Dental implants are an option for replacing lost or damaged teeth. They are most commonly screw-like posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw to support and hold in place artificial teeth, such as crowns or dental appliances.

However, dental implants are not for everyone. You may need an alternative solution if you:

• Have trouble maintaining a good daily oral hygiene routine.
• Smoke, vape, use tobacco products, or drink alcohol in excess.
• Have extensive bone loss, or a jawbone that cannot support an implant.
• Are experiencing other oral health issues such as advanced tooth decay or gum disease.
• Suffer from overall health issues that would interfere with the procedure or your recovery such as an autoimmune issue or a bone disorder. 

What are alternative treatments to dental implants?

Dental implants are not the only way to replace missing or damaged teeth. The two primary alternatives are dental bridges and dentures.

1. Dental bridges fill in the space left by a missing tooth or teeth. They are held in place by crowns that are attached to the natural teeth on both sides of the empty space.

• Advantages: Dental bridges do not require invasive surgery, are often less expensive than dental implants, and the treatment can be completed in a couple of weeks (instead of the potentially months-long dental implant process).
• Disadvantages: The teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth will require a restoration, even when they are healthy and would not otherwise need one. Additionally, if they are not fitted properly, bacteria can breed underneath them, causing tooth decay around the margins. Dental bridges require additional oral hygiene tools such as bridge floss threaders to clean underneath them. 

2. Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and tissue.

• Advantages: Dentures are usually less expensive than dental bridges and implants, and they do not require a surgical procedure.
• Disadvantages: Dentures require daily upkeep such as rinsing them after you eat, cleaning them daily, and soaking them in a solution overnight. They will need to be adjusted from time to time to maintain a proper fit.