If you have some gaps in your smile, your dentist has probably mentioned that you should get dental implants. These small posts, made of titanium alloy, are designed to replace the roots of lost teeth. Crowns, bridges, or dentures get attached to them to finish the process. But just how many implants will you need to regain a complete smile? That depends on your circumstances.
When One Dental Implant Is Enough
If you have a single missing tooth, you will likely need just one dental implant. After it bonds with the surrounding bone, your dentist can place a crown on top of it to restore the visible portion of the lost tooth.
In some cases, a single implant can also be used to replace two missing teeth in a row. The implant can support a crown, which can be attached to a pontic (artificial tooth). This minimizes the invasiveness of your procedure without compromising a strong and reliable result.
Two Implants Can Support a Bridge
If you are missing three or more teeth in a row, your dentist might recommend that you receive an implant-supported bridge. One implant will go at each end of the gap, crowns will get placed on them, and the crowns will support pontics between them. Often, this sort of bridge can replace up to a total of five teeth.
In certain instances, two implants might be able to support an entire removable denture for your lower dental arch. This option is great for people who struggle with a slipping traditional denture and want implants to stabilize their prosthetic. However, it is not as strong as a regular implant denture.
When More Implants Are Necessary
To replace a full arch of missing teeth, dentists often recommend the use of 4 – 8 dental implants per arch. This strategy makes sure that your new teeth have the strongest base possible. Typically, these dentures are fixed in place; since they will stay in your mouth 24/7, you can treat them almost exactly like natural teeth.
So, How Many Implants Will You Need?
Every situation is different, and only a highly trained dental professional is qualified to determine how many implants you will need to achieve the results you want. After a thorough examination, they can discuss different treatment options and help you understand the pros and cons of each. Then, you can work together to design your path to a complete, healthy, and strong smile.
Meet the Practice
At Radiant Smiles, Dr. Anh Vo is a highly skilled dentist who annually completes 150 hours of continuing education to hone his skills. He partners with local specialists to provide complete dental implant care. If you are interested in replacing your lost teeth, our team would be happy to welcome you for a consultation. Contact our Grand Prairie office at 469-890-1199.