If you’re missing multiple teeth, you already understand the many negative effects it has on your life. You likely have to exercise caution while biting into and chewing food, and you may have trouble articulating certain sounds. You probably also hide your smile and try to avoid being photographed. You shouldn’t have to live like this.
Cosmetic dentists often recommend dental implants for people who have missing teeth. You can replace just one natural tooth with an implant, or you can replace multiple missing teeth. Every patient’s needs are different, however. So, it’s important to consult a cosmetic dentist who has extensive experience with dental implants.
The methods for placing multiple implants
If you’re missing two, three, or even four teeth, your dentist might recommend placing the implants all at once. This approach allows you to avoid having to go through multiple surgeries and multiple recovery periods. You’ll also end up taking less time off from work, and you’ll require less pain medication.
Note that even if you’re missing four or more teeth, you might need fewer dental implants than this. If you have adjacent gaps in your smile, your dentist may recommend restoring your smile with a dental implant-supported bridge. For example, your dentist might implant two posts into your jaw and secure a bridge to them. The bridge will be large enough to completely fill in the gaps in your smile.
A similar technique can be used to fill in a complete arch of missing teeth. If you’re missing all of the teeth on your lower or upper arch, or if you expect to have the remaining teeth extracted, your dentist can use the All on Four or All on Six methods. This involves placing either four or six implants spaced throughout the arch. These implants then support a permanently anchored bridge that restores your entire smile.
Are you a good candidate for multiple dental implants?
Only your dentist will be able to determine if you’re a good candidate for multiple dental implants. Your dentist will do a thorough oral examination and take some x-rays. It’s important that you have enough bone density to support multiple implants. However, even if you lack sufficient bone mass, you may be able to undergo a bone grafting procedure, which can enable you to receive implants.
Good candidates are also those who are free from oral diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. If you currently smoke, you will need to quit smoking before receiving implants. Smoking increases the risk of complications during oral surgery, and it also significantly raises the risk of failure of the implants.
Consult the cosmetic dentists in Huntington, LI
Every patient requires a customized treatment plan that takes into consideration their oral health status and lifestyle. At Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, each patient works one-on-one with Dr. Nick or Dr. Elliot to develop a treatment plan that fits their unique needs.
If you have multiple missing teeth, we can place multiple dental implants during the same appointment. We also offer same-day implants so you can begin enjoying your new smile right away! Contact us today to request a consultation in Huntington, Long Island.
Additional resources:
- Mayo Clinic, Dental Implant Surgery, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
- American Dental Association, Implants, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/i/implants
