How Many Dental Implants Can I Get at Once?

Posted by AllSmiles

Something did not seem right with the conversation I had with my dentist today about decay beneath my crowns and how many dental implants I can get at once. I got three dental crowns in 2001, and one broke last week. After taking x-rays, my dentist said the tooth beneath the crown was decayed and damaged, and the other two teeth are decayed beneath the crowns. She said that bacteria were probably leaking beneath the crowns. I switched to this dentist in July, so I would not think of blaming her for the leakage issue, but I don’t understand her resolution. My dentist wants to remove the tooth where the crown broke and give me a dental bridge. She also said the other two teeth are compromised, and if root canals don’t work, I may need extractions and one bridge for them because the teeth are side-by-side.

I asked my dentist about implants, and she said that three implants at once are not a good idea, but she could easily do two dental bridges. When I asked my dentist if she does implants, she just repeated her statement that three implants at once are not a good idea. I am skeptical about my dentist’s response, and I do not want two dental bridges and grinding down my teeth unnecessarily.

Since I am not attached to this dentist, I will gladly switch, but I am curious about her position on dental implants. I wonder if she doesn’t know how to implants or wants to keep the business in her office and not have to refer me for implant surgery. How many dental implants can I get at once? – Thank you. Jessica from Plymouth, MA

Jessica,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Walden would need to examine your teeth and crowns and take x-rays for an accurate diagnosis. Still, some dentists seem eager to remove teeth, although it is best to save teeth that do not compromise oral health.

How Many Dental Implants Can You Get at Once?

You can get multiple dental implants at once and are not limited to one. Each patient’s case is different, and a skilled implant dentist would explain why you might need to complete treatment in phases.

If you require teeth extractions, an implant dentist may recommend completing the extractions and implants on the same day.

The benefits of immediate placement include the following:

• Tooth roots stimulate your jawbone.
• Your jawbone shrinks where a tooth is missing.
• Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that stimulate the bone and prevent shrinkage.
• If you wait too long for dental implants, the bone can shrink, and you may require bone grafting before implant placement.
• Missing teeth cause adjacent teeth to drift and cause misalignment.

How Do Dental Implants Compare to a Bridge?

Dental implants have several advantages over a bridge:

• Dental implants can last 20 years, even a lifetime, while a well-made bridge can last seven to ten years.
• Unlike a dental bridge, implants do not require shaving down healthy teeth for support.
• You do not need special flossing techniques for implants. Take care of them as you would your natural teeth.

Request a Consultation with an Implant Dentist

We recommend scheduling a consultation with an advanced implant dentist to examine your dental crowns, teeth, and x-rays.

How will you benefit from a dental implant consultation?

• The implant dentist can explain possible treatment options but will eventually need to complete an exam to ensure an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
• If you need dental implants, after a 3-D CT scan, the dentist will develop a treatment plan and explain how many dental implants you can get at once.
• Your teeth may be savable, and getting a second opinion can help determine the best approach.

 

Chandler, Arizona, dentist Dr. William Walden sponsors this post.