental implant options, you can reclaim your smile and return to living life fully.

Single Tooth Dental Implant

A single-tooth dental implant is the ideal solution for replacing a missing tooth when the neighboring teeth are intact and healthy. Whether the tooth was lost due to decay, trauma, or other damage, this type of implant can effectively restore your smile. The process involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone where the tooth is missing, serving as a sturdy, artificial “root” for the replacement tooth. An abutment is then attached to the post, providing a secure connection between the implant and the custom-crafted crown, resulting in a natural-looking and fully functional tooth replacement.

Implant-Supported Bridge

When three or more teeth are missing in a row, a dental implant-supported bridge can be used to fill the gap with a single restoration. A dental bridge is a type of restoration that replaces multiple teeth at once. To secure the bridge in the mouth, two dental implants are used, one at each end.

Snap-in dentures (Implant Supported Dentures)

Snap-in dentures, or implant-supported dentures, are a type of restoration that is similar to traditional dentures except that the patient can snap their teeth firmly into place using two to six strategically placed dental implants and special abutments that allow for the denture to easily be installed and removed for cleaning. Snap-in dentures are more comfortable than traditional dentures and better for eating, speaking, and maintaining healthy bone tissue.

Full-Arch Dental Implants

Full-arch dental implants, commonly known as All-on-4 dental implants, offer a revolutionary solution for individuals missing an entire arch of teeth. Instead of replacing each tooth individually, this method uses just four strategically placed implants to support a full set of replacement teeth. Full arch dental implants restore both the appearance and function of your smile, enabling you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence once again.

Which teeth can be replaced with dental implants?

Dental implants offer a versatile solution for replacing nearly any missing tooth, whether it’s a front tooth, cuspid, or molar. They are designed to look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth and, with proper care, can last a lifetime. 

Front Teeth

For front teeth, dental implants are especially beneficial because they not only restore the aesthetic appearance of your smile but also provide the necessary strength for biting into food, just like natural teeth. 

Molars

When it comes to molars, dental implants are crucial for maintaining your ability to grind and chew food efficiently. Missing molars can make eating certain foods challenging and may impact your overall nutrition. Moreover, delaying the replacement of molars can lead to bone loss in the jaw, potentially requiring additional treatments like bone grafting. 

By choosing dental implants, you ensure both the functionality and health of your smile, regardless of which teeth need to be replaced.

Don’t Miss Out Because of Missing Teeth!

Don’t let missing teeth hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or an entire arch, there’s a dental implant solution that can restore your smile and your confidence. 

Missing teeth can impact your oral health by causing deterioration of your jawbone and other problems. Our oral surgeons recommend replacing missing teeth as soon as possible. 

At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Bergen County, NJ, our experienced team is here to help you explore the options and find the best treatment for your unique needs. Our offices are equipped with state-of-the-art surgical suites and our doctors are the only oral surgeons in Bergen County who are board-certified and dual-degree doctors.  Our surgical team trained for years in each practice area, receiving credentials in both dentistry and medicine. 

Schedule a consultation with us today to take the first step towards a healthier, more functional, and beautiful smile.

Learn more about Dental Implants:

• What is the Osseointegration of Dental Implants?
• Can Young Adults Get Dental Implants?
• Is it Too Late to Get Dental Implants?