Tooth loss, especially unexpected, can cause serious problems with your oral health. The more teeth you’re missing, the more likely you are to develop jaw disorders, facial sagging, or tooth shifting. While there are many replacement options available, most dentists recommend implants for their jaw support and bite strength. How many dental implants in Roslyn Heights, NY, you need depends on a few different factors. Prior to starting treatment, your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to see how many implants you may need for restoration.
How the Number of Dental Implants in Roslyn Heights, NY, is Determined
When you start implant treatment, your dentist will begin by using advanced imagery technology to look at your jawbone. The implant post is surgically placed into your jaw, where it integrates and mimics the natural root structure of your teeth. Generally speaking, the stronger your jaw is, the fewer implants you may need. However, other factors, such as gum health, could impact your final treatment needs.
Number of Missing Teeth
How many teeth you’re missing plays a large role in how many implants you need. If you’re only missing one tooth, you’ll likely only need a single dental implant. If you’re missing three or more teeth, you may be able to get an implant-secured bridge using only two implants. But if you’re missing an entire arch of teeth, you may need four or six implants to restore your bite. Dentists use strategic locations and angels to place minimal implants with maximum benefits.
Oral Health
Your overall oral health could impact your implant needs. Gum disease, for example, is a leading cause of failed implants. The stronger your gums are, the more likely an implant is to stabilize and integrate. If you have weak gums, you may need additional implants to help support your restoration.
Jaw bone density also affects implant integration. If you’ve lost bone density, it can be harder for the implant to integrate properly. A weaker jaw typically means needing more implants. However, your dentist may be able to restore bone density with a bone grafting procedure.
Location of Missing Teeth
Where your teeth are missing can also play a role in implant placement. Generally speaking, your lower jaw has a stronger bone that can support a restoration with fewer implants. If you’re missing an entire arch of lower teeth, you may only need four implants to secure a denture. But if you are missing upper teeth, you may need six implants instead.
If you’re missing teeth, the rest of your oral health could be at risk. At East Hills Dental Associates, we provide single dental implants as well as implant-supported bridges and all-on-4 or all-on-6. We offer a full-service implant process, including placement and restoration, from the comfort of our office. Call us today at (516) 253-6873 to schedule a consultation and see how many implants you may need.