Dental implants are a terrific solution for missing teeth because they literally do more than just replace the visible crowns of teeth. They also perform as artificial tooth roots, which means they stimulate the jawbone maintaining the integrity and density. If natural teeth each have their own root, do you need a dental implant for every single missing tooth? The short answer is no, not really. The following is an explanation about how many teeth can be replaced by one, two, or even more dental implants.
One Dental Implant
If you have lost just one tooth, your dentist can surgically place one implant into your jawbone. After the implant has fused, bonded, and integrated with your jawbone, you will receive a custom fabricated crown to replace the visible top portion of the missing tooth.
A single dental implant can also be used to replace two adjacent teeth. After the implant has integrated with your jawbone, your dentist can place a two-tooth restorative bridge on top of the post. One replacement is the crown, and the other will be a pontic, which is an artificial tooth that is attached to the crown.
Two Dental Implants
If you have lost three, four, or five teeth in a row, you need at least two dental implants to support them all. Your dentist will surgically place an implant at each end of the gap. These two implants will support crowns, and then the two crowns will support one to three pontics between them. Therefore, two dental implants can support up to five replacement teeth.
Four or More Dental Implants
If you have lost every tooth in an arch, it is still possible to replace the entire arch with as few as four dental implants. This solution is known as All-on-4. Your dentist surgically inserts the implants at predetermined strategic locations in your jaw. Two are placed at the front of the mouth, and two are placed at a 45-degree angle at the back of your mouth, in places where your jawbone is much stronger and denser. This precise placement allows for the oral surgery to be minimally invasive while still providing strong and stable support for your restoration.
You might not be a candidate for All-on-4, or you might prefer that your restoration has more support than what four implants will provide. If this is the case, your dentist can place six or more implants at various locations throughout the arch and jawbone.
No matter how many teeth you are missing, dental implants are the absolute best restoration available for you. Your dentist will be happy to discuss with you how you will regain a healthy mouth full of strong, fully functional teeth.
Some Benefits of Implant Supported Bridges
* This is a permanent replacement that stays in your mouth.
* They are easy to clean daily with a toothbrush, floss, and a water pick.
* The implants will not decay like your natural teeth bridges or crowns.
* Titanium implants are exceptionally durable.
* Implants never have any nerve problems or need root canals.
* The implants deliver valuable stimulation to the jawbone ensuring prolonged bone health.
* The implants will transfer pressure sensations during biting and chewing and will even deliver temperature changes.