Rebuilding your smile with implants when several or all teeth are missing

Losing one tooth is hard enough. When several teeth, or a whole arch, are missing, everyday things like eating a salad, laughing in a photo or speaking clearly can become a struggle. Whether teeth were lost to gum disease, decay or injury, implant dentistry makes it possible to rebuild a complete smile that looks, feels and works much like natural teeth.

If you’re missing a single tooth, start with our guide to how dental implants work. This article looks at the options when more teeth are involved.

Why implants for multiple missing teeth

Dentures and conventional bridges remain good choices for many people. Implants add something they can’t: because each implant replaces a tooth root and bonds to the jawbone, it gives replacement teeth a stable foundation and helps preserve the bone. That means:

• Firmer chewing, so you can enjoy a wider range of foods.
• No slipping while you talk or laugh.
• Less bone loss, which helps maintain the natural shape of your face.
• Neighboring teeth left untouched, since implants don’t rely on them for support.

Your options

Implant-supported bridge. When several teeth in a row are missing, two or more implants can anchor a bridge across the gap. You don’t need one implant for every missing tooth.

Implant-retained (snap-on) denture. A removable denture clips onto two or more implants. It stays put far better than a conventional denture and comes out for cleaning. It is often a good way to improve an existing denture.

Fixed full-arch teeth (All-on-4™). A complete, non-removable set of upper or lower teeth is attached to four or more implants. Because the implants are angled to make the most of the available bone, this approach can often avoid bone grafting, and in many cases temporary teeth are attached on the day the implants are placed. Learn more about All-on-4™.

How we choose the right approach

The best option depends on how many teeth are missing, the amount and quality of your jawbone, your general health, your budget and how you feel about removable versus fixed teeth. We start with a thorough exam and digital X-rays, explain each option with its costs and timeline, and help you decide.

What to expect

Implants are placed by a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or periodontist, and the bone heals around them over a few months. You’ll have temporary teeth in the meantime, so you’re never without a smile. Implant treatment has very high long-term success rates, especially when you don’t smoke, keep your gums healthy and come in for regular checkups.

Talk to us about rebuilding your smile

If missing teeth are holding you back, there are more options today than ever. Read how implants compare with bridges and dentures, learn about Implant Dentistry at SmileNY Dental, or contact us to schedule a consultation.