Statistics show that 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay. Furthermore, by age 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth.

Twenty years ago, these patients would have had no alternative but to employ a fixed bridge or removable denture to restore their ability to eat, speak clearly and smile. Fixed bridges and removable dentures, however, are not the perfect solution and often bring with them a number of other problems. Removable dentures may slip or cause embarrassing clicking sounds while eating or speaking. Of even greater concern, fixed bridges often affect adjacent healthy teeth, and removable dentures may lead to bone loss in the area where the tooth or teeth are missing. Recurrent decay, periodontal (gum) disease and other factors often doom fixed bridgework to early failure. For these reasons, fixed bridges and removable dentures usually need to be replaced every seven to 15 years.

• Single Tooth Implant
  A single dental implant is ideal when one tooth is missing, and you want to replace it for aesthetics, comfort, and function. It requires one dental crown that connects to the implant screw.
• Implant-Supported Bridge
  Implant-supported bridges are ideal for people with several missing teeth. The implant acts as an anchor for the bridge (instead of a natural tooth).
  A fixed dental bridge restores function by preventing other teeth from moving. It also improves eating and speaking functions.
• All-on-4 Dental Implants
  All-on-4 implants are recommended when a patient is looking for a secure solution for many missing teeth. This solution restores your entire upper or lower jaw (or both arches).
  This is a permanent restoration. However, the overdenture can be removed for cleaning and dental exams.
• 3-on-6 Dental Implants
  An alternative to an implant-retained denture is a 3-on-6 implant. It consists of three individual dental bridges attached to six dental implants.

• 1. Remove the Tooth
  If the damaged tooth is still in your mouth, the dentist will extract it. This step is not necessary if your tooth is already missing.
• 2. Grafting and Jawbone Preparation
  Patients who undergo implant surgery may have thin or soft jawbones. In this case, bone grafting will be necessary.
  It improves the quantity of bone and ensures the procedure doesn’t fail. The healing process for bone grafts takes a few months before a dental implant can be placed.
• 3. Implant Placement
  During the actual procedure, the oral surgeon exposes the bone by cutting the gums.
  An oral surgeon or periodontist drills holes into the bone. Then they position the implant (a post) deep into the bone, which functions as the tooth’s root.
  If a front tooth is being restored, the dentist will fill the space with a temporary removable solution while the implant heals below the gums. If it is a back tooth, they will not place anything over it.
• 4. Healing and Growth
  Osseointegration begins after the metal implant is placed in your jawbone. This is when the supporting bone begins to bond with the implant.
  This process can take several months to complete and ensures the base is sturdy enough to support an artificial tooth (dental crown).
• 5. Abutment Placement (Crown Preparation)
  After the healing process is complete, your dentist will place an abutment on top of the implant post.
  The abutment extends the implant above the soft tissue (gums). This step allows for easy placement of the dental crown.
• 6. Crown Placement (Artificial Tooth)
  Once the implant grows into the bone and is strong enough to support chewing, your dentist will make new impressions of your mouth.
  A dental technician will create a custom dental crown in a lab. The dental crown looks similar to your natural teeth and sits on the abutment (connector). It becomes the only visible part of the implant.
• 7. Aftercare
  Pain medications and antibiotics are usually prescribed post-op. It is important to only eat soft foods and practice excellent oral care habits during the healing process.
  Restrict the intake of alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco to see the best results. Regular check-ups are necessary during the first few months after the procedure. You should also keep up with regular dental exams post-surgery.

Dental implants and bridges can both potentially deliver natural-looking results, but they come with their own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a look at how these two tooth replacement options compare.

Dental bridge pros

• likely to be covered by insurance
• doesn’t require bone grafting or invasive surgery
• usually lower upfront cost than dental implants
• usually requires only two visits to your dentist spread over a couple of weeks

Dental bridge cons

• has to be replaced about every 5 to 7 years (although can last more than 10 years)
• loses a natural-looking appearance with age
• more cavities and tooth decay in surrounding teeth than with implants
• can damage the healthy teeth around the missing tooth

Dental implant pros

• can last 15 years or more and are the longest lasting option on the market
• retain natural-looking appearance longer than bridges
• don’t damage the healthy teeth around the implant
• very high 10-year success rate, around 97 percent

Dental implant cons

• less likely to be covered by insurance
• process can take up to 6 months
• higher upfront cost
• may lead to surgical complications