Dental implants are a fantastic solution for missing teeth because they genuinely do more than just replace the visible crowns of missing teeth. They also function as artificial tooth roots, which means they continuously stimulate the jawbone, maintaining mass, integrity, and density. If your natural teeth each have their own root, is it necessary to have a dental implant for every single missing tooth? The short answer is no. The following is a description about how many teeth can be replaced by one, two, or even more dental implants.
One Dental Implant
If you are missing just one tooth, your dentist can surgically place one implant into your jawbone. After the implant has bonded, fused, and integrated with your jawbone, they will affix a custom fabricated crown to replace the visible top portion of the missing tooth.
One dental implant can also be used to replace two adjacent teeth. Once again, after the implant has integrated with your jawbone, your dentist can then place a two-tooth restorative bridge on top of the single post. The titanium post will now support two artificial crowns.
Two Dental Implants
If you are missing three, four, or five adjacent teeth, you will need at least two dental implants to support them. Your dentist will now surgically place an implant at each end of the gap. These two implants will support and secure two crowns, and then the two crowns will support one to three pontics, artificial crowns, suspended between them. Two dental implants can successfully support up to five replacement teeth.
Four or More Dental Implants
If you are missing every tooth in an arch, it is still possible and common to replace the entire arch with four dental implants. This solution is called All-on-4. Your dentist surgically places the implants at predetermined strategic locations in your arch. Two are placed in the jawbone at the front of the mouth, and two are positioned at a 45-degree angle at the back of your mouth, in areas where your jawbone is much denser and stronger. This strategic and precise placement allows for the implant surgery to be minimally invasive while still providing strong and stable support for your restoration.
You may not be a viable candidate for All-on-4, or you may prefer that your restoration has more support. If this is the case, your dentist can now place six or more implants at various locations throughout the arch.
No matter how many teeth you have lost, dental implants are the new gold standard for restorations available for you. Your dentist will be happy to evaluate and discuss with you how you can regain a healthy mouth full of strong and fully functional teeth.
Some Benefits of Implant Supported Bridges
* This is a permanent replacement that remains in your mouth.
* Like your natural teeth, they are easy to clean daily with a toothbrush, floss, or a water pick.
* The implants will not decay like your natural teeth.
* The titanium implants are exceptionally durable.
* Implants will never have any nerve problems.
* The implants deliver invaluable stimulation to the jawbone, maintaining bone health.
* The implants transfer pressure sensations during biting and chewing and even deliver temperature changes.