How Many Dental Implants Can You Get at One Time?
There is no set number of dental implants you can get at one time. However, some factors, such as oral health, may influence the number of implants you receive. The type of implants you're getting and the density of your jawbone may also affect the number of implants that can be placed simultaneously.
Full-arch and single-tooth dental implants are two popular options for replacing missing teeth. Full-arch implants may be appropriate for individuals with several missing teeth, whereas individual implants may be better for people with just one missing or damaged tooth. An experienced dentist can explain your options after a personalized evaluation.
Fewer Implants vs. Multiple Implants
Dental implants can support a single artificial tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire arch of teeth.
Full-arch dental implants involve placing four to eight implants in your jawbone, which are then covered by full-arch dental bridges. This type of implant placement is sometimes called “implant-supported dentures,” “all-on-4,” “all-on-6,” or “all-on-8” (depending on how many implants are used).
All-on-4 implants can be a great solution for patients with several missing or decayed teeth. The benefit of all-on-4 implants is that they can last up to 20 years with proper care, regular cleanings, and dental visits.
Single-tooth dental implants are an effective solution for replacing a single missing tooth or for supporting up to two crowns in a row. Single-tooth dental implant placement is relatively straightforward and involves inserting an artificial root into the jawbone and covering it with a crown. You can generally have several single-tooth dental implants placed simultaneously.
How Many Implants Do You Need?
A dentist may recommend one or more implants based on your oral health. If your treatment plan is to replace an entire mouth of teeth, including your upper and lower teeth, it may be best to do all the implants (generally four implants) simultaneously.
It can also be more efficient to anchor multiple adjoining crowns with only one or two implants rather than placing a separate implant for each crown. For instance, a single implant can sometimes support two teeth. Two implants can, at times, support up to six crowns. These implants will be placed at the same time and form what is known as an “implant-supported bridge.”
The patient's bone density also affects how many implants their jawbone can support. Bone grafting may be required to form a stable base for dental implants—especially if several implants will be placed.
Is It More Cost-Effective to Have Implants Placed Simultaneously?
Getting multiple dental implants at once is generally more cost-effective. This is because the dentist will only need to use one round of anesthesia and surgical tools when multiple implants are placed in one session. In addition, placing multiple implants at one time requires fewer dental office visits, which also saves the patient time and money, as well as consolidating the time needed off work for post-operative recovery.
Tips for Multi-Implant Procedure Success
After deciding whether you require a single implant or a full mouth of implants, it's time to prepare for your dental implant procedure. Your dentist will provide pre-operative and post-operative care instructions to ensure a successful procedure and optimize the healing process.
Following these instructions will impact the success of your dental implant’s integration into the jawbone. For example, your dentist may suggest eating soft foods for a while after implant placement. It’s also essential to maintain good oral hygiene after dental implant surgery to prevent infections.
Get the Grin You Deserve
Determining how many implants you need will depend on your oral health and the aesthetic outcome you wish for. While there is no limit to the number of dental implants you can get, certain factors—such as jaw bone density and your overall health—will influence the total number. If you need multiple dental implants, it may be beneficial to have them placed in a single session.
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is a powerful solution for total smile rehabilitation. More than 3 million implants were placed in the United States in 2019 alone! Not only do dental implants help with tooth functionality, but they also restore the appearance of your smile. Whether you need one implant or several, booking a consultation with an experienced implant dentist will take you one step closer to getting the beautiful grin you deserve.
