One, Two, or Six: How Many Dental Implants Do You Need?

When it comes to tooth loss, it doesn’t matter how many teeth are missing. Eating the foods you love, speaking in front of others, and smiling for the camera can seem impossible, no matter if you’re without one or an entire row. However, with dental implants, you can regain your confidence and your smile permanently. Knowing how many you will need, though, requires seeing a trusted implant dentist who can help. Keep reading to find out more about the versatility of dental implants and what you can expect to learn when meeting with a professional to discuss your treatment.

Can Dental Implants Replace Any Number of Missing Teeth?

Yes. Dental implants are one of the most versatile methods of restorative treatment on the market. Their permanence and ability to support all types of dental restorations make them a preferred solution for dentists and patients alike.

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, they can be used in a variety of ways, such as:

• Replacing a Single Tooth – Using one titanium implant post, a metal abutment, and a custom implant crown, a dentist can replace a single missing tooth so that it blends in naturally with the surrounding regular teeth.
• Replacing Multiple Teeth – Instead of altering healthy abutment teeth on either side of a gap, two implant posts and metal abutments as well as a custom-made implant bridge can be put in place. The posts fit into the exterior gaps, while the remaining part of the bridge sits atop the gums for a complete and functional smile.  
• Replacing an Entire Arch – There is no need to rely on natural suction and denture adhesive to hold a traditional denture in place when a dentist can use between four and six implant posts, metal abutments, and a uniquely crafted implant denture to restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

Why It’s Important to Meet with an Implant Dentist

When considering your options for tooth replacement, it’s important that you meet with an implant dentist for a scheduled consultation. Even if you know dental implants are what you want to replace your missing teeth, their expertise will help guide you toward the right number of implant posts to ensure successful results.

They will evaluate your mouth and discuss your overall health as well as look at your jawbone density to find out if you’re a good candidate for treatment and if so, how many implant posts you will need. The average is:

• One dental implant for one missing tooth
• Two dental implants for multiple, consecutive missing teeth
• Between four and six for an entire arch of missing teeth

Once the appropriate number of implants is decided, you can begin to move forward with treatment and be on your way to achieving a healthier, functional, and more beautiful appearance.

About the McCarl Dental Group
When dental implants are a patient’s preference, our dentists at McCarl Dental Group can provide the start-to-finish care that is required. Not only will we place and restore these permanent prosthetics, but we’ll begin by meeting with the individual to go over the oral and overall health as well as discuss how many dental implants are required to support a custom-made restoration. If you are interested in replacing one or more missing teeth, call our dental office.