After deciding that dental implants are the best option for replacing missing or severely damaged teeth, the next step is to determine which type of implant and implant restoration best suits your immediate and long term needs. Given the versatility of this restorative treatment, dental implants can be used in a variety of capacities. Variations of implant-based restoration include:

Single Tooth Restorations: Consisting of a post, abutment, and single crown restoration, this type of dental implant is often recommended for the replacement of a single tooth. If the tooth is surrounded by healthy teeth, single implants provide an independent restoration that does not compromise healthy neighboring teeth.

Multi-Tooth Restorations: For patients requiring multiple tooth replacement, dental implants can also be used to support more extensive prostheses. In cases of multiple tooth restoration, more than one implant post may be used to support larger restorations. The length of these restorations varies based on the patient’s tooth replacement needs and can range from a three tooth bridge up to total arch replacement.

Implant-Supported Dentures: Similar to multiple tooth restoration, implant-supported dentures are recommended for individuals that are missing the majority of their teeth in the arch yet have sufficient jaw bone density to support the implant posts. However, implant-supported dentures feature a removable overdenture that can be taken out each day for cleaning. 

Hybrid Dentures: While often confused with implant-supported dentures and multi-tooth restorations, hybrid dentures offer a unique implant-based solution to tooth loss. Rather than using a removable overdenture to replace missing teeth, the hybrid denture prosthetic replaces only the teeth and gum line. 

As a result, patients considering this treatment must have healthy gums and sufficient jaw bone density in order to be eligible for this restorative treatment. Since hybrid dentures are fixed to the dentition, patients do not need to worry about taking out their restoration for cleaning. By visiting the dentist biannually for routine cleanings, patients with hybrid dentures can maintain their oral health and ensure uninterrupted dental function. 

Dental Implants at Light Dental Studios

In the long run, dental implants offer patients a long lasting solution to tooth replacement. As part of the larger Light Dental Studios family, our University Place patients are encouraged to visit our Puyallup or Lakewood dental practice for dental implant treatment. For more information about regaining dental function with dental implants or implant-supported restorations, contact Light Dental Studios today.