If you have multiple missing teeth, you must replace them immediately. Multiple missing teeth increase your risk of decay, bite issues, and other dental problems. Dental implants are highly effective and the most natural treatment option available today. Even though dental implants are the most expensive solution, they are also the only solution to help prevent bone loss. Dr. Bradley Dean provides multiple dental implants for patients with rows and arches of missing teeth in Plano, TX.
Why Should You Replace Missing Teeth?
When teeth go missing, the bone deteriorates because the tooth root is gone. Dentures and bridges do not replace the tooth root, but dental implants do. There are many more reasons to replace all your missing teeth, including:
- Shifting teeth
- Bite problems
- Change in face shape (facial sagging)
- Bone deterioration
- Self-esteem issues and embarrassment
The more missing teeth you have, the higher your risk of further dental problems. If you have a dental infection that has spread through your mouth, you’ll likely lose more permanent teeth. If other teeth shift to fill gaps in your smile, you can experience bite problems.
Immediately treating the cause of your missing teeth and replacing your teeth with a lasting restoration will prevent these problems. A durable restoration will also improve your quality of life.
We recommend dental implants to secure bridges and dentures because they act as missing tooth roots. Implants improve the health of the teeth and gums by supporting the jaw bone. Restoring missing teeth at the root will also ensure restorations feel like natural teeth.
Dental Implants for Multiple Missing Teeth
Dr. D. Bradley Dean is a periodontist in Plano, TX, who specializes in the surgical implantation of dental implants. He will work closely with your general dentist throughout the entire process. Your general dentist and Dr. Dean will need to evaluate and examine your oral health to determine which type of dental implant is best for you.
The type of dental implants you need will depend on the location of your missing teeth and your overall oral health. He will then develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your cosmetic goals, dental health concerns, and budget.
Types of Dental Implants for Multiple Missing Teeth
There are many implant options our office offers if you have multiple lost teeth:
Individual Dental Implants
If you are missing several non-consecutive teeth, the best treatment option is to place an implant-supported dental crown for each tooth. Dr. Dean will surgically place a dental implant in each void and restore it with a dental crown by your general dentist. With the latest advances in technology, a crown can be color-matched to blend in with the rest of your natural teeth.
Dental Implant-supported Bridges
An implant-supported dental bridge is the best treatment option if you are missing several consecutive teeth. Traditional bridges are secured using prepared adjacent teeth, damaging healthy teeth.
However, dental implants can permanently secure a dental bridge in place, helping preserve the healthy adjacent teeth. Implant-supported Bridges provide more structural support for the jaw and bite and need less maintenance than traditional bridges.
Implant-supported Dentures
We recommend implant-supported dentures or All on Four® if you miss an entire row of teeth. A few strategically placed implants can support all on Four® dental restorations.
We can also secure implant-supported dentures with six to eight implants. Implant-supported dentures have a 95% or better success rate and equally high patient satisfaction. While this procedure requires a greater initial investment than dentures alone, implant-supported dentures offer the best long-term benefits.
Implant-supported dentures also allow patients to enjoy a diet without restriction and eliminate the fear of the denture falling out. Schedule a dental exam with Dr. Dean today to see which restoration is right for you.
Multiple Dental Implants FAQs
Do you have further questions about treatment with multiple dental implants in Plano, TX? Continue reading to learn more and to find answers to these commonly asked questions in our office.
Can you place three dental implants next to each other?
If you want to keep several crowns in place, you can place two or three implants next to one another. Multiple implants in a row may support dental crowns, a dental bridge, or dentures.
How close can dental implants be to each other?
At least 1.5 to 2mm should be between the patient’s natural teeth. Each implant is approximately 3mm. We may place multiple dental implants near each other if there is enough space between them.
Is the procedure for placing multiple dental implants painful?
The procedure for placing implants uses a local anesthetic to ensure that patients do not feel pain throughout the surgery. Patients may report slight discomfort and tenderness after we place the implants and the anesthetic has worn off. However, this should go away within a few days as the mouth heals.
How long does it take for dental implants to fuse the bone?
Generally, dental implants take about 3 to 6 months to fuse to the bone fully. The process begins during the first two weeks after we place the dental implants. However, any discomfort is typically gone after the first two weeks.
How long does it take to complete multiple dental implants?
The time it takes to complete treatment using multiple dental implants depends on various factors, including:
- The number of implants you need
- Implant placement
- How quickly your body heals
On average, the entire process takes 6 to 7 months to complete. Gum disease treatment or bone grafting can add to this treatment time. We will recommend treatments to ensure healthy teeth, gums, and jaw bone before you receive implants. Our office may also recommend bone grafting as needed.
How long after dental implants can I eat normally?
After your dental implant surgery, you should be able to eat normally after about a week. First, we recommend that you eat soft foods. The transition back to your regular diet should be painless and relatively quick. You can eat harder foods once you feel comfortable with your new bite.
Restore Missing Teeth Today
Restorations with multiple dental implants in Dallas, TX, can renew the function of your bite. Call (972) 666-1594 or schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Dean online.
Please let us know if you have more questions about implants. We will help you find the right restoration to renew your missing teeth.