Multiple Teeth Implants
When you are missing multiple teeth, aesthetics become a primary concern for many people. We, at Tualatin Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, work closely with our patients to create a beautiful and genuine smile that will last for a long, long time.
If you have lost a number of your adjacent teeth, Dr. Emerson Rowley, DMD can replace them with multiple implants, one for each tooth, or by joining two or more implants together to form a bridge. The latter option provides more affordability to patients who are missing many teeth.
WHY DO YOU NEED MULTIPLE TOOTH IMPLANTS?
Missing teeth can pose many problems for your dental health. Due to the gap left by missing teeth, your adjacent teeth will shift from their original position to compensate for the lost teeth. This can change your natural bite and can make cleaning your teeth difficult, leaving them vulnerable to decay. Additionally, over time, the bone structure surrounding the tooth’s root will deteriorate, making your jawbone lose its density. Dental implants are a great treatment option to address these issues, in addition to restoring your smile.
THINGS TO KNOW WHEN GETTING MULTIPLE TOOTH IMPLANTS
There are a few things you need to know before you get your tooth implants:
- Jawbone density: To qualify for a dental implant, you need to have sufficient bone density to support the posts. Since your bone is resorbed after you lose a tooth, Dr. Emerson Rowley, DMD may recommend a bone grafting procedure to build up your bone. This can improve your overall oral health.
- Fixed bridge: If you have multiple adjacent missing teeth, we may use a device called a fixed dental bridge. This is similar to a regular dental bridge, although the supporting teeth will be dental implants. The posts will be embedded on either side of the gap and the space will be filled with multiple crowns, which will sit on top of your gum. This is more cost-effective than having an implant for all missing teeth.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS IN MULTIPLE IMPLANT SURGERY
As in the case of all surgeries, multiple tooth implant surgery can also pose a few risks.
One such possibility is that of the implant failing. An implant can fail if your bite is not adjusted properly. In rare cases, an infection could also cause the implant to fail. Moreover, if you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, it can cause much pressure on the implant, resulting in bone loss or breaking of the implant.
There is also a risk of injuring the nerve that runs through the jawbone while drilling, which can cause numbness or a tingling sensation, or drilling through the jawbone into the sinuses or nasal cavity, which can cause infection. However, at Tualatin Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, such issues are extremely rare, as we take special x-rays and computed tomography before starting the procedure.
Once your treatment is finished, we will discuss with you how to properly take care of your implant and keep the surrounding tissue healthy. We also strongly recommend not missing your dental checkup appointments. If you suspect something may be wrong with your implant, call us at (503) 878-7474 so that we can determine the problem and fix it as soon as possible.