What Are the Best Treatments for Patients With Many Missing Teeth?

June 8, 2024

For people with multiple missing teeth, seeking the best treatment option is crucial for both functional and aesthetic reasons. While traditional treatments such as full and partial dentures are an option, advancements in dental technology have introduced more innovative and long-lasting solutions.

Among these options, dental implants, including all-on-4 dental implants and implant- supported bridges, have become popular for replacing multiple missing teeth. Let’s explore why these treatments stand out and provide effective solutions for patients with many missing teeth.

Full and Partial Dentures

Both full and partial dentures are options for replacing multiple missing teeth. They consist of prosthetic teeth attached to a gum-colored acrylic base. Dentures help patients chew and speak properly while also improving the appearance of the smile. However, some patients find that dentures are challenging to adjust to and don’t feel as secure in the mouth as implant- supported prostheses [1].

Dental Implants: A Long-Lasting and Natural Solution

With dental implants, patients with many missing teeth have multiple options for restoring their smile. A dental implant consists of a titanium or ceramic post that is surgically inserted into the jaw and then allowed to heal before it can support a dental crown.

Depending on your unique smile, your dental implant treatment options may include:

All-on-4 dental implants. This treatment involves placing four to six dental implants in the jawbone to support a full arch prosthesis [2]. The benefit of this treatment is that patients with multiple missing teeth don’t need to have an implant for each individual tooth to get a fixed and natural-looking set of teeth.
Implant-supported bridges. Implant-supported bridges are another viable option for patients with many missing teeth. Similar to traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges consist of artificial teeth attached to a framework and supported by dental implants. This treatment offers a fixed and durable solution while preserving the integrity of adjacent teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Implants for Restoring Multiple Missing Teeth

Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional dentures when restoring multiple missing teeth. Since they are permanently anchored in the jawbone, they allow for a secure, stable smile that improves biting and chewing abilities, helping them feel more like natural teeth.

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime, unlike dentures, which need to be replaced every few years. This makes dental implants a durable and cost effective solution in the long run.

Patients also appreciate that dental implants closely resemble natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking smile. Since the implant functions as a tooth root, it also helps stimulate bone growth in the jaw to maintain your facial structure, preventing the sunken appearance often associated with missing teeth due to bone loss [3].

Choosing the Best Treatment

If you have many missing teeth, you have options for restoring your smile. Your dentist can provide a complete examination with X-rays to determine what your options are based on your goals for your smile, your budget, and your personal preferences. Choose the best treatment by exploring options with your dentist during your next appointment!