The author of the article
Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD, 31 years experience
Have you ever wondered how the loss of even a single tooth affects the health of the others? The chewing load, being redistributed to the remaining teeth, leads to their premature wear. Enamel begins to chip, fillings can crack, and the temporomandibular joint might start to ache. If multiple teeth are missing, the situation becomes even more severe.
Don’t Wait for Complications!
"I strongly recommend considering dental implants if, after losing one or more teeth, you notice the following signs:
- Difficulty with speech or changes in diction;
- Shifting of adjacent teeth or exposed roots;
- Wrinkles around the mouth, sunken cheeks, or thinning lips;
- Issues with chewing or digestion;
- Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint.
If your removable denture is uncomfortable, poorly fitted, or keeps falling out, switching to implants is also a great solution. Book a consultation, and I’ll help you choose the best method to restore your teeth and smile confidently again."
Indications for Dental Implants
Dental surgeons recommend dental implants in the following cases:
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Missing one or more teeth
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Loss of multiple teeth
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Complete absence of teeth in the jaw
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A desire to replace old removable or partial dentures
Dental implants are a reliable way to restore a perfect smile!
"We use safe zirconia implants, which are hypoallergenic and integrate faster with the bone. We offer a 3-year warranty on implants and 1-year warranty on crowns. If the implant fails to integrate within the specified period or there are issues with the prosthesis, you won’t have to pay for a repeat procedure."
Missing One Tooth
The approach to dental implantation depends on the location of the missing tooth:
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Front Tooth Implantation in the smile zone requires special attention to detail. To ensure the artificial tooth looks natural and blends seamlessly with the adjacent teeth, a zirconia implant is the best choice. Its white color prevents the neck of the implant from showing through the gum. The crown is crafted from ceramic, replicating the shade, translucency, and shine of natural enamel.
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Chewing Tooth Molars handle significant loads during chewing. The dentist selects an implant with the appropriate diameter and length to support this stress. For the crown, durable materials like zirconia coated with ceramic are used to ensure both strength and aesthetics.
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End of the Tooth Row (Terminal Defect) When the last tooth in the row is missing, implantation is the only viable solution. A bridge or partial removable denture cannot be placed in such cases. An implant restores chewing function and prevents the remaining teeth from being overloaded.
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Natural appearance
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Protection of adjacent teeth from overload
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Prevention of bone atrophy
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Restoration of chewing function and speech clarity
Implant or Bridge: Which Should You Choose?
"If you have the option between a dental bridge and an implant, I recommend the latter. At first glance, a bridge may seem cheaper and doesn’t require surgery. However, it’s not that simple.
Before placing a bridge, you’ll need to "sacrifice" the adjacent teeth by filing them down to fit the crowns. This increases costs and reduces the lifespan of the supporting teeth. Additionally, a bridge is less aesthetic compared to an implant and does not prevent bone atrophy.
Book a consultation today to restore your smile with the most effective and natural solution!"
If More Than One Tooth Is Missing
If cavities, gum disease, or injuries have led to the loss of multiple teeth, dental implants are the best solution. They effectively replace defects in both front and back teeth. When three or more teeth are missing, two implants can support a dental bridge.
While removable or bridge prosthetics are also options, these methods rely on the remaining teeth for support, which adds extra strain. Covering supporting teeth with crowns can shorten their lifespan. There’s also no guarantee that decay won’t develop under the crowns over time, potentially leading to tooth damage. If a prosthesis is fixed to the teeth using metal clasps, this can negatively impact the enamel.
"After losing teeth, preserving bone tissue is crucial. The longer teeth are missing, the more the bone diminishes, which affects facial structure. Tooth loss and bone atrophy can cause cheeks to sink and the lower third of the face to shorten. This makes a person appear gaunt, with deep wrinkles forming around the nasolabial folds.
The only effective solution to this problem is dental implants. Like natural tooth roots, implants distribute chewing pressure evenly across the jaw. As a result, the bone doesn’t atrophy because it continues to receive proper blood flow and nutrients."
If All Teeth Are Missing
Best solution for complete tooth loss (edentulism) is a hybrid denture supported by implants using the All-on-4 or All-on-6 dental implants. This method is superior to removable dentures because it provides teeth that are highly aesthetic and comfortable.
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Convenience. No need to remove them at night, and they are easy to care for.
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Stability. They don’t shift while eating or speaking.
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Quick Adjustment. The adaptation period is shorter because they take up less space in the mouth and feel like natural teeth.
Should You Get Dental Implants?
Implant-supported prosthetics are recognized as the best method for replacing missing teeth.
Why Dental Implants Are the Best Choice:
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Preserve Bone Health – Maintain the volume and density of the jawbone.
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Lifetime Durability – With proper care, they can last a lifetime.
