How Many Teeth Can Go On Dental Implants

Are you missing one or more teeth? Do you find that this makes you reluctant to smile? Do the missing teeth interfere with talking or eating?

You aren’t alone. The Association of Dental Implantology reports that about 130,000 people get dental implants each year.

Most people have questions about dental implants Cambridge treatment. Continue reading to find answers to these common questions.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is made of titanium and replaces the natural root of the missing tooth. It is placed underneath the gums, in the bone. A connector, also called an abutment, attaches to the titanium root on top of the gum. A porcelain tooth or crown is then attached to the abutment.

What Is the Dental Implant Procedure Like?

This procedure is often done in several stages. The dentist will evaluate the condition of your gums and jawbone to see if it’s strong enough for the implant. If your jawbone is too small or weak, a bone graft is often done first.

Sometimes a “bone augmentation” is performed. This causes your body to make new bone at the implant site. This can be done together with the implant placement.

The dentist will also make sure that your mouth is healthy and free of infection. This is the reason for why a consultation appointment and treatment planning is so very important as it identifies any issues prior to treatment.

The dentist begins by anaesthetizing the area, much like when having a filling, so you won’t feel any pain. The gum and root tissue are then lifted to expose the bone. Next, the dentist makes a pilot hole in the bone and then uses an alignment pin to ensure it’s the right depth. The actual “drilling” only takes a few minutes. The length is measured on the scan prior to implant placement and is usually anything from 4 mm-12 mm depending on where in the mouth the tooth is being replaced.

A path is shaped until it’s the right size for the implant. Then, the dentist torques the implant into the bone. An implant cap or special collar provides a seal on the top of the implant.

You’ll then wait 2 to 6 months for the bone to heal around the implant. During this time, approved technicians make the crown to match the colour, shape, and size of your other teeth.

The last step involves the removal of the cap and placement of an abutment on the implant. The porcelain tooth is then fitted.

How Many Teeth Can You Put on One Implant?

It’s best to have one implant supporting one tooth. This distributes the tension on the implant in the same way that a normal tooth would when biting. The pressure on the implant helps to stimulate the growth of jawbone tissue. For larger gaps, the implants are distributed in the gap and it is not necessary to have one implant per missing tooth.

Can You Have 2 Dental Implants Next to Each Other?

The answer to this question is, “yes, in most cases”. First, the dentist must determine if your jawbone has enough tissue to hold the implants. If so, you can have two implants side by side.

Can One Dental Implant Support 3 Teeth?

Dentists do not use one dental implant to replace three teeth. This creates a strain on the implant which can result in damage to the jawbone and other natural teeth. There are times when one dental implant can replace two teeth.

If three or more teeth need replacing, the dentist will use a dental bridge. This offers a safe option for filling in multiple tooth gaps. Most often 2 implants would be used to replace up to 3 teeth.

How Many Implants Are Used on a 4 Tooth Implant Bridge?

Once again, the dentist starts with an assessment of your jawbone health. Based on that evaluation, you may have two implants to replace four teeth. This is also called an implant-supported bridge.

A dental bridge contains one or more false teeth. The bridge is also called a pontic. The pontic connects to the teeth on either side of the gap.

With implant-supported bridges, the pontic attaches to dental implants on each end. Traditional bridges connect to natural teeth.

Pontics are commonly made from porcelain to match the natural teeth. Some individuals choose other materials such as gold for their bridges.

Can You Have All Teeth Resting on 4 Implants?

Dental implants can be just as strong, if not stronger than natural teeth. This means they can support bridges very effectively. The dentist uses the fewest implants needed to replace the missing teeth.

Implant-support full arch dentures may use from four to eight implants. The lower jawbone normally has a higher bone density. Thus, you may not need as many implants for a lower arch denture.

Some dentists use overdentures or detachable bridges that can be removed. This type of solution may require even fewer implants. The denture is taken off at night time. During day time, it clips on top of the teeth and it does not move when speak/laugh/eat. It is a popular option for patients who prefers to keep treatment simple and reduce the cost as compared to fixed teeth implant bridges.

The Cost of Dental Implants Cambridge Treatment

Wearing traditional style dentures causes the gums and jawbone to shrink. Teeth surrounded by dentures are also more prone to dental decay and gum problems Thus, full mouth restorations with dental implants provide an optimal solution.

Getting a full mouth treatment involves several steps including:

  • Diagnostic tests to check for dental and jawbone health
  • Placement of the dental implants in the upper and lower jaw
  • Placement of temporary bridges
  • Creations of natural-looking porcelain crowns or false teeth
  • Adhering the crowns to the implant abutment
  • Placement of the permanent bridges

One big question on many people’s mind is, “How much does this cost?” Dental implants Cambridge treatments cost about £2950. This includes your appointments and care products provided by Newnham Dental Practice.

In general, the National Health Service (NHS) doesn’t cover dental implants. Yet, those with specific medical conditions, such as mouth cancer, may receive compensation.

It’s important to remember that dental implants offer a long-term solution. When making your decision, consider that traditional dentures cost about £400. They will often need replacing every few years.

Choosing a less expensive option initially may result in a greater cost over time.

Are You Looking for a Dental Practice in the Cambridge Area?

Missing teeth impact many aspects of your life. Dental implants Cambridge treatment can resolve problems associated with lost teeth.

Newnham Dental Practice works with you to create a plan of care for a healthy smile. We focus on preventative care and treatment of dental diseases and problems.

We only offer private dentistry. This means we’re free to offer you a completely bespoke treatment plan. You’ll receive care that’s tailored to your unique dental condition and budget.

Our practice offers financing on many treatments. Contact us today to request an appointment.

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