Understanding The 4 Most Common Types Of Dental Implant Restoration

At The Pathway, dental implant training is our specialty. If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants and how to provide them at your practice, we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common types of dental implant restorations, and which patients may be good candidates for each type.
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What Is A Dental Implant Restoration?

A dental implant “restoration” is the new tooth or set of teeth that are attached to one or more dental implants. The implant itself is used to create an artificial root. Then, a dental implant restoration must be built that replaces the patient’s missing tooth or teeth, restoring their smile and their bite.
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The 4 Most Common Types Of Dental Implant Restoration

There are four common types of dental implant restorations. Some dentists offer just one or two, while some dentists train to provide all of them. It all depends on your practice goals, your skills, and your preferences.

• Single implant restoration – A single implant restoration is the simplest and most common type of restoration. It uses a single dental crown, which attaches to one dental implant and restores a single tooth.
  
  
• Dental implant bridge – Dental implant bridges are very similar to traditional dental bridges. However, rather than using two abutment teeth to support one or more false teeth, they use two dental implants. Dental implant bridges are great for replacing a series of 3-4 or more missing teeth.
  
  
• Partial implant dentures – Partial implant dentures use a set of several implants to support a large number of false teeth. While traditional implant dentures snap onto healthy teeth, partial implant dentures snap onto dental implants for support and stability. They are typically removable for cleaning.
  
  
• Full implant dentures – Full implant dentures can be used to replace the upper, lower, or both rows of teeth. They consist of a set of fixed or removable dentures, which are attached to a series of 4-6 implants. They're more stable, durable, and convenient, compared to traditional dentures.
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What’s Right For My Patient? 

This depends on their oral health, their budget, and their personal preferences. If your patient is only missing a few teeth, multiple single-implant restorations may be the right choice, or they may be a good candidate for a dental implant bridge.

For patients with more extensive tooth loss but several healthy teeth, partial implant dentures may be a good option. They help restore the patient’s missing teeth, while avoiding the need to extract healthy teeth.

And for patients who have severe oral health issues or who may be fully edentulous, full implant dentures are typically the best option. With full implant dentures, your patient can completely restore their teeth, without the irritation, inconvenience, and short lifespan of traditional dentures.
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Learn More – Get The Training You Need With The Pathway

If you’re interested in offering dental implants at your practice, The Pathway is here to help. Dr. Justin D. Moody and our team specialize in dental implant training. With coursework, hands-on training, and expert lectures from the best implant specialists in the world, we’ll prepare you to expand your practice and your profits, too.

So don’t wait. Contact us online, give us a call at (888) 309-2423, or take a look at our courses online. We’re always here to help you get the training you need to reach your goals as a dentist and as a business owner.