Dental Implants for Multiple Teeth Long Island According to the American College of Prosthodontists, about 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and nearly 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. If you are missing multiple teeth, we can help. At Progressive Oral Surgery & Implantology of Long Island, we offer several dental implant solutions for multiple missing teeth. With dental implants, we can provide a permanent solution that improves the aesthetics and function of your smile. We are here to help you determine if dental implants are right for you.
Why Should I Replace Multiple Missing Teeth?
When you lose a tooth, you lose the physical stimulation that keeps your jawbone healthy. When you lose multiple teeth, you lose a lot of that stimulation. Over time, your bone will begin to atrophy as it resorbs into the bloodstream. This can lead to complications with implant treatment later down the line. It can also cause you to have a more aged appearance.
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can drastically improve your oral health. Your implant-supported restoration relies on a series of implant screws that are situated deep within the jawbone. These implant screws mimic the root component of a tooth and provide the physical stimulation necessary to prevent your bone from deteriorating. Your implant will also prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of their proper positions. .
How Do Multiple Dental Implants Work?
Multiple dental implants are largely successful thanks to the process of osseointegration. Osseointegration occurs when the implant screw, typically made of titanium, fuses to the bone in your jaw to create a powerful bond. This bond can support your restoration against the most powerful forces of your bite.
The number of implants you receive depends on the type of restoration.This portion of the treatment will be completed by your restorative Doctor ( your general dentist ). Most implant-supported partial bridges require an implant for each missing teeth. In some cases, a pontic, or false tooth can be suspended between two implants. Full-arch restorations are usually supported by 4-8 implants, depending on your circumstance and the type of restoration. Removable dentures and overdentures can be supported by as little as two implants to prevent your appliance from slipping out of place.
Does My Insurance Cover Multiple Dental Implants?
In the past, insurance companies would not cover the cost of dental implants. These days, more and more companies provide full or partial coverage of the procedure. In some cases, they may cover the cost up to that of a more traditional restoration. Talk with your insurance provider to find out about your coverage.
How Much Do Multiple Dental Implants Cost?
Multiple dental implants can be quite expensive; however, it may end up saving you money in the long-term. Other restoration options, such as dentures, need to be repaired, replaced, or realigned fairly frequently. These expenses can add up quickly. Implants have a proven track record and a success rate of 98%. Most implants will last for several decades before needing to be replaced. With the proper oral hygiene, your implant may even last a lifetime!
What Is the Process for Multiple Dental Implants?
The process for multiple dental implants begins with a consultation appointment. During your consultation, we will explain your diagnosis and possible treatment options. Once we have determined that implants are right for you, we will begin to develop a treatment plan. Most treatment plans are broken down into two surgeries.
During the first surgery:
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We will make several incisions in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone.
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Next, we will drill holes in the bone for each implant.
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Once each implant is in place, we will suture the incisions.
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For the next nine months to a year, the implants will undergo the process of osseointegration.
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Once that process is complete, we can schedule the second surgery.
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In the meantime, we may give you a temporary prosthesis to protect the surgical sites and improve the function of your teeth. |
During your second surgery:
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We will reopen each incision to expose the heads of your implant screws.
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Next, we will place an abutment on each screw. The abutment is a small support structure that links the screw to your restoration.
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Once the abutments are in place, we will take an impression of the area. This impression will be used to fabricate your final restoration. |
When your final restoration is complete, we can schedule your final appointment. During this appointment, we will remove your temporary prosthesis and check the fit and margins of your final restoration. Once we are satisfied with the fit, we will permanently attach it to your abutments.
What is Bone grafting and Do I Need it for Multiple Implants?
Some patients may not have enough bone in the jaw to properly support dental implants. If your bone is too thin or too soft, we may recommend a bone graft procedure. During a bone graft, a small amount of grafting material is placed on the bone to foster new bone growth. The grafting material can come from another dense bone area of your body or another person. It can also be harvested from another animal, such as a cow. Many grafts these days are done with synthetic grafting material. Some multiple implant restorations will require a bone graft, while others, such as All-on-4, utilize your existing bone structure.
What Are Alternatives to Multiple Dental Implants?
The alternatives to multiple dental implants include:| • |
Bridges: A bridge relies on your surrounding teeth to support your restoration. These teeth are capped with two dental crowns that are linked together by a pontic, or false tooth.
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Partial denture. A partial denture is a removable appliance that usually consists of porcelain or zirconia teeth set in an acrylic base. The appliance is usually held in place by metal clasps or precision attachments that are supported by the surrounding teeth.
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Complete denture. A complete denture is a removable full-arch restoration that rests on the gum tissues. Many patients find complete dentures to be inconvenient and uncomfortable. |
What Is the Best Solution to Replace Multiple Missing Teeth?
Over the last few decades, dental implants have become the industry standard for tooth replacements. Many consider them to be the ideal solution for multiple missing teeth. Your implant-supported restoration will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth! Talk with our doctors to find out if dental implants are right for you.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are interested in dental implant treatment for multiple teeth, contact us today, or schedule a consultation visit at one of our many convenient locations! |
