Dental implants are remarkable prosthetic appliances that allow people to replace lost teeth with comfortable, functional, and lifelike restorations that are indistinguishable from the rest of their smiles. While implants can rebuild a grin after tooth loss, the number required to do so can vary significantly between patients. Here’s a brief guide to how dental implants replace lost teeth and how many it may take to complete your smile.
How Can Dental Implants Replace a Single Tooth?
The dental implant process starts with a consultation with your dentist, and if your oral health provider clears you for the treatment, you will be scheduled to have your implant surgically placed. Your dentist will begin this procedure by administering a local anesthetic and possibly a sedation treatment to ensure your comfort before making a small incision in your gum tissue and inserting a titanium post into your jawbone.
After this post and your jaw have had some time to fuse together through the natural process of osseointegration, you’ll be ready to receive a customized restoration that looks, works, and feels like a real tooth.
Can Dental Implants Replace Several Teeth?
If you are missing several nonsequential teeth, you can replace them with as many individual dental implants as necessary. However, the loss of several teeth in a row can often be remedied by a dental bridge supported by two dental implants placed on either side of the gap. Dental bridges secured with implants offer superior chewing power, last much longer than traditional restorations, and do not require the alteration of healthy teeth.
What If I Am Missing All of My Teeth?
If you are missing all or almost all of your teeth in an arch, an implant denture may be the best way to restore your smile and preserve your oral health. An implant denture is anchored to the gums with at least four titanium posts strategically placed within the jawbone, allowing it to exert maximum chewing force while eliminating the possibility of it sliding out of place during meals or speech.
Dental implants can potentially replace any number of lost teeth. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to restore your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Herbert T. Hudson earned his dental degree from the Louisville School of Dental Medicine and has taken continuing education courses at prestigious institutions like the Dawson Academy, the Las Vegas Institute, and Spear Education. He proudly serves as a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. His office in Pinehurst offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To book your implant consultation, contact his office online or dial (910) 295-2750.