Double Tooth Implant
If you are missing teeth and are looking to dental implants to replace them, the dentist will need to determine the ideal location in your jaw for the implant to support the prosthetic tooth. Depending on your specific missing teeth locations, the dentist may be able to maximize the single implant to support one or more crowns. In certain instances, dentists are able to maximize the placement of the dental implants to support a full arch of teeth, like implant supported dentures.
Options in Dental Implants
When dental implants were first introduced, they were used to replace just one tooth per implant. The artificial root is strong enough to support more than one tooth and when combined with one or more implants, it can support a denture. When the dentist uses a dental implant in your tooth replacement treatment plan, then you can know your dental prosthetic will be stable and secure in place like your natural teeth. These implant enhanced dental apparatuses are improved versions of their originals.
If your jaw bone is not strong enough to support numerous dental implants or the jaw bone mass is not consistent across your whole jaw, then one implant supporting more than one replacement tooth is a more reasonable treatment plan. The dentist can review your x-rays and imaging to determine the strongest places of your jaw and the ideal places to insert dental implants in order to give you the best results with your implant supported false teeth.
What are the advantages of implant-supported bridges over fixed bridges or removable partial dentures?
Dental implants allow you to have false teeth that look like natural teeth and function like them too. Implant supported bridges allow you to replace a missing tooth or missing teeth but do not require the same damage to the teeth on either side to secure the dental bridge.
When implants are placed in the jaw, the implant will keep the bone stronger and prevent bone loss. Without a tooth and without proper stimulation from natural tooth roots, the bone will begin to deteriorate.
How will the implants be placed?
To start, the dentist will place the screw shaped posts into your jaw. As the jaw bone heals over the next three to six months, the posts will heal into the bone and fuse together. If you are concerned about going this long without a false tooth, then you can wear a temporary replacement tooth that the dentist thinks will work best for you. Then the dentist will need to attach an abutment to the implant so the crown or dental prosthetic has a place to attach. Your gums will need to heal following this step.
Other implant systems combine the first and second steps in one with an implant post that already has an abutment attached to the top. These types of implants do not work for everyone but the dentist will be able to make an informed suggestion for the best implant for you.