Even though they’re relatively new, you might have heard of dental implant replacements. Instead of providing you with an appliance that sits on top of your teeth or gums, your dentist can custom craft an implant that will fit in your empty tooth socket and root down to your jawbone.
Patients love the seamless look and low-profile fit of these replacements, but they’re not exactly cheap. Each individual dental implant can cost a pretty penny, which might have you wondering how many you’ll need. Only your dentist can tell you – though this overview of your options can help give you an idea of what to expect!
How Many Implants Will I Need?
As already hinted at, the number of implants you’ll need to fill out your smile depends on your unique oral situation. That means only your dentist will be able to give you this assessment. However, that doesn’t mean you should be worried! Dental implants are extremely versatile. As you’ll see, there’s a way to efficiently restore almost any dental gaps.
Simple and Easy Single Tooth Replacements
If you only need to replace one tooth, then it’s fairly safe to say you’ll only need one dental implant! A dental implant isn’t bulky like dentures or dental bridges. They pretty much look and fit like natural teeth, so filling a singular gap with an implant is easy enough.
Combination Restorations for Multiple Teeth
Now, if you’re missing multiple teeth, the best way to restore your smile is probably to combine dental implants with crowns or bridges. Of course, you could opt for the traditional version of both of these restorations – but securing them with dental implants helps bridges and crowns last longer, stay in place, and give you more chewing power. Adding dental implants to the mix is definitely an advantage!
The Budget-Friendly Way to Reconstruct Your Smile
What if you’re missing an entire arch of teeth? Then you probably don’t want to pay for several sets of dental implant bridges! Instead, your dentist will likely recommend implant dentures.
Similar to the combined restorations, an implant denture takes advantage of the stability of implants and the coverage of a larger appliance. You’ll receive a denture, but it will be connected to about eight strategically placed implant posts. Slippage while eating or chewing won’t be a problem for you!
Remember to Schedule a Consultation
Even if you have a pretty good idea of which dental implant setup will best suit your needs, it’s still crucial to talk to your dentist about your treatment. Dental implants require a certain amount of jawbone mass and gum structure to work effectively, so at the very least, you’ll want your dentist to check on your oral health. Let the pro guide your treatment plan, and you’ll be able to enjoy your new teeth for decades!
About the Practice
At Marvel Dental, we have several excellent dentists on staff who would be happy to help you restore your smile! As our resident dental implant expert, Dr. William Starck will thoroughly examine your mouth during your consultation. He’ll be sure to keep you informed about his findings and make sure your treatment plan is tailored to your needs and preferences. To contact our office, call 817-933-3883.