When you're missing several teeth, you have the option of replacing them with a partial denture, implant-supported crowns, or implant-supported bridges.
Two or three implants can be placed adjacent to each other to retain multiple crowns. An implant-supported bridge is a structure similar to a traditional dental bridge, with the exception that it is supported by implants rather than natural teeth. Often there will be an implant for each tooth that is replaced, and the crowns may be attached to each other for greater pressure distribution and stability.
With partial dentures, the lack of tooth roots (or implants) deprives the jaw of the stimulation needed to maintain optimum bone levels. This causes bone loss and can lead to other problems in your jaw. In addition, it often necessitates another visit to the dentist to refit the dentures to new jaw contours.
Partial dentures require adhesives to attach them to the gums, a substance that can be messy and sometimes doesn't work well at all. The fixed-in nature of dental implants is often a relief to those who've struggled with finding an adhesive that will make their dentures stay in place.
Partial dentures that slip and slide can cause sore and irritated gums.
After the initial recovery from dental implantation, soreness and irritation become a thing of the past.