Multiple Tooth Dental Implants | Oral Surgeon in Missoula

Dental implants have changed the way in which missing teeth can be replaced and are the only solution that replaces both your missing root and tooth. Implants give patients the opportunity to enjoy a solution that offers them superior durability, stability, and discretion over conventional tooth replacement treatments. However, when you have multiple missing teeth, getting single implants can be time-consuming and expensive. Instead, you may want to consider multiple tooth dental implants to restore the function and appearance of your smile.

What is Multiple Tooth Dental Implants?

As their name suggests, multiple tooth dental implants are dental implants that are used to replace a number of adjacent missing teeth. In multiple tooth dental implants, two or more artificial teeth can be joined together as required.

As with other dental implants, multiple tooth dental implants are based on titanium posts or screws, which are surgically implanted into the bone of the jaw and left for the bone to grow around them, anchoring them permanently in place. However, unlike single tooth implants, there’s no need for you to have a titanium post per artificial tooth. Instead, the relevant number of artificial teeth are conjoined and then supported on a fewer number of implant posts. An implant-supported bridge, which typically comprises two to four artificial teeth, can be supported on just two implant posts. Meanwhile, a full denture of artificial teeth can normally be secured on between six and eight implant posts.

There are several benefits of having multiple teeth replaced in this way. Firstly, you will require less surgery than if you were having each missing tooth secured on its own implant post. This means less risk of complications and faster healing. Secondly, less surgery and fewer implant posts also mean less expense, and having multiple tooth dental implants is a more cost-effective option. Finally, patients can enjoy all of the other benefits associated with dental implants, which include:

No pressure placed on existing healthy teeth
Artificial teeth that look more natural than alternatives
Stable teeth that will not move around or pull out when you use your mouth or teeth
Reinforcement of the jaw, keeping your facial structure intact
A long-lasting solution that with proper care, could last you for decades.

Am I a Candidate for Multiple Tooth Dental Implants?

The good news is that lots of people are good candidates for multiple tooth dental implants, although you will have to have your suitability assessed during consultation before you can go ahead with the procedure. There will be a number of different elements of your health and teeth that will be evaluated to confirm your candidacy for multiple tooth implants. These include:

You must have healthy teeth with no outstanding dental work required, e.g., cavity fillings, root canal, etc.
You must have healthy gums, with no signs of gum disease. This is particularly important since gum disease can threaten the longevity of your dental implants.
You must have sufficient healthy bone in your jaw. Insufficient or unhealthy bone could prevent the implant from being properly secured into the jaw. If necessary, you may be able to have a procedure called bone grafting ahead of your implant procedure which will ensure that you have strong enough bone to support your implants and future smile.
You shouldn’t smoke. Smoking is bad news when it comes to dental implants. Not only does smoking inhibit your ability to heal and increase your risk of complications during and after your implant surgery, but people who smoke are also more likely to experience gum disease, which could put their implants at risk.
You must be committed to taking care of your teeth. Dental implants will only continue to look fantastic and remain functional so long as you take proper care of them. You must be committed to brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly.

If you would like to find out more about candidacy for multiple tooth dental implants, don’t hesitate to speak to our experienced and knowledgeable oral surgery team in Missoula, MT at (406) 282-8768.