Dental Implants for Several Missing Teeth
If you have multiple missing teeth, our implant dentists at Thrive Dental want to restore your smile and help you chew, speak, and smile confidently—and without pain. Different types of dental implants for multiple missing teeth are available to achieve these goals. The ideal method depends on tooth loss, oral health, budget, and personal preference. Let’s cover the options below!
An implant-supported bridge uses metal posts (implants) that act as artificial tooth roots where teeth are missing to secure the replacement teeth (pontics). The implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone and given time to heal before the pontics are secured to the implants.
Because the bridge attaches to implants, this procedure does not require altering the healthy remaining teeth. Implant-supported bridges can be temporary or fixed based on your unique needs and preferences.
A crown and bridge are one alternative to an implant-supported bridge, where the replacement teeth attach to crowns placed over the surrounding teeth. This method does not utilize metal implants, so it is suitable for patients with insufficient healthy jawbone to support an implant. Our dentist reviews the risks, benefits, and alternatives of all solutions to make the best choice for you.
Patients with several missing teeth in different areas of the mouth may also benefit from a removable partial denture, which fills in gaps like a puzzle piece. Removable partial dentures rest on the gums and have small clasps that connect to the adjacent teeth.
This option is ideal if your surrounding structures aren’t strong enough to support a bridge or implant. Although removable partial dentures are often the most cost-effective way to replace missing teeth, they may be less comfortable or durable than implant-supported partial dentures.
If you have a healthy jawbone, you may be a candidate for implant-supported partial dentures. These oral appliances are anchored directly into the jawbone, providing more stability for speaking and eating. There are two main types of implanted-supported dentures: removable and fixed.
Removable implant-supported dentures securely “snap on” to the dental implant installed in your jawbone but can be easily removed for cleaning. Your dentist can remove fixed implant-supported dentures, but you cannot detach them for cleaning. Instead, you’ll brush them like natural teeth and use special dental tools to clean beneath them each day.
Dental Implant Benefits for Missing Teeth
Although all of the above restorative solutions are different in some ways, they offer similar benefits for patients with multiple missing teeth. They:
- are easy to clean and care for.
- preserve the surrounding natural teeth.
- maintain the integrity of your facial structure.
- restore your natural ability to speak, bite, and chew.
- stimulate the jawbone like natural tooth roots to help prevent bone loss.
- offer a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth—which means less dental work overtime.
With all of these advantages, there is one that seems to matter most to our patients: restorative dentistry with implants remodels smiles to help you feel and look your very best. So, you can finally get back your confidence.
Multiple Implant Procedure
Dental implant procedures vary depending on the number of teeth to be replaced, the method chosen, and whether additional dental work is necessary.
Dental restoration with implants begins with a comprehensive consultation to discuss your goals, followed by a dental exam and X-rays to determine the appropriate course of treatment. Some patients require dental extractions or bone grafting to build up the jawbone to support the implants. This involves additional dental visits.
Once these procedures are complete, the implants can be inserted into the jawbone. From there, time is needed for the implant to fuse with the bone and heal completely. This recovery period can last several months. Maintaining good oral health and avoiding foods and activities that may irritate the implant sites is incredibly important.
Once your implants have healed, your bridge or denture can be installed. After the procedure, your implant dentist will provide instructions on caring for your appliance and adapting your oral hygiene. Of course, we’ll help you maintain your great results with regular dental cleanings and exams.
Are Multiple Tooth Implants a Good Solution for Me?
Thrive Dental & Orthodontics is committed to helping you attain the smile of your dreams. Restorative dentistry is not one-size-fits-all. We work with you to determine if multiple dental implants make sense and will explore all options to best meet your needs.
A consultation is the first step toward a brand-new smile. Call, message our team, or book an appointment to get started today. We have locations in Frisco, Allen, Sachse, Richardson, and Dallas, Texas.
