One of the many great things about living in modern times is the fact that there are several options out there for replacing missing teeth. The preferred method by dentists and patients alike is dental implants because of their many benefits. However, depending on a few different factors, like how many teeth you are missing, you may require a different number of implants to fully restore your smile. Read on to get a better idea of how many dental implants in Houston you will need.
Patients Who Are Missing One Tooth
If you are only missing one tooth due to decay, an injury, or another issue, an implant may be a great way to replace it. Generally, if you are missing just one tooth, the space can be filled with a single dental implant. Usually, this is all you need to preserve the healthy bone tissue as well as preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting around to fill in the gap. A single crown will be placed on the end of the implant. This is customized to be that exact size, shape, and color needed to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Patients Who Are Missing Multiple Teeth
Even if you are missing multiple, most of, or all of the teeth in your mouth, dental implants may still be a viable option in order to replace them. The number of implants that you will require depends on the number of teeth you are missing and where they are located in the mouth. If you have many teeth that are absent, you may be able to secure a denture or partial using fewer implants. If you have a full implant-retained denture placed, you could require anywhere from four to eight implants on each jaw. If you have natural teeth as well, you may be able to have a partial placed with just two to three implants.
How Can You Know the Number of Implants You Need for Certain?
Even though you can estimate how many dental implants you may need to fill in the gaps in your smile, the only way for you to know for sure is by seeing your dentist for a dental implant consultation. After determining that you are a good candidate for the procedure, they will be able to tell what the ideal number of dental implants is so that you can have the best possible results.
Whether you are missing one or all of your teeth, dental implants could be a solution. Talk to your dentist so that together you can create a plan that works best for your unique smile.
About the Author
Dr. Donald F. Tamborello is an experienced dentist who has been providing quality care at his office in Houston for 32 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Texas and is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, which is the highest honor available from the organization. For more information on dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (713) 522-7540.