Multiple implants can replace natural teeth and boost your smile confidence

When a person has multiple missing teeth, it can lead to a range of problems, such as difficulty in chewing and speaking, changes in facial structure, and a decrease in self-confidence. Dental implants can be a good solution. They consist of titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone, which serve as artificial tooth roots. Once these posts are securely in place, abutments are attached to them to connect the implants to the dental restorations such as crowns or bridges. In addition to addressing missing teeth, multiple dental implants also help resolve the problem of bone loss in the jaw, helping you avoid the sunken appearance of the face that can occur when teeth are lost and not replaced.

FAQs

How do multiple implants work?

Multiple implants replace several missing teeth using small titanium posts placed into your jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Over the following few months the bone naturally grows around each post and locks it firmly in place, a process called osseointegration. Once they’ve fused, we attach your new teeth on top, whether that’s individual crowns, a bridge or a denture, depending on what suits your case.

An important point is that you rarely need one implant for every missing tooth. A small number of well-placed implants can carry several teeth between them, which keeps treatment simpler and more affordable while still feeling secure and stable.
Am I suitable for multiple implants?

Many people missing several teeth are good candidates for implants, but a few things need to be right first, which is why we always start with a proper assessment. The main factors are the health of your gums, how much bone you have in your jaw to anchor the implants, and your general health, since conditions that affect healing can influence the outcome. Smoking matters too, because it slows healing.

The reassuring part is that these things rarely rule you out completely. If you’re short of bone, a graft can often build it back up. If your gums need treating first, we’ll take care of that before we start. If you smoke, cutting down or stopping around the time of treatment makes a real difference. At your consultation, we’ll examine your teeth and gums, take a scan of your jaw and go through your medical history, then give you an honest answer about whether implants are right for you.
Can I have multiple implants fitted at the same time?

Yes, it is possible to have multiple implants fitted at the same time. This approach is often preferred by patients who require multiple tooth replacements or who have several missing teeth in different areas of the mouth. Having multiple implants fitted simultaneously can save time and reduce the overall treatment duration. However, the feasibility of fitting multiple implants at once depends on various factors, such as the patient’s oral health, bone density, and the complexity of the case. We’ll be able to advise you further once we’ve examined your teeth and gums at the consultation.
How many implants will I need?

Fewer than you might think. You don’t need an implant for every missing tooth. Where teeth are missing in a row, two implants placed at either end of the gap can support a bridge that replaces three or four teeth between them. If your missing teeth are spread around your mouth, we might use a mix of single implants and small bridges.

As a rough guide, replacing a whole jaw of teeth usually takes somewhere between four and six implants rather than one per tooth. The exact number comes down to how many teeth are missing and where, the quality and amount of bone in your jaw, and the result you’re after. Some people prefer individual implants for each tooth, which cost more but are a little easier to clean between. We’ll take a 3D scan at your consultation and map out exactly what you need.
How much preparation is needed to fit multiple implants?

It starts with careful planning rather than anything invasive. We examine your teeth and gums and take detailed images of your jaw, usually including a 3D scan, so we can see exactly how much bone is there and plan precisely where each implant should go. Good planning is a big part of why implants are so reliable.

Some people need a bit of groundwork first. If a tooth still needs removing, or your gums need treating, we’ll sort that beforehand. And if there isn’t quite enough bone to hold an implant securely, a bone graft can rebuild it, though this adds some healing time before the implants go in.
Do dental implants feel like natural teeth?

For most people, yes, remarkably so. Because implants are anchored firmly in the jaw, they don’t move or slip the way dentures can, so you can bite, chew and speak with confidence and eat the foods you enjoy. Once you’ve settled in, most people simply forget they’re there.

To be completely honest, they aren’t identical to natural teeth. An implant has no nerve inside it, so it won’t sense hot and cold the way a real tooth does. In terms of comfort, stability and appearance, though, a well-made implant comes very close to the real thing, and it’s designed to blend in naturally with the teeth around it.
How long will my implants last?

With good care, the implant posts in your jaw can last for decades, and for many people they last the rest of their life. The evidence is strong here: around 95 in every 100 implants are still working well ten years on.

The teeth fixed on top take the daily wear of biting and chewing, so after roughly ten to fifteen years they may need refreshing or replacing, usually without disturbing the implants underneath. Keeping your gums healthy and your implants clean, and coming in for regular check-ups, is what makes them last. Smoking and grinding are the main things that shorten their life.

Replace

Multiple Implants