If you’re missing teeth, you’ve surely come across dental implants during your research for a potential replacement. Incredibly popular, dental implants bring a wide range of functional and health benefits to your smile. However, the treatment process is a little more complicated than other options, which may leave you wondering how many implants you’ll need. Read on to learn the answer as well as some additional information about this amazing tooth replacement solution!
But First, How Do Dental Implants Work?
In order to know the number of implants you will need, you must first understand what exactly they are. Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Titanium is a biocompatible material that allows the implants to fuse to the jawbone, creating strong and permanent supports. Once placed, they are used to anchor various restorations, completing your smile with crowns, bridges, or dentures.
How Many Dental Implants Will You Need?
The number of dental implants you need will depend on a few factors, including your desired results, the condition of your oral health, and most importantly, the number of teeth you’re missing. Your dentist offers 3 main options for replacing teeth with dental implants:
Implant-Retained Crown
Are you missing a single tooth? Your dentist can use an implant-retained crown to seamlessly complete your smile. This combines a custom-made crown with one dental implant to give you the closest thing to a natural tooth replacement.
Implant-Retained Bridge
If you’re missing multiple teeth consecutively, an implant-retained bridge could be the perfect solution! A dental bridge literally “bridges” the gap in your smile, and instead of dental crowns holding it in place, implants can stabilize the prosthesis. With a dental implant on either side of the gap, you can avoid the alteration of your natural smile while enjoying a strong restoration for multiple teeth.
Implant-Retained Denture
Missing all or most of your teeth? Your dentist can use an average of 4 implants to firmly secure a denture to your jaw. This combines the benefits of dentures and implants for the most lifelike, beautiful, and functional full smile replacement. Keep in mind that this treatment may require up to 6 dental implants based on your specific case.
The Importance of an Initial Consultation
Of course, no two smiles are the same, which is why an implant consultation is so important. During your visit, your dentist will examine the number of teeth you’re missing and the condition of your mouth before recommending a treatment. In many cases, preexisting issues must be treated before you can get dental implants, which is why your consultation is integral to the overall success of your replacement.
Ready to get started? Contact your dentist to schedule your appointment and take your first step toward smiling with ultimate strength and beauty!
About the Practice
At Westgate Dental Care, we have a team of 5 experts who combines their training and knowledge to offer a wide range of tooth replacement options, including the placement and restoration of dental implants. To request an appointment, they can be reached through their website or by phone at (847) 577-7171.