Getting dental implants doesn’t mean the exact same thing for every patient. The number of implant posts that need to be inserted into the jaw can vary depending on how many teeth have been lost. Are you considering getting dental implants to reclaim a complete smile? If so, it’s important to have an accurate idea of how many dental implants you will need; here’s an overview of what you can generally expect in different tooth loss situations.
Missing a Single Tooth
If you have only lost one tooth, then it’s probably not hard to guess that a single dental implant post will be enough to fill in the gap. Once the post has fused with your jawbone, it will be able to support a customized dental crown. Said crown will be personalized so that it looks like a natural part of your smile.
Missing Multiple Teeth
When you have lost multiple teeth, the number of dental implants needed to replace them depends on the specifics of your situation. If all of the teeth in question were right next to each other, then the gap they left behind can often be filled with just two dental implant posts and a personalized dental bridge.
However, in the event that teeth are missing from different parts of the same arch, you may benefit from getting either an implant-supported partial denture or multiple individual implants and crowns. Needless to say, the number of implant posts required in these types of situations will be influenced by the number of missing teeth and where they were located.
Missing All Teeth
In situations where an entire row of teeth has been lost, it may be possible to get a denture that is securely attached to the jaw thanks to a number of strategically placed dental implants. Sometimes as few as four implant posts are needed to support a full denture, but certain patients might require six or even eight.
It should be noted that implant dentures can be designed to be removable, but they can also be permanently anchored in place. This can potentially affect the number of implant posts you need. A removable implant denture typically requires fewer posts than a fixed one.
So, How Many Dental Implants Will You Need?
This is a question that only your dentist can give a truly definitive answer to. Before the dental implant process can begin, you will need to schedule an initial consultation so that your mouth can be closely examined. Once your dentist has gathered enough information about your situation, they can give you a more precise idea of just how many dental implants are needed to help you rebuild your smile from the roots up.
About the Author
Dr. Joseph S. Spades has been in the dental field for more than 25 years. As part of his continuing education, he has completed advanced training in dental implant dentistry and various other fields. He offers start-to-finish dental implant procedures at his Jonesboro practice, Northeast Arkansas Dentistry. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Spades, visit his website or call (870) 931-6323.