Understanding Dental Implants: Full and Partial

Dental implants are a reliable and permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. They not only restore smile aesthetics but also improve the overall function and protect your oral health. Whether you need to replace one or two missing teeth or a cluster, dental implants can help.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant consists of a small titanium post, a screw-like device surgically inserted into the jawbone, serving as an artificial root. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone through osseointegration. This healing process provides a stable and secure foundation. Once the dental implant has fully integrated, an abutment is attached to provide an anchor for either partial or full, visible restorations.

Partial restorations

A variety of natural-looking restorations can be attached to the abutment. However, the oral surgeon will only consider a few for a missing tooth or a couple in a row, namely, crowns, bridges, and partial dentures.

Dental crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made porcelain, composite resin, or metal-infused shell that completely envelops the dental implant. The oral surgeon can color-match the material to the patient's surrounding teeth and match their size and shape to provide a natural-appearing, seamless finish.

Dental bridges

In the case of multiple missing teeth in a row, usually between two and four, the oral surgeon will fabricate a dental bridge. A dental bridge requires a dental implant in each missing tooth. While similar to a traditional bridge, the one the oral surgeon, utilizes securely attaches to the dental implants as opposed to relying on two crowns.

Partial Dentures

The oral surgeon may recommend partial dentures for multiple missing teeth, either in a row or not. Partial dentures are removable, even though they are attached to the dental implant and abutments. They use clasps that snap onto the abutment, providing stability and support while allowing patients to easily remove them for cleaning without using temporary adhesives.

Full restorations

When replacing all or most teeth using dental implants, the oral surgeon will consider dentures, all-on-4 or all-on-6 implant-supported bridges, and full-arch fixed bridges.

Dentures

This restoration involves using multiple implants to support a full arch of artificial teeth. The dentures are securely attached to the implants, providing stability and eliminating the need for adhesive bonding, glue, or creams.

All-on-4 and all-on-6 implant-supported bridges

These solutions help those who have lost a substantial amount of teeth but still have a few remaining healthy teeth. These bridges received their name due to having four or six strategically placed implants to support a fixed bridge that replaces all the missing teeth in an arch.

Full-arch fixed bridges

This restoration involves placing a large number of dental implants, usually six or more, to support an affixed dental bridge that replaces a full arch (row) of teeth. Unlike partial dentures, the oral surgeon can only remove these restorations. The bridge is custom-made to perfectly fit over the dental implant to provide a stable, durable, flawless finish.