How Many Teeth Can Implants Replace?
Dental implants are an exceptional tooth-replacement solution which are quickly gaining popularity. One major benefit of implants is that in addition to replacing the visible portion of the tooth, they also replace the root of the tooth. By replacing the tooth’s root, the implant stimulates the jawbone and creates an incredibly secure base for the crown or bridge. Many patients want to know if a single implant is required to replace every missing natural tooth. Implants are quite expensive, so this could be cost-prohibitive. Fortunately, a single implant can be used to replace more than one missing tooth. This article will review how many dental implants are needed to replace missing teeth and how each treatment option works.
Single Implant
For patients who are missing a single tooth, the dentist will surgically place a single implant directly into the jawbone. After a few months of healing, the implant will bond to the tissue around it and form a secure base. The dentist will then attach a crown to the implant which replaces the visible portion of the missing tooth.
Single dental implants can actually be used to replace two missing teeth which are located adjacent to one another. Once the implant bonds to the jawbone, the dentist attaches a two-part unit restoration to the implant. One portion of the restoration is a crown, and the other component is a pontic. The pontic is an artificial tooth which is connected to the crown. A single implant can then support two missing teeth.
Two Dental Implants
Patients who are missing three or more consecutive teeth may be able to use just two dental implants. The dentist is able to place an implant at either end of the gap where the missing teeth are located. The strategically placed implants support the crowns which can support up to three pontics. In summary, two dental implants can be used replace up to five missing teeth.
Four Plus Dental Implants
Patients who have lost all of their teeth on the upper or lower arch may be able to use four dental implants. This special procedure is called All-on-4. A dentist who has special training will place the four implants in strategic locations throughout the jaw. Two implants are typically placed toward the front of the mouth and two implants are placed at an angle towards the back of the mouth. The implants are placed in areas of the jaw where the bone is especially thick and strong. This placement of the implants allows for a minimally invasive surgery. Simultaneously, the implants provide an incredibly strong support for the bridge restoration which is connected to the implants.
Not all patients are candidates for the All-on-4 procedure. In some cases, the patient may prefer more support than what four implants can offer. The dentist can place six or more implants throughout the jawbone to support the restoration in this case.
Dental implants are an excellent tooth-replacement solution regardless of how many teeth you are missing. Follow up with a dentist to discuss how implants can restore the appearance and function of your natural teeth.