Full Mouth Restoration: How Many Implants Are Needed?
Jul 01, 2023
A full mouth reconstruction, rehabilitation, or restoration is a comprehensive dental treatment designed to improve overall oral function, health, and aesthetics. It’s an excellent choice for patients with multiple dental issues like missing teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay.
When missing teeth, dental implants can be a key component of your full mouth reconstruction. It provides a natural-looking, stable, and long-lasting solution to missing teeth, restoring oral health, function, and aesthetics. This article explores factors that can determine the number of implants you may need for your full mouth reconstruction.
Factors that influence the number of implants
Commonly, dentists use four to six dental implants or more to replace an entire arch of teeth on either jaw. In general, the number of implants needed for a full mouth reconstruction may vary depending on factors like:
- Number of missing teeth
The number of missing teeth is a key factor in determining the number of implants needed. A few missing teeth can also require an equal number of implants. However, if you’re missing most or all teeth in either or both jaws, the dentist can recommend 4 – 6 or more dental implants.
- Jawbone density
Jawbone health and density are critical factors when placing dental implants. Healthy and sufficient jawbone volume and density provide a solid and stable foundation for the implant to bond successfully.
An insufficient jawbone can lead to poor osseointegration and complications like implant failure or poor bite. Sinus lifts or bone grafts can help repair and rebuild the jawbone density and volume for successful implant placement.
- Dental implant technique
The type of dental implant procedure can also determine the number of implants needed for a mouth reconstruction. Fixed and permanent dental implants may require more stability and security and thus may need more implants. Removable implant options like implant-supported dentures may require fewer implants.
- Patient’s goals and outcomes
If you’re interested in excellent functionality, strength, natural-looking appearance, and durability, more dental implants may be necessary to achieve your goals. Fewer implants can lead to lower satisfaction, depending on the number of missing teeth.
Types of Dental Implant Techniques
Dental implant treatments can vary based on your condition, budget, and needs. Common implants techniques can include:
- Single Dental Implants: This technique involves replacing each missing tooth with a single implant. The implant acts like artificial tooth roots. A crown (artificial tooth) is placed over the implant for a natural-looking appearance.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: This option involves placing several dental implants, about 4 to 6, in the jawbone and then attaching a bridge or fixed denture for optimal aesthetics, stability, and functionality.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: These are removable dentures anchored to several dental implants. They provide a more stable and long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures.
- All-On-4 or All-On-6 Implants: This type of dental implant replaces a full arch of teeth with four or six dental implants.
During your consultation, our prosthodontist near you will examine your oral condition, including your oral health, jawbone density, and treatment goals. Based on the results, they will give you available treatment options and their costs, benefits, and considerations. The number of implants and placement techniques will depend on your treatment plan.
Benefits of Sufficient Dental Implants
Placing sufficient dental implants during a full mouth reconstruction offers various benefits, including:
- Improved functionality and stability: Sufficient implants provide a secure and stable foundation for artificial teeth. It provides more natural and comfortable oral functions like chewing, smiling, and speaking.
- Better jawbone health: Since dental implants act like artificial roots, they stimulate the jawbone, preserving its volume and density. It also helps strengthen your facial muscles, preventing facial sagging, sunken cheeks, and premature aging.
- Long-lasting results: Enough implants ensure the biting or chewing forces are equally distributed throughout the arch, minimizing the stress of a few implants. This results in long-term implant success.
- Enhanced aesthetics: Sufficient implants provide a more natural-looking smile, significantly improving your overall appearance and confidence.
Visit our prosthodontist in Calgary for dental implants near you.
For more details about full mouth restoration and dental implants, contact Northwest Prosthodontics to book your appointment today.