If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be thinking about consulting with your dentist to learn more about dental implants. If you decide to move forward with treatment, you can expect to enjoy a strong, confident, and beautiful smile! Still, since dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth, you might wonder how many you will need. Do you need an implant for each missing tooth? The answer might surprise you.
If You Are Missing One Tooth
If you are missing just one tooth, dental implant treatment should be pretty straightforward. Your dentist will place a single implant into your jawbone. After it has had some time to bond with the surrounding tissue via the biological process known as osseointegration, it can be restored with a beautiful crown.
If You Are Missing Two or More Teeth
If you are missing two teeth in a row, you might still need just a single implant. One implant can support a crown, and the crown can be attached to a pontic (artificial tooth) that will finish filling in the gap in your smile. This approach is less invasive than inserting two implants right next to each other.
If you have three or more missing teeth in a row, your dentist might recommend that you receive two dental implants. One can go at each end of the gap, and they can support pontics between them. An implant bridge is very sturdy and can provide natural and long-lasting function.
If You Are Missing All of Your Teeth
If you are missing all of your teeth throughout a dental arch, the number of implants you need can vary depending on the strength of your jawbone, your personal preferences, your budget, and other factors.
- In some cases, two implants can be used to stabilize a removable implant denture.
- If you want a permanent/fixed implant denture, you may need 4 – 8 dental implants.
Generally, more implants lead to greater stability and strength. However, if your jawbone is weak, it may be in your best interests to receive fewer prosthetic tooth roots. Your dentist will evaluate your case and make a recommendation based on your unique circumstances. Their goal is to provide the most conservative treatment possible without compromising the strength and function of your final prosthetic.
So, how many dental implants will you need? That depends! Your dentist is ready to help you plan your path to a complete and confident smile.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Mohammed Golparvar is a highly experienced dentist who is pleased to offer start-to-finish dental implant care in our comfortable Manchester, NH, office. He combines advanced technology with his extensive knowledge to provide top-quality treatment for each and every patient. To learn what it will take to rebuild your lost teeth, contact Webster Dental Associates at 603-669-4252.