Dental implants in Jacksonville are highly personalized to the person that needs them, which is why it’s so important to complete a consultation with a dentist ahead of treatment. However, if you find yourself unable to say how many dental implants you need, there are a few key points you’ll need to keep in mind ahead of your dental appointment. These factors, as discussed by an implant dentist, are sure to give you more confidence before you begin your smile transformation.
The Number of Missing Teeth
While it may seem obvious that the more teeth you are missing, the more dental implants you need, it’s actually not as simple as you’d initially think. While it’s true that replacing a single tooth only requires one implant, you won’t necessarily need a dental implant for every dedicated tooth you’re missing. For example, in the case of implant bridges, a single implant can hold a restoration made up of two crowns.
Alternatively, two implants can hold a bridge designed to replace three or more consecutive teeth. The same applies to implant dentures, where four to eight dental implants can replace an entire arch, which is made up of 16 teeth!
Your Current Bone Tissue
Bone tissue is essentially the foundation for your dental implant. When more tissue is available and it’s healthy, it means you’ll need fewer dental implants to keep your future restoration stable. If not as much is available, the implants need to be shorter, making them less stable individually. This becomes especially important when accommodating implant dentures, especially for the upper arch.
Location of the Implants
Speaking of the dental arches, the location of the implants can dramatically influence how many are needed to give the restoration the stability and longevity it requires. The most notable factor is whether they are placed in the top or bottom arch. The bottom arch generally requires fewer dental implants because it tends to be thicker and more dense. The top arch is usually softer and thinner, making implants more difficult to place. For example, implant dentures on the bottom arch may only need two implants to stay in place, while implant dentures in the top arch require a minimum of four.
At the end of the day, the only way to know for sure how many dental implants you need is to speak with a trained implant dentist so they can perform an exam. To get started on the process, schedule an appointment with one today!
About Jacksonville Complete Dentistry
With Dr. Johnson and Dr. Barker by your side, you can keep your entire implant treatment in-house! Dr. Johnson’s expertise in implant placement and Dr. Barker’s training in prosthodontics mean you can expect a tooth replacement that looks lifelike and performs almost identically to a natural tooth! To schedule your first consultation with their office, you can contact them through their website.