If anyone has recently lost a tooth then it’s comforting to know that there are a variety of ways that a dentist can deal with it. One method that’s becoming more and more popular is dental implants. In Richmond and indeed anywhere else in the country despite the cost, over 10,000 are placed each and every year in the UK alone. However because they are expensive one of the first questions that many people ask when they visit a dental implant clinic is how many implants will they actually need.
The length of the restoration gap
When you undergo surgery for dental implants in Richmond, a patient needs at least 1.5mm of bone between the implant and the next available natural tooth. However if adjacent teeth are missing and two implants have to be placed side by side, then the gap between the teeth needs to be increased to 3mm. This is standard practice whatever clinic you attend in the country. The reason for this is that if the tooth is planted at distances closer than this, the bone may recede further causing the implant to become loose. If for example two adjacent front teeth are missing, then it may be advisable to fit one implant and then look to cantilever the other tooth off this one. On the contrary, if there is a sufficient enough gap to fit two separate dental implants, then this might be a favourable option.
Bone mass
If a person has many missing adjacent teeth then it could be that either six or eight implants are required. The reason that a definitive number can’t be given is down to the patient’s jaw bone mass. For instance, when there is an adequate mass of bone tissue, then 6 wider implants are likely to be a preferable option. If however there is less bone mass due to degeneration then 8 narrow (or mini) implants would be better. This is because narrow implants simply don’t need as much bone in which to be anchored into.
The load capacity
Another consideration to take into account if you’re considering treatment for dental implants in Richmond is the location of the missing gap itself. If for example the gap was at the back of the mouth, then two or more implants may be needed with adjoining crowns to take the load capacity of a natural bite. This is considerably greater at the rear of the mouth. In other areas where there are adjacent areas of missing teeth then strategically placed implants coupled with dentures may well be the best course of action.
Teeth grinding (Bruxism)
Finally for those people who suffer from bruxism, then it is always best to err on the side of caution and fit more instead of less simply because they’ll be needed to provide strength.
If you need any further information on the types of dental implants available, or to simply discuss your options then book your free, no-obligation consultation with Sheen Dental today. Call us on 020 8876 5277 or visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk today and put your mind at ease.