Dental implants offer a great alternative for patients who find it difficult to talk and eat from the slippage of traditional dentures.Because they fit tightly to your jawbone, you won’t have to worry about them slipping out and creating awkward moments. The only question is;
How many dental implants will you need to support a denture?
The amount can vary from two to eight implants per jaw. To find out how many you need, you will need to answer the following four questions.
Will Your Implants Be Inserted in the Upper or Lower Jaw?
The upper jawbone is softer, so more implants must be placed to fix the prosthesis. Generally, you will need at least four implant posts for a full upper denture. The lower jawbone is much denser, so fewer implants can provide more stability. In some cases, two implants may be all that is needed.
Do You Have a Strong Jawbone?
If your jawbone density is high, your dentist may place fewer long implants. However, if your jawbone has shrunk, you may need a larger number of shorter implants. This can increase the cost of your transaction. However, you can have a bone graft done beforehand to strengthen the jawbone and create a stronger foundation for the implants.
Are You Grinding Your Teeth?
People who make a habit of grinding their teeth (a condition called bruxism) tend to have larger jaw muscles as a result of all these movements. In this case, you may need more implants to fix your replacement teeth and reduce their chances of breaking from pressure.
Do You Want a Fixed or Removable Denture?
Some patients prefer dentures that remain in the mouth like natural teeth, while others like to remove their dentures so they can clean themselves. Generally speaking, a removable implant supported prosthesis does not require as many implants as permanently fixed in place.
As a result, the only way to know for sure how many dental implants you need is to schedule a consultation with your implant dentist. They can take a close look at your mouth and work with you to find a solution that best meets your needs.
