How Many Implants Are Needed?
In an entirely toothless mouthExcluding the wisdom teeth, there are normally 28 healthy teeth. However, not all missing teeth require implants. When planning a fixed prosthesis for a completely toothless mouth, we consider the upper and lower jaws separately. The upper jawbone is softer and more spongy in structure compared to the lower jawbone. When the upper jawbone fuses with the implant, it does not create as strong a structure as it does with the lower jawbone. Therefore, we always need more implants in the upper jaw.
To make a fixed prosthesis for a completely toothless mouth, we typically need 7-10 implants in the upper jaw and 5-7 implants in the lower jaw to provide adequate resistance and carrying capacity. In many cases, 8 implants are applied to the upper jaw and 6 implants to the lower jaw, resulting in a prosthetic comprising 26 to 28 teeth, depending on the mouth size and jaw structure.
The difference in the number of implants varies depending on the person's bone condition. Bone length, width, quality, sinus protrusion, and other factors may increase or decrease the number of implants required in a full jaw implant treatment. The important question is how many implants are needed.
In some cases where the jawbone is not of sufficient quality, a system called "all-on-four" can be used for the lower jaw in a completely toothless situation. This involves placing four implants at an angle, and then fixed prostheses and veneers are applied. In cases where the bone quality of the jaw is inadequate, a bar hybrid removable prosthesis can be applied with two implants. With new technologies, successful implant applications can be achieved in many cases where implantation was previously impossible. You can consult with us on this matter.
The number of implants required for a fixed prosthesis in a completely toothless mouth can be determined precisely after a panoramic X-ray and detailed examination. If sufficient data is not obtained for planning, planning can be done after a tomography scan. For more information, you can call us or make an appointment for an examination.
In the case of regional toothlessness
In the case of regional toothlessness, the number of implants required in the relevant area varies from case to case. The condition of your jawbone and the position of your healthy teeth are fundamental factors that determine the number and location of implants. Additionally, the desired prosthesis type may affect the number and location of implants. For example, in a case where four teeth are missing in a specific region, three implants may be sufficient, or two implants may be enough. After an X-ray and examination, the number and location of implants can be determined accurately.
For single-tooth gaps
it is generally more appropriate to place an implant in the missing tooth area rather than creating a three-unit bridge by grinding down the adjacent teeth. In cases where there is insufficient bone quality, the necessary reinforcement can be applied to complete the procedure. Over time, neighboring teeth may move towards the gap, making it difficult to apply an implant to the area. Starting this treatment shortly after tooth loss can reduce this risk and significantly prevent bone loss in the toothless area. The number of implants required is crucial at this stage.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIn all toothless areas with sufficient thickness and length of bone, implants can be applied. However, not every toothless area may be suitable and sufficient for implant placement. In order to place a screw tooth in a healthy manner, it is necessary to have a thickness and length of bone area that will surround the screw tooth in all directions and cover the volume occupied by the implant.
Especially in single-tooth deficiencies, neighboring teeth may move towards the empty space over the years and there may not be a space left for implant placement at a level that would allow the placement of implants in this area. In such cases, if the teeth are not restored to their old positions with orthodontic treatment, implant placement may not be possible and the only alternative is to make a prosthesis by wearing down the neighboring teeth. Patients who want to have implant treatment in a single-tooth gap should start implant treatment without waiting for a long time to eliminate this risk.
In cases where there are two or three missing teeth side by side, but neighboring teeth partially fill this tooth gap, a prosthesis can be made by placing one or two implants in the relevant area and covering the other parts as well. However, in this case, both implant planning and prosthesis planning are extremely important aesthetically. Otherwise, meeting aesthetic expectations will be very difficult.
It is possible to make a screw tooth bridge in the jaw areas where multiple teeth have been lost. For example, if the lower jawbone situation of a person who has lost all his/her teeth in the lower jaw is suitable for placing a screw tooth with the desired length and diameter, a 14-member fixed bridge prosthesis can be made with 5 or 6 implant applications. In other words, biomechanically, 5 implants can carry 14 teeth.
• Screw teeth can be applied in all single-tooth, multiple-tooth, and complete toothlessness situations. • In single-tooth deficiencies, fixed coating can be made on implants without touching the neighboring teeth. • In people with multiple tooth loss, fixed coating or bridge can be made on screw teeth without touching the neighboring natural teeth. • In regional toothlessness situations or complete toothlessness situations, fixed bridge coatings can be made with the help of multiple implants. • In people who use total prosthesis/palate and have complete toothlessness, the stability of the prosthesis/palate can be increased 20 times with implants, and chewing and speaking discomfort can be completely eliminated.
In cases where bone resorption is very advanced and bone quality and adequacy cannot be improved through bone strengthening and other surgical procedures, implants are not placed in the relevant area. In this case, in cases of multiple tooth loss, implant treatment may be possible by planning through the areas where bone quality and adequacy are more suitable. The need for an implant may also arise after the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth.