How Many Teeth Can Implants Replace
Dental implants are one of the best ways to restore missing teeth! Patients of any age can find that they need to have a tooth replaced. Teeth fail for any number of reasons including decay, accident or trauma, genetics, medications, or underlying conditions. Dental implants can give patients back their confidence and quality of life!
What are dental implants and how are they placed?
Dental implants are made up of three parts: the implant, an abutment, and the restoration. The implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jaw bone. An oral surgeon or periodontist will make a small incision in the gum tissue and then drill a tiny hole into the jaw bone. The implant is placed in the hole and the gum tissue is sutured back in place, leaving a bit of the implant protruding through the tissue. A healing cap, or temporary abutment, is then placed over the implant to protect it from damage and infection while it is left to heal for up to six months.
During healing time, the implant will fuse to the bone, a process called osseointegration. This fusion gives the implant the support and stability it needs to hold the restoration securely in place. Once the implant is healed, the temporary abutment is removed and the permanent abutment and implant restoration are placed.
The abutment acts as a connecting bridge between the implant and the restoration. The restoration can be a single implant crown, a multiple tooth bridge, or even a full arch of implant-supported dentures.
How many teeth can dental implants replace?
One implant can support up to two or three teeth. If you need a three tooth bridge, your dentist will most likely prefer that you have two implants placed, one on each side of the affected space. Patients that need an entire arch of teeth replaced may have four to eight implants placed for a procedure called an all-on-4. This is an implant-supported denture and can be used on one or both arches!
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are considered a permanent restoration and typically last up to 20 years. Patients who take the time to protect their investment with proper oral hygiene, good nutrition, and regular visits to their dentist can even make their implants last a lifetime!
Dental implants have the added benefit of supporting bone health. Patients with traditional restorations such as bridges and dentures eventually need to have their prosthesis adjusted or replaced because the bone beneath the bridge or denture will begin to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation that is usually provided by tooth roots. When we speak and chew, it’s like a work out for our jaw and allows our teeth to move up and down in the jaw bone which helps stimulate bone cells to regenerate. Without that stimulation, the cells do not think they need to produce bone mass in that area so they spend their energy elsewhere.
If you need to have one or more missing teeth replaced, speak with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for dental implants!