Filling the Gap: How Many Dental Implants Will You Need?

If you have one or more missing teeth, you should certainly speak to your dentist about replacement options. They will likely recommend that you invest in dental implants, small titanium posts that get inserted into the jawbone; their job is to act as prosthetic tooth roots, and they can support crowns, bridges, and dentures. But just how many dental implants will you need to fill the gap in your smile? This blog post can give you an idea.

When One Implant Is Enough

Your dentist may recommend a single dental implant when you are missing just one tooth. After it integrates with your jawbone, it can serve as a steady base for a custom-made crown.

Compared to a traditional bridge, this solution offers some huge benefits. For example, an implant does not typically require any modification of the surrounding teeth. Plus, since it rebuilds the lost tooth from the roots up, it is extremely sturdy and long-lasting.

A single implant may also be used to replace two adjacent teeth. The post can support a crown, which may be attached to a pontic (artificial tooth) that finishes filling the empty space.

Two Implants Can Support a Bridge

If you are missing three or more teeth in a row, your dentist might suggest a dental bridge supported by two implants. The implants are placed at each end of the gap, and a bridge with artificial teeth fills the space between them. This method avoids the need for an implant for every missing tooth.

A bridge supported by implants is strong and stable. It also helps keep your jawbone healthy and prevents the nearby teeth from shifting. Many patients prefer this option because it restores their bite and appearance without the need for a removable partial denture.

More Implants for Extensive Tooth Replacement

Some people need to replace several teeth, or even all the teeth in one of their dental arches. If that is true of you, your dentist may recommend several implants to support a larger bridge or a full denture. For example, four to eight implants can often hold a complete set of artificial teeth in place.

Implant dentures do not shift or slip like traditional dentures, so you can be confident in their fit and function day after day. They also maintain their fit for years on end and do not need periodic relining (adjustments) like traditional dentures do.

So, how many dental implants will you need? Talk to your dentist to learn what will be involved in your personalized treatment plan!

Meet the Practice

At Landmark Dental Studio, our highly capable dentists have extensive training and experience in dental implant treatments. We use a combination of technology and skill to optimize patient outcomes. If you are ready to replace your missing teeth, we would be pleased to welcome you into our Greenwood Village office for a consultation. Contact us at 303-773- 8013.