So, you have already had some dental implants fitted but you are worried about experiencing additional tooth loss in the future. You may want to consider your options, in case you need to seek dental assistance later down the road. We will discuss if it is possible to add dental implants after tooth loss if you already have dental implants.
How Many Dental Implants Can I Have?
In total, a patient’s mouth can hold 32 dental implants – one for each tooth. This ratio creates for a better distribution of tension when biting and chewing on food while giving adequate support to replacement teeth.
However, while one dental implant per tooth is best, they can often help support adjacent teeth. But only in cases where the patient has enough bone density and a dental bridge is fitted. Dental bridges can support several missing teeth and provides another option if the patient doesn’t want to have several dental implants if it’s not necessary.
Can I Have More Dental Implants Later?
Absolutely! As one dental implant can support one tooth, adding new dental implants will not cause any bad effects or differences in the overall outcome. It is recommended that if a patient experiences tooth loss, a replacement tooth is fitted as soon as possible.
When there is a missing tooth, the neighboring teeth can start drifting which can lead to long-term damage and ruin the appearance of the other teeth. It is also possible that opposing teeth can start loosening over time and result in receding gums. Gum recession will make it difficult for dental implants to be fitted in the future, so it is recommended to seek dental care early on.
If you are considering dental implants, our friendly and helpful team is ready to discuss your options. Give our office a call today to schedule a consultation.
