How Many Dental Implants Do I Need?

500,000 people every year are choosing dental implants to replace their missing teeth. A dental implant is the only method to mimic a natural tooth from the root up. A single dental implant can be used to replace a missing tooth, but what if you have lost several teeth? Here’s how many dental implants you’ll need, depending on your severity of tooth loss.

How Does a Dental Implant Work?

Traditional bridges, partials, and dentures only treat the portions of teeth above the gum line. A dental implant differs because it also replaces the tooth root. A titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as a root. Bone fuses with titanium through a process called osseointegration, allowing the post to remain in place forever, potentially. An abutment is connected to the post to attach a restoration, like a crown, bridge, or denture.

Options for Replacing Lost Teeth

If you’re missing several teeth, every tooth may not need a dental implant. Instead, you can benefit from an implant-supported bridge or denture. Although every case differs, here’s what you can expect when replacing your missing teeth with dental implants:

• Single Tooth: A dental implant, an abutment, and a crown can be used to replace a single tooth. Your restoration will match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth to blend in. It will keep your jawbone strong to prevent your adjacent teeth from shifting.
• Multiple Teeth in a Row: As an alternative to a traditional bridge and crowns, 1-2 dental implants can support your restoration. You won’t need to alter healthy teeth to support your bridge. It will be anchored in place with dental implants.
• Entire Arch: Dental implants can stop slipping and irritation for good by stabilizing your denture. 4-10 dental implants can be placed into your jawbone to support a denture. You won’t have to worry about relining or replacing your denture. Dental implants are proven to last for decades with the correct care, like brushing and flossing.

Whether you’re missing a couple of teeth or all of them, don’t settle for less than the best. Dental implants have over a 95% success rate and can last for 30 years or more. You’ll enjoy the next best thing to your real teeth using the most reliable solution for tooth loss.

About Dr. Josephine A. Franzese

Dr. Franzese earned her dental degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ and has continued her training regularly in many specialties, including dental implants. She treats patients of all ages using the latest solutions in dentistry. Request an appointment through her website or contact her office at (203) 493-0556.