If you’re missing one or more permanent teeth, you may be wondering what the best way is to replace them. Dental implants both look and feel just like natural teeth, and because they are permanently secured to your jawbone, they are durable and fully functional, too. But how do you know exactly how many you’ll need? While it is best to discuss your unique situation with your dentist, here’s a helpful guide to give you an idea of your possibilities.
How Many Dental Implants Do I Need?
When choosing how many dental implants you need to replace your missing teeth, it depends on how many you’re missing and where they are in your arch. Here’s how your dentist may determine the correct amount for you.
Replacing One or More Teeth Not in Consecutive Order
If you are missing one or more teeth but they are not in consecutive order, your best option will likely be individual, single tooth dental implants. These allow you to only replace what you need in isolated spots throughout your mouth.
Replacing Multiple, Consecutive Teeth
If you are missing between two to fourteen teeth, an implant bridge is a great solution. It allows you to replace multiple teeth with up to eight implant posts, so you don’t need to replace each tooth individually. The downside is that your jawbone will still have some empty spaces so you will still experience some deterioration, but this should not be as severe as it would be without dental implants.
Replacing an Entire Arch of Teeth
An implant-retained denture is an excellent way to replace an entire arch of teeth on just a few implants, usually between four and eight. This will depend on the condition of your jaws.
Remember, how many dental implants you need, what type of crowns work best, and whether you’ll need a bone graft or other treatment prior to your dental implant procedure will be discussed with you at your dental consultation. To learn more about your options for these durable, beautiful restorations, please schedule an appointment with your dentist today.
About Our Practice
At Smile Design Implant Centers, our team of skilled dentists are passionate about restoring smiles with the help of dental implants. Whether you need to replace just one or a mouthful of teeth, Dr. Ricciardi and Dr. Winfield have extensive experience in installing and supporting wearers of these functional, natural-looking restorations. We can’t wait to discuss your tooth replacement options with you! For a complimentary dental implant consultation, please visit our website or call us today at 775-391-6636.