Double Tooth Implant
A dental implant is a small cylinder, usually made of titanium, that is surgically implanted in the jaw and acts as a replacement root for a missing tooth. In many cases, a single replacement tooth, or crown, is placed on each implant, though in some cases, an implant can effectively support more than one replacement tooth. Sometimes, a single implant supports multiple teeth, while in other cases, just a few implants can support a whole row of teeth. Each of these options offers the same advantages as the traditional implant, providing a stationary and stable permanent replacement for one or more missing teeth. If you are missing more than one tooth, an implant-supported bridge may be the right dental restoration option for you.
While some common dental restorations that replace multiple missing teeth may rely on the adjacent, healthy teeth for support, implant-supported bridges use dental implants to secure and stabilize the dental bridge, which functions and looks like natural teeth. Dental implants also provide an added benefit in that they help to preserve the bone in the jaw; once they are placed in the jaw, implants fuse with the surrounding bone, helping preserve healthy bone and encouraging its growth. Without the presence of a tooth root or an implant, the bone can begin to resorb, which can lead to a visibly sunken smile or other visible defects. Additionally, removable partial dentures can be uncomfortable and can affect the wearer’s ability to speak or eat comfortably, and cemented bridges can gather bacteria that can lead to decay.
Dentists may choose to use one implant to support more than one dental crown for a variety of reasons. Primarily, dentists recommend implant-supported bridges to replace multiple missing teeth when patients lack adequate mass in their jaw, making it difficult to place multiple implants, or if the mass in the jaw is not consistent throughout; in these cases, certain areas of the jaw are better suited for implants than others, making an implant-supported bridge an ideal option. A consultation with an implant dentist can help you determine which dental restoration option is best for your needs. If there is gum disease present, this should be addressed and treated, in consultation with a periodontist, before placing any implants. Certain health issues may compromise a patient’s immune system and delay their ability to heal, and these will be discussed and addressed in an initial consultation before any implants are placed. If a patient lacks sufficient bone mass to place implants, bone grafts may be recommended; these are given time to heal and the newly generated bone is examined before implants are placed.
Once any pre-existing issues are addressed, the dental professional will place the dental implants in the jaw. These heal, over the course of a few months, integrating together with the bone and creating a stable support for the dental bridge. While the implants heal, you may be given a temporary replacement option. Once the healing process has completed, the tops of the implants are exposed from beneath the gum tissue, and the replacement teeth or dental bridge, which will be custom-created for your needs, is affixed to the abutments atop the implants. There may be a brief adjustment period as you become accustomed to the comfort, ease, and confidence a secure and attractive implant-supported bridge can provide.