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Protect Remaining Teeth – Prevent overloading and shifting of adjacent teeth.
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Full Chewing Functionality – Restore 100% of your ability to chew.
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Natural Look and Feel – They look and feel like real teeth.
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Boost Confidence – Enhance quality of life and self-esteem.
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Prevent Tooth Movement – Stop neighboring teeth from tilting into the gap.
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Low Maintenance – No need to remove them at night, unlike removable dentures.
"I recommend implants for patients who are dissatisfied with removable dentures. Implants not only restore teeth but often improve the appearance of your smile compared to earlier years. During the planning process, we ensure that dental rows restore the correct bite height. This adjustment brings back the natural proportions of the lower third of the face, making you look younger and more attractive.
Choose a solution that’s as functional as it is aesthetic — dental implants can transform your smile!"
Dental Implant or Denture – Which to Choose?
Before making a decision, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each method for restoring missing teeth.
| Characteristic | Dental Implants | Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Fixation | Secure and immovable. Crowns are screwed onto the implants | Unreliable and movable. Dentures rely on suction or clasps for retention |
| Aesthetics | Highly aesthetic. Ceramic or zirconia crowns on implants look like natural teeth | Moderately aesthetic. Acrylic teeth look good but don’t fully replicate the natural shades of tooth enamel |
| Chewing Function | Fully restored. You can eat any type of food without fear of the prosthesis slipping or falling out | Limited. Hard or sticky foods may damage or displace the denture |
| Taste Sensation | Preserved. Crowns on implants feel like natural teeth and don’t interfere with enjoying the taste of food | Diminished. Removable dentures cover a significant portion of the palate, reducing taste sensation |
| Effect on Jawbone | Prevents atrophy. The implant transfers chewing pressure to the bone, maintaining blood flow and nutrition | Leads to atrophy. The absence of a natural tooth root causes bone resorption, which is accelerated by denture pressure |
| Maintenance | Relatively simple. Care is similar to natural teeth, using a toothbrush, floss, and irrigators | Simple but less comfortable. The denture must be removed for cleaning with a soft brush and non-abrasive paste |
| Cost | Higher. The price depends on the number of implants, brand, and crown materials | Lower. Acrylic or nylon dentures are less expensive than implants |
| Lifespan | Long-lasting. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime | Relatively short. Dentures need to be replaced every 5-7 years due to wear and changes in jaw shape |
Analyzing the characteristics, it can be concluded that dental implants are a more expensive but worthwhile investment in your health. Removable dentures are more affordable but less convenient and durable. The final decision is made individually, based on the results of a dental examination.
Who Is Not Suitable for Dental Implants?
The procedure for placing dental implants has several absolute contraindications:
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Refusal to undergo the surgery
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Reluctance to maintain proper oral hygiene
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Physical or mental health conditions that prevent the patient from following the implantologist's recommendations
If such contraindications are present, alternative options for fixed or removable prosthetics are recommended to the patient.
Dental Implants Have Minimal Contraindications
"Age, diabetes, osteoporosis, or insufficient bone volume are not always contraindications for dental implants. Proper preparation for the procedure, in collaboration with other medical specialists, and bone grafting can ensure successful implantation.
To find out if dental implants are an option for you, schedule a consultation with a dental implantologist today!"
What Does a Dentist Assess Before Dental Implants?
The dentist must ensure that the procedure will be complication-free and deliver long-lasting results. Before placing implants, all patients undergo comprehensive diagnostics, which include several key steps:
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Medical History Collection The dentist asks the patient questions about their health to ensure that absolute and relative contraindications are considered before placing an implant. For example, the dentist checks for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, blood clotting disorders, or allergies.
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Oral Examination The surgeon evaluates the condition of the teeth, gums, and oral mucosa, paying attention to inflammatory processes, cavities, oral hygiene levels. The bite is also assessed in collaboration with an orthodontist. This is important because reduced bite height or improper tooth alignment may not leave enough space for a dental prosthesis.
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X-Rays The dentist studies a 3D scan of the jaws to:
- Assess the volume and density of the bone tissue in the implant area.
- Determine the position of the maxillary sinuses and mandibular nerve, which must be avoided during the procedure.
- Detect hidden infections visible on the CT scan that must be treated to prevent implant rejection.
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Additional Diagnostic Methods The surgeon may order tests to rule out hidden conditions. For example, a patient may be unaware of high blood sugar levels, which can become a primary cause of implant failure. If diabetes is diagnosed, the patient is referred to an endocrinologist. Once blood sugar levels are stabilized, the implant procedure can proceed.
FAQ
Excluding anesthesia, placing a dental implant takes no more than 15 minutes. However, preparation for the procedure requires additional time, including diagnostic exams and addressing sources of dental infection, such as cavities or gum disease.
