Thanks to their versatility, dental implants can help you reclaim a complete smile no matter how many teeth you’ve lost. Of course, it’s worth remembering that the procedure won’t look exactly the same for every patient. Some people will need more implant posts than others to fill in all the empty space in their smiles. If you’re thinking of getting dental implants, it’s a good idea to help yourself get a better idea of how many posts might be required in your case.
How Many Dental Implants Are Needed in Your Situation?
The answer to this question depends on the exact number of teeth you’ve lost. Here’s a closer look at how many dental implants are typically needed in specific tooth loss situations:
- Missing One Tooth: If you’ve only lost one tooth, the spot where it used to be located can be filled with a single implant post. Said post can be used to support a lifelike dental crown.
- Missing Multiple Teeth: In cases where three or more consecutive teeth have been lost, a customized dental bridge can be attached to a pair of dental implant posts. Unlike traditional bridges, implant bridges don’t require your dentist to make alterations to the teeth that you still have.
- Missing All Your Teeth: If an entire row of teeth is missing, full dentures can be anchored to dental implant posts to replace them all simultaneously. The exact number of implant posts needed for dentures can vary depending on the patient’s situation, but it’s typically in the range of four to eight.
How Can You Determine How Many Dental Implants You Need?
Only a trained dental expert can help you figure out the precise number of implant posts that are required in your case. At your initial consultation, your dentist will carefully examine your mouth and determine how many teeth are in need of replacement. They’ll also consider other relevant factors, such as where the missing teeth are located, how much bone density is present in your jaws, and whether you show signs of grinding your teeth.
Once your dentist has confirmed that you are a good candidate for dental implants, they’ll give you an accurate idea of how many implant posts will be needed in your case. Rest assured that they’ll always strive to use the fewest number of posts possible to help you reclaim the complete, functional smile that you deserve.
About the Author
Dr. Mohamed Hegazi studied dentistry at Tufts University, and he has served as a Dental Officer/Captain for the U.S. Air Force. He aims to provide high-quality, comprehensive care for all of his patients in Hingham, which includes start-to-finish dental implant treatments. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hegazi at Admired Smiles Dental Center, visit his website or call (781) 678-4633.