Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Thanks to their unique ability to replace the roots of missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of benefits that you can’t get with dentures or dental bridges. Depending on how many teeth you are missing and where they are located in the mouth, you will need a certain number of dental implants to complete your smile. Continue reading to learn more about dental implants and how many you can expect to need.
Missing One Tooth
If you are missing a single tooth due to an injury, decay, or an oral health issue, dental implants are an ideal solution. Replacing one tooth usually involves surgically placing a single dental implant into the jawbone. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, a connector piece called an “abutment” is placed and a custom dental crown is secured to the end of your dental implant. This preserves the underlying bone tissue and prevents the other teeth from shifting around and trying to fill in the gap. Your dental crown is custom-crafted to fit perfectly between your teeth, so it will be the exact color, size, and shape necessary for a natural-looking result.
Missing Multiple Teeth
For those who are missing multiple or all of their teeth, the process looks a little bit different. Dental implants are likely still a good option, but you will likely need an implant bridge or implant dentures depending on how many teeth you are missing and where they are. When one has consecutive missing teeth, a dental bridge can be supported by a couple of dental implants. For those who are missing multiple teeth in different locations of an arch, an implant-supported partial denture can be used to complete the smile. When someone is missing all of the teeth in an arch, a series of dental implants can be strategically placed to support a full denture. If deemed a good candidate, a plan will be catered to meet each patient’s needs.
How Can You Figure Out How Many Implants You Need?
The only way to know for sure how many dental implants you need is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this visit, they will examine your smile to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. To be a good candidate, you must have sufficient jawbone density and healthy gum tissue. They will put together a plan, including determining the number of implants you need. You will also go over the timeline of the treatment and the financial aspects at this time.
Whether you are missing one tooth or all of your teeth, dental implants can help you show off a complete smile again! Give your dentist a call to schedule a consultation so that you can find out if dental implants are right for you.
About the Practice
At Flenniken Family Dentistry, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Carlisle community. They complete the entire dental implant process at our practice, so patients don’t need to work with another dentist at a separate location. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (717) 249-7777.
