Often times a Dentist can make out how concerned people are about their oral health by merely counting the number of missing natural teeth. It simply indicates that the person is quite ignorant about his/her oral health. Removing a natural tooth is a big cause of concern and one realizes it only when a few more are missing. Dental implants offer an excellent solution for replacing multiple missing teeth. By placing implants strategically, a bridge or denture can be securely anchored, restoring function and aesthetics. This long-lasting option provides stability, preserves bone health, and allows for a natural-looking smile and improved chewing ability.

At this point, a person becomes more aware and starts searching for numerous options to replace multiple missing teeth! Today’s world is moving at a breakneck speed and people desire the best option for multiple missing teeth replacement. An option that is comfortable, fast, and long-lasting! And the answer to all these questions is one i.e., ‘dental implants’!

Dental implants vs dental bridges and dentures?

Patients with multiple missing teeth need strategic treatment planning and execution of the treatment too. A few years back a fixed dental prosthesis called a ‘dental bridge’ or a removable partial denture were the mainstay options for replacing multiple teeth. In cases of road accidents where multiple front teeth are lost replacing them becomes the ultimate task which requires many more procedures than just replacing missing teeth.

The dental bridges involve cutting down of the adjacent two healthy teeth for support. Also, after a span of like 9-10 years as the jaw bone underneath the bridge starts to wear off there is a spacing seen between the bridge and gum area. This spacing is an open invitation to food lodgment and further gum problems and tooth decay. 

Even though the removable dentures have improved by leaps and bounds in terms of material quality, the stability of dentures is still a big concern. Especially if the patient is still quite young about the age of 40 or 40 plus wearing a partial denture is troublesome. The working individuals always are on the search of a better option. Well then, dental implants it is!

Dental implants is a wise choice!

Why are dental implants the best option for multiple missing teeth replacement? Due to modern Dentistry dental implants have opened a new dimension of treatment modalities as compared to the conventional treatment options. Dental bridges or partial dentures require a lot of maintenance, which the patients are not very proactive to do. Hence, the need for replacement! On the contrary, dental implants require minimum maintenance and care. Daily flossing is all that you need! 

Dental implants resemble as well as services like a natural tooth. The screw or the implant part which is fixed in the bone function similar to a root of the tooth and the artificial cap serves like a natural crown. Thus, a dental implant is the only option close by to a natural tooth. It may sound very cliched but is a great booster to increase patient’s self-esteem. A tooth replacement option that looks, functions and serves like a natural tooth increases the confidence of a patient tremendously.

How do dental implants increase the chewing efficiency?

In almost 80% of the cases, the major missing teeth are the molar and premolar teeth. The principal function of any teeth replacement prosthesis has to be better chewing ability. Except for front teeth replacement what patients look for is to be able to chew and eat well since multiple missing teeth hampers the chewing ability of a patient severely.

Studies have reported that the chewing efficiency of a patient reduces to one-fourth to one-seventh level to that of a dentate patient. Studies have also reported missing teeth increases the risk of developing Alzheimers for this very reason. It simply means that a person with multiple missing teeth needs 7-8 times more biting force to chew food.

Removable dentures lack relative stability and support. Which means you never know when these dentures might fall of as you speak or get loose with time. Hence, the patients are more insecure, conscious, and less confident to enjoy food wearing dentures, especially in social gatherings. Conversely, dental implants provide a more stable, firm and sturdy platform to chew food. Dental literature states that chewing efficiency of patients increases greatly due to a firm and stable foundation provided by dental implants. Also, people report less systemic complaints related to digestion with the use of dental implants.

Cost of multiple teeth implants is not as high as you think

People are generally under the impression that multiple teeth implants are very expensive! But, it’s not completely true. Multiple missing teeth do not necessarily mean multiple implants. For instance, a patient with four missing teeth only requires two implants or a patient with six missing teeth might require three implants. The rest of the missing space is covered with a bridge over the implants.

It is similar to conventional dental bridges but the major advantage here is that the natural teeth are maintained in their optimum health. Thus, the cost of this entire framework is calculated as the number of implants placed and the number of artificial teeth/caps or bridge cemented.

Final words…

Dental implants are a great boon for patients. They help to restore the oral rehabilitation of a patient with multiple missing teeth. It is the treatment of choice for most dentists across the globe owing to its immense benefits to the patients. Studies have proved that multiple dental implants have a success rate of 90-95% over a 10-year period. Aren’t these facts enough for you to choose implants over any other tooth replacement options?

Highlights

• Dental implants have a leading edge over other conventional options like dentures and bridges for replacing multiple missing teeth.
• There is an increase in demand for placement of multiple dental implants in the recent years.
• Age of the patient, jaw bone quality, systemic health and type of implant are major determinants of success of multiple dental implants.
• Dental implants have a success rate of 90-95% but with proper care they can last life-long.
• Dental implants help to improve the appearance, chewing ability, speech and self-esteem of the patient staggeringly.