1) Replace One Tooth: When you are missing one tooth, a single implant is inserted to replace the root portion of that tooth; a crown then goes on top to resemble an actual tooth. An implant will never decay or need root canal treatment and feels just like the tooth that was there. This treatment option has the highest success rate, making it the best long-term investment for replacing a single missing tooth.
2) Replace Multiple Teeth: When you have multiple teeth missing, implants provide an ideal replacement option. Since implants can support fixed bridgework, you may not need one implant for every missing tooth. For example, if you are missing three teeth in a row, we can place two implants, one on either side of the gap, and a crown in between with no implant underneath. This way, you will not need to use any natural teeth as bridge supports, which could weaken them and make them more susceptible to decay.
3) Replace All Teeth Permanently: Implants can also support an entire set of upper or lower replacement teeth that are fixed into the mouth and never removed. Sometimes, the new teeth can be supported by as few as four implants. In cases where bone density and volume have deteriorated, five or six implants may be needed to support an upper or lower arch of teeth. Dental implant supported replacement teeth preserve your jawbone, will not move uncomfortably, and often last for an extended period of time.
4) Support Removable Dentures: Implants can also make removable dentures more comfortable, effective and healthier to wear. Traditional dentures rest on the gums and place pressure on the underlying bone surface. This can accelerate bone loss such that the jaw shrinks and the dentures move, particularly on the lower jaw. In order to remedy this, dentists can attach a removable denture onto several implants, transferring the forces into the bone instead of onto the surface. This prevents dentures from moving while you eat and speak and simultaneously preserves the bone.