Whether you’re missing teeth because of trauma or oral health issues such as advanced gum disease, the key part you should focus on is how to replace them. Dr. David Rever will recommend multiple dental implants to secure dental restoration. This is the most natural option available today and focuses on your long-term oral health.
Dr. Rever is a highly educated and experienced Silver Spring, MD implant dentist. He offers many solutions to patients missing two or more teeth. Dr. Rever can plan, place and restore dental implants using advanced dental technology. Contact our local Silver Spring dental office today at (301) 637-0960 to learn more about getting many dental implants at once.
Multiple Dental Implants in Silver Spring, MD
Dr. Rever replaces teeth with a dental bridge or denture held securely in place by dental implants. During your consultation, he’ll decide how many implants you need after an in-depth examination of your mouth, gums, and teeth. Most dental restorations are held in place with two, four, or more teeth implants.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Several consecutive missing teeth can be replaced with a dental bridge using at least two dental implants. Your dentist or oral surgeon will place the implant posts in the jaw bone on both sides of the void. Then, he’ll fabricate and secure a custom-made dental bridge to the implants.
Another option would be to replace each missing tooth with a separate implant-supported dental crown. However, that option is more invasive and may need more implants. An implant-supported bridge is a better solution than a partial denture; since partials are typically less reliable or natural-looking. Learn more about dental crowns.
Implant-Supported Denture
An entire row of missing teeth can be replaced with a denture using up to eight dental implants. Dr. Rever will map out where the implants should be placed along the arch during the planning phase. The implants will be placed in their pre-determined location during a surgical procedure while under general anesthetic.
Implant-supported dentures offer more benefits compared to traditional removable dentures. They won’t slip around in the mouth or cause slurred speech. Many people have to constantly worry about them falling out.
Dentures held in place with implants are more comfortable and offer a long-term solution for patients missing entire upper or lower rows of teeth. This restoration has helped many people live better lives, giving them more confidence in their smiles.
Implant-Supported Partial Denture
Dr. Rever can design a partial denture to replace a few missing teeth on an arch that aren’t consecutive. It’s typically used if you still have healthy remaining teeth and just need to fill in the gaps. Two to four dental implants typically support them.
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What to Expect When Getting Multiple Dental Implants
While the process can take several months from start to finish, knowing what to expect at each step can make it feel a lot less intimidating. It’s not a single quick appointment, but a well-planned journey to rebuild your smile’s foundation. Here’s a straightforward, step-by-step breakdown of the entire process.
Step 1: The Consultation and Planning Phase
Everything starts with a detailed consultation. This is where you and Dr. Rever become partners in planning your new smile. He’ll perform a thorough exam of your entire mouth and take advanced 3D scans or X-rays. These images give Dr. Rever a clear view of your jawbone, showing its shape and density.
We need to make sure you have enough strong, healthy bone to support the implants. If your jawbone has shrunk since you lost your teeth, you might need a minor bone graft procedure first to build up a solid foundation. This first appointment is also your chance to ask every question you have and discuss the treatment plan and costs.
Step 2: The Implant Placement Surgery
Once your treatment plan is set, the next step is the surgery to place the implants. Don’t let the word “surgery” scare you. It’s a very common and routine procedure. We’ll use local anesthesia to completely numb your mouth, so you won’t feel any pain during the process.
Dr. Rever will make a small opening in your gum and then carefully place the small, medical-grade titanium implant posts into your jawbone. These posts are the anchors for your new teeth. After the implants are securely in place, we’ll close your gums.
For a few days after this surgery, you can expect some swelling and discomfort. But you can easily manage this with over-the-counter pain medication.
Step 3: The Crucial Healing and Fusing Period
This is the part that needs the most patience. After the implants are placed, you’ll enter a healing phase called osseointegration. This is a fancy word for the bone in your jaw growing right up to and fusing with the surface of the implant posts. This process is what makes dental implants so incredibly strong and stable.
