Dental implants are considered the best way to replace missing teeth currently available because they look and function exactly like the real thing and can last a lifetime with proper care. This allows a patient to completely restore their smile and chewing ability in ways that are impossible with other forms of tooth restoration. They require sufficient mass and density in the jawbone to be placed properly and healthy gums in order to heal completely.
They can replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth, or a whole row of missing teeth, and any process of receiving them begins with a dental consultation to determine if you are a good candidate. Here’s what you need to know about these options and how many implants are involved for each.
Replacing a Single Tooth with a Single Dental Implant
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone with a lifelike artificial tooth attached to it above the gumline. Unlike other restorations, this process replaces the missing tooth from root to crown and completely restores its functions. This works best if the patient has only one missing tooth or if any of the missing teeth are not next to one another. On the other hand, if you are missing several teeth that are adjacent to each other, replacing them will be slightly more complicated.
Replacing Several Teeth with an Implant-Supported Bridge
A dental bridge is a line of artificial teeth designed to replace several missing ones in a row and is traditionally held in place by crowns attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Unfortunately, this process involves altering the structure of the healthy teeth hosting the crowns. On the other hand, an implant-supported bridge relies on dental implants placed in the sockets on either end of the gap, meaning it requires two implants and no damage to any healthy teeth. This replaces each tooth in the gap without the cost of replacing each of them with an implant.
Replacing a Whole Arch of Teeth with an Implant-Retained Denture
Dentures, on the other hand, treat total tooth loss by replacing whole arches of teeth with customized sets of lifelike restorations. While traditional dentures are removable and rely on suction to stay in place, they can make eating or speaking difficult when they lose their grip, slide, slip, or fall out. An implant-retained denture solves this problem by being held in place with four dental implants, creating a permanent solution for the complete loss of teeth in an arch. The treatment will require eight implants to replace both arches.
If you are missing one or many teeth, dental implants can provide a solution that will have you looking great and chewing normally. Consulting with your dentist will help you determine which treatment is right for you.
About the Author
Dr. M. Kent Smith earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston before receiving advanced training through his residency at the VA Medical Center, the Children’s Hospital, the Odonoghue Rehabilitation Hospital, and Oklahoma Memorial Hospital. He opened his own practice in Edmond, OK in 1988 with his areas of expertise being general, pediatric, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry in addition to implant services. For more information on dental implant options, contact his office online or dial (405) 341-7773.