Often, a dental patient may think of a dental implant as a single-tooth replacement option. A dental implants is suitable for replacing a single tooth. However, implants can also be used in conjunction with other dental devices to replace multiple teeth that have been lost. Here are a few ways that dental implants can be used in a multiple-teeth restoration:

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are often fixed into place by the connecting of bridge crowns to underlying natural teeth. However, in some cases, the patient does not have enough natural teeth available to act as a stabilizing support for a dental bridge. In these instances, dental implants can be used to secure the bridge instead.

A fixed bridge that is supported by dental implants is fashioned in basically the same design as a bridge that is connected to underlying natural teeth. The false replacement teeth are located in the center of the bridge, and on each side of the bridge,  a dental crown is positioned. However, instead of the dental crowns being bonded to natural teeth, they are secured to dental implants.

Implant-supported Full Dentures

Full dentures are dentures that replace an entire palate of teeth. Still, a full denture may slip or move about as a patient talks or eats. This can be bothersome. A patient may even find him or herself avoiding certain foods or social interactions due to the embarrassment of a slipping denture. Dental adhesive may help keep the appliance in place to a degree, but there can still be a tendency for some slipping. The best option to secure a full denture is the installation of dental implants.

Dental implants can be installed inside the patient's jawbone to support a denture. However, since the denture will lie on top of the dental implants, the implants are not topped by dental crowns. Once the implants have been drilled into the jawbone of the patient, the devices are allowed to heal into place. After becoming completely secure, the implants can be fitted with a connecting mechanism that allows them to be attached to the underside of the denture.

The patient would still be able to remove the denture to clean it, but the denture would be held firmly in place when worn.

If you have multiple missing teeth and would like to learn about suitable tooth replacement options, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your area.