How Many Teeth Can Implants Replace?
The main benefit to restoring missing teeth with dental implants is more than just the visible portion of the teeth is replaced. A dental implant is placed directly into the jawbone and simulates the function of the tooth roots. Without roots, the jawbone does not receive the stimulus it requires to maintain bone density and will atrophy. While providing excellent purchase for bite force, the implant also allows your dentist the ability to attach one, two, or even more prosthetic teeth, restoring the form and function of your smile.
Single Dental Implant
For a single missing tooth, an incision is made into the soft tissue and then a small hole will be drilled directly into the jaw bone. A titanium post is then inserted into the hole and a healing cap placed on top to prevent damage or infection to the area. The site is allowed to heal and the metal will fuse directly to the bone in a process called osseointegration. Recuperation time can be up to six months. After the site has completely healed, the healing cap is removed and an abutment is cemented or screwed onto the implant. The prosthetic tooth or crown is then attached to the abutment and the procedure is complete.
Double Dental Implants
Patients with three or more consecutive missing teeth may need two dental implants to replace them. One implant will be placed at each end of the gap and an implant supported bridge will be affixed across the gap. Typically, two implants can support a bridge that replaces up to five teeth in a row.
Four or More Dental Implants
If you need an entire upper or lower arch of teeth replaced, it is possible to restore them with a procedure known as All-on-4. The entire arch can be replaced with an implant denture seated on four implants. Placed strategically around the mouth, the four implants provide ample support for a full arch of teeth and are as minimally invasive as possible. Two implants are placed towards the front of the mouth and two further back in places where the density of the jawbone is strongest. The precise placement of the implants allows for minimal invasiveness while still ensuring that the restoration is strongly supported.
Some patients may prefer or require more than four implants for a number of reasons. Certain patients’ jawbones may be not quite strong enough for four implants but not quite weak enough to require a bone graft. In these cases, a dentist may opt to place six or even eight implants around the mouth to support the implant denture.
Whatever your restoration needs are, your dentist will help guide you through the choice that is right for you. Depending on your budget and overall health, dental implants are a wonderful option to restore and replace the form and function of your lost natural teeth.