They’ll become a permanent part of your jaw, just like a real tooth root. This healing period isn’t active, meaning you’re just going about your life while your body does its amazing work. It typically takes a few months, and it’s essential for ensuring your new teeth have a rock-solid foundation that’ll last for decades.
Step 4: The Final Restoration and Your New Smile
After Dr. Rever confirms that the implants have successfully fused with your jawbone, it’s time to attach your new teeth. Dr. Rever will take impressions of your mouth to custom-make your crowns, a bridge, or a full denture that’ll attach to the implants.
These replacement teeth are carefully crafted to match the color, size, and shape of your real teeth. Once they’re ready, Dr. Rever will securely attach them to the implant posts. The moment this is done, your treatment is complete. You’ll leave the office with a fully restored and working smile.
Multiple Dental Implants FAQs
Read answers to common questions about multiple dental implants in Silver Spring, MD.
Can I get implants if I already have a denture?
Yes, you can get dental implants even if you already have dentures. Many people with dentures choose to get implants to make their dentures more stable and comfortable. We can place implants in your jawbone to act as anchors for your dentures.
If you’re tired of wearing dentures, implants can also support a fixed bridge or individual crowns.
How many implants can secure a tooth arch?
The number of implants needed to secure a tooth arch (upper or lower jaw) depends on your specific situation. Usually, 2 to 4 implants are enough to securely hold a full arch of dentures in place. This prevents them from slipping and makes eating and speaking much easier.
4 to 6 implants are typically used to support the entire arch for a permanent, non-removable bridge. Our dentist will evaluate your jawbone, overall oral health, and specific needs to determine the exact number of implants you’ll need.
Will I be without teeth while my implants heal?
You won’t have to go without teeth while your implants heal. If you’re getting multiple implants or full-arch replacements like All-on-Four, you’ll leave the same day with temporary teeth attached to your implants. Temporary dentures or bridges aren’t as strong as the final restorations. But temporaries let you eat and smile normally during healing.
Is it more affordable to get multiple implants at once?
Yes, getting multiple implants at once can often be more affordable than getting them one at a time. Combining procedures means fewer visits to the dentist, which can save you time and money. You’ll also only need anesthesia and surgical setup once, which can lower the overall cost.
Can I get multiple dental implants if I have gum disease?
Yes, but you’ll need treatment first. Gum disease can cause bone loss and infections that make implants fail if you don’t address it. We can treat the gum disease with deep cleanings and antibiotics to get it under control. We can provide implants once your gums are healthy and your jawbone is strong enough.
Do I need a tooth extraction before I get multiple dental implants?
Whether you need a tooth extraction before getting multiple dental implants depends on the condition of your current teeth. You don’t need an extraction if your existing teeth are healthy.
But we’ll remove badly damaged, decayed, or loose teeth. We’ll wait for the extraction site to heal before we place the implants.
Do I need a dental implant for each lost tooth?
You don’t always need one implant for each lost tooth. If you’re missing one tooth, you’ll need one implant to replace it.
2 to 3 implants can support a dental bridge. If you’re missing all your teeth in an arch (upper or lower jaw), 4 to 6 implants can support a full set of dentures or a fixed bridge.
Is there a limit to how many dental implants I can get?
There’s no strict limit to how many dental implants you can get. But you don’t need too many implants to secure a bridge or denture. Dr. Rever will review your oral health and take X-rays to see how many implants you need. You may only need as few as four implants to secure a tooth arch.
While it’s rare to hit a true “maximum,” factors like cost, healing ability, and space in your jaw help find the right number for you. The goal is to give you teeth that work well, not just to count implants.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
Start the process today that’ll help you regain your oral health. Schedule a consultation with Dr. David Rever at his Silver Spring, MD dental office to learn more about replacing your missing teeth with multiple dental implants.
You can reach Advanced Total Dental Care to schedule your free implant consultation at (301) 637-0960, or you can schedule an appointment online.