Implants: Multiple Teeth

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Why Replace Missing Teeth?

Many people, whether through neglect, trauma, bad luck or old age, will lose many or all of their teeth as they get older. Missing teeth can have a significant impact on your appearance, your self-confidence and your overall health.

Confidence

People with bad or missing teeth often avoid smiling and try to cover their mouths when they smile. They often avoid social or business situations because they are embarrassed about their teeth. Many miss out on important activities and other life experiences because of their bad teeth, missing teeth or their ill-fitting dentures. People with missing teeth often express a feeling of loss; that they have lost their youthfulness, or their ability to speak in public or to be active. It is only after their teeth are lost that many people realise that a healthy mouth is necessary for maintaining a good quality of life.

Health

Teeth provide more functions than just the ability to chew. They are also necessary for the health of the gums, jaw and other teeth. The effects of missing teeth can be detrimental to long-term oral and medical health.

• An off-bite relationship: Having gaps where teeth are missing affects the way the jaw closes. For example, an adjacent tooth may tilt or drift into an open space left by a missing tooth causing the opposing jaw line to have bite-relationship problems. TMJ (acute and chronic pain and problems with the jaw joint) may be caused by tooth loss. In addition, food can become trapped in open spaces, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.
• Jawbone deterioration: As soon as a tooth is lost from gum disease or an extraction, the supporting bone in the jaw begins to dissolve. This process is called resorption. The longer a tooth is missing, the greater the bone loss. Over time, more and more of the jawbone disintegrates until it becomes weak and noticeably smaller.
• Nutrition: As teeth are lost it becomes more difficult to eat and chew food. Studies have shown that 29% of denture wearers eat only soft or mashed foods and 50% avoid many foods altogether.

What are the alternatives to implants?

• A denture. This is a removable appliance, which generally feels bigger and more foreign in the mouth than implants do.)
• Porcelain bridgework. False teeth fixed in place, attached to the teeth either side of a gap. Bridges may put some strain on the supporting teeth.

The right solution for you

Your dentist will explain the attachment options available to you and help identify which solution is best suited to your needs. Please see diagram below for further information.