When considering dental implants for missing teeth, you might come across a lot of options. With various choices at hand, deciding what’s best for you may be difficult. This blog helps you with deciding between the two popular choices of dental implants. There is a debate between single tooth implant vs full mouth implant. This blog will lay out details of each option, benefits, procedures, cost, etc. Let’s dive in.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental Implant is an effective dental treatment that restores natural smile and teeth functionality. It uses a surgical procedure to implant titanium or zirconia roots into the jawbone and crown above. The purpose of dental implants is to look and feel like natural teeth.
There is a surgical procedure for dental implants that goes like this:
- Initial Examination
- Tooth extraction (if needed)
- Bone Grafting
- Implant Placement
- Abutment
- Crown Placement
The process of dental implants varies from person to person depending on individual oral conditions and needs. The whole process takes months to complete as every stage requires healing time for a successful implant.
Once the implants heal and are successfully placed, the person gets a restored smile, enhanced aesthetic appearance, and restored speaking and chewing ability. There is a high success rate in this surgery and long-term effectiveness lasting up to 20 to 25 years.
Dental Implants can be of various kinds like single tooth implant or full mouth or full-arch implant. You should make informed decisions between them that suit your needs. Consult with your dentists, comprehensively, to decide which will work best for you.
Single Tooth Implant
If you have a single damaged or missing tooth, a single tooth implant is an ideal option for you. These are quite popular for aesthetic and functional teeth restoration. This type involves replacing one missing or damaged tooth with a titanium or zirconium implant. This implant is surgically inserted into the target area in the jawbone.
After placing the implant, the dentist fixes an abutment and places a crown on top of it. It is an artificial metal root that goes deep into the jawbone and provides a seamless feel, stability, and durability. The single-tooth implant crown matches the size, colour, and shape of your natural tooth.
Full Mouth Implant
Compared to a single tooth implant, a full mouth implant or full arch implant is a set of teeth that replaces the arch of missing teeth. This option is used to restore multiple missing teeth in the oral cavity. Full Mouth Implants are also known as implant-supported dentures.
They look and function like dentures. However, unlike traditional dentures, the full-mouth dental implants are non-removable. They are fixed into the jawbone using a titanium post. If you have more than one missing adjacent tooth due to any injury, disease, or age, you should go for full-arch implants. This will prevent you from having individual implants for each missing tooth.
Comparison Between Single Tooth Implant vs Full Mouth Implant
There are various differences between single tooth implant and full mouth implant varying in cost, procedure, and suitability.
Cost
Single tooth implants are generally less expensive than replacing multiple teeth. Single dental implant cost starts from around PKR 50,000 and goes up depending on implant location or material used.
On the other hand, the cost of full mouth implants is much higher than single tooth implants. It requires replacing various teeth and includes more care and complexity. Full Arch Dental Implant cost starts from PKR 800,000 for a single arch. The price goes up according to the number of arches, material used, or location in the mouth.
Procedure
A single implant is a surgical procedure. The dentist surgically infuses the implant post into the jawbone and screws a crown on top of it. It takes several visits to the dentists and requires healing time between each stage. The procedure of a single tooth implant takes 3-4 months to heal properly and adjust to the jawbone.
However, the full mouth implant is, comparatively, a complex procedure. It takes more visits and a detailed examination by the dentist. The dentist has to look closely for the impression of mouth structure. The healing time is the same or a little more for the full mouth implant than a single tooth implant.
Suitability
If you have a single missing tooth, you should opt for a single tooth implant. You can get it done if you have enough bone density. Otherwise, you may have to get bone grafting to get enough jawbone for the implant.
On the other hand, if you have lost multiple teeth or more than one tooth is damaged, you should get a complete arch. If the adjacent teeth are unstable to provide stability or likely to fall soon, you should get a full arch implant. It also requires bone grafting if you do not have enough jawbone density.
Benefits of Single Tooth Implant
- Provides stability and strength to neighbouring teeth.
- Permanent solution for missing teeth.
- Restores the natural look and feel of the teeth.
- Suitable for front and back teeth in both upper and lower jaw.
- Prevents jawbone loss.
Benefits of Full Mouth Implant
- It can replace a complete arch without implanting individual posts.
- It can be used to replace all teeth in the mouth.
- Restores aesthetic appearance and functionality.
- Offers stability, and comfort in speech and chewing.
- Provides an improved biting force.
How to Decide Which Type of Dental Implant is Right?
Before deciding if you should go with a single tooth implant or full mouth implant, you should consider the following factors:
- Budget
- The reason behind getting an implant
- The overall health of your mouth
- Number of lost teeth
Conclusion
To decide which is better between a single tooth implant and a full mouth implant, you should know about the benefits of each. It depends upon your dental needs. If you have strong adjacent teeth and a single missing tooth, you can get a single implant. Otherwise, you may ask your dentist for an arch implant. If the adjacent teeth are loose and about to fall, you must invest in a full arch implant that will prevent implant failure and other risks. Other factors are also involved in the decision like budget, oral health, dental needs, etc.
To decide which type of implant is best for you, visit Teeth and Smile Dental Clinic at Gulberg 3, Lahore. We have a dedicated team of dental specialists in Lahore who will cater to your needs. Book your consultation now.
FAQs
Which type of dental implant is best?
To decide which type of implant is best for you, keep your budget and dental needs in mind. It will help you discuss your plans with your dentist in detail.
What are the advantages of a single tooth implant?
Benefits of Single Tooth Implant
- Provides stability and strength to neighbouring teeth.
- Permanent solution for missing teeth.
- Restores the natural look and feel of the teeth.
- Suitable for front and back teeth in both upper and lower jaw.
- Prevents jawbone loss.
Is a single dental implant worth it?
Yes, a single tooth implant is worth investing in if you want to restore natural-looking aesthetics and functionality. It is most effective if the adjacent teeth are strong and intact then the implant will stay durable for a long time.
What is the success rate of single-tooth implants?
Single tooth implants have a success rate of 95% if the patients take good aftercare and follow instructions properly.
How long does a single implant last?
A single implant can last up to 25 years with proper care.
