Multiple Tooth Replacement vs. Complete Tooth Replacement

Making decisions about replacing missing teeth is always difficult, but if can be especially so when you have only one or two good teeth in an arch and are trying to make a decision about whether to retain those teeth or extract them and replace the entire arch using dental implants. In general, it is best to retain natural teeth rather than replace them with restorations, but in this situation, there are many reasons why removing the teeth may be a better option.

You may be able to use existing teeth as anchors for partial restorations, similar to the way dental bridges are supported. However, this would require putting a dental crown on the existing teeth, which means removing much of the original tooth, defeating the purpose of retaining tooth structure.

You must consider whether there is sufficient bone density in the places where implants would be located to construct the partial arch restorations. Depending on when you lost your teeth and the cause of tooth loss, you may need a bone graft before considering partial arch restorations.

Using partial restorations may actually increase the number of dental implants necessary. Nobel BioCare’s All-on-4 restoration system uses only four implants to securely replace an entire arch of teeth.

The cost may also be greater for assembling partial restorations. In addition to reducing the number of implants necessary, the All-on-4 system is an established technology that increases the efficiency and decreases the cost for restoring an entire arch of teeth.

Finally, you also have to consider the length of recovery and how long until you see your final results. The All-on-4 system allows for you to get your new teeth in one day. On the other hand, using partial reconstructions may take months, especially if bone grafts are necessary.

During your consultation with a skilled cosmetic dentist at Miami Designer Smiles, you can discuss your options and the advantages or disadvantages of each choice so you can make the right decision for your smile. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation.