Face
Dentistry
The number of dental implants required is often a concern of many of our patients that visit us from the local Bristol area and so we thought it would be a good idea to write a blog post regarding the number of implants which may be required in any given situation.
It is not possible to give a definitive answer about the number of implants however we can office and general guidance and advice.
This is the easiest one to answer, as replacing one single truth requires one single dental implant.
Depending on your exact situation we may use either one or two dental implants. If you have two implants then one will be used to support each of your new teeth, very much like a single implant but two of them next to each other. In some cases we can use a single dental implants and cantilever an additional tooth from it. When doing this we need to take into account your bite to ensure that there won’t be undue forces placed upon the implant itself.
Sometimes a dental implant dentist will place a single implant for each of the teeth missing. This gives the advantage that every two can be made to look individual and completely natural however in most cases we would normally bridge the gap between implants by suspending the new tooth.
The disadvantage with doing this is that the dental implants themselves have a tendency to support the surrounding bone, this means that in the gap between the implants this support has not been provided. In some cases this could lead to the false tooth suspended between the implants looking less natural as the gum results from around it over time.
It depends upon your own clinical situation, sometimes there is not enough bone to use a single implant for each individual tooth, sometimes cost is a consideration and sometimes there are other clinical considerations which need to be taken into account which will dictate the exact number of implants used.
This is where things become increasingly complicated. Many factors are involved such as:
Generally speaking though we would typically use an implant at either end of the span of missing teeth, with one or two more dental implants in between.
Every dental implant dentist is different and each dental surgeon will decide to restore your smile in a different way. Some dentists will place more dental implants than others. Generally speaking it is possible to restore a completely edentulous (no standing teeth at all) draw, on either the top or bottom, with only four dental implants.
Using four dental implants allows us to provide you with a permanently fixed dental implant bridge which screws onto the implants themselves. This dental bridge is not removable by yourself and the screws will be completely hidden from sight, it is however removable by your dentist for routine cleaning, maintenance and care.
It is also sometimes desirable to provide a removable denture instead of a permanently fixed bridge. Sometimes when all of the teeth have been extracted the bone resorts a considerable amount, this can result in a change in the shape of your face and perhaps additional lines and wrinkles around your mouth. This increase in the lines and wrinkles is caused by the lack of support which is naturally provided by your jaw, gums and teeth.
In order to fully replace this a denture can be used, a denture is preferable in some cases because it has more of the gum added to it to restore this support from your lips and cheek.
If we use a removable denture it will have clips inside it which audibly click into place over the top of the dental implants. This holds it rigid in your mouth and prevents it moving about. The advantage of having a removable denture is that it can be cleaned and maintained by yourself at home and the cost is often lower as there are fewer dental implants involved. Some patients also have an existing denture which they are happy with, sometimes we are able to convert your existing comfortable denture into an implant retained denture by simply placing the implants into your jawbone, waiting for them to heal and then inserting the clips onto the inside of your denture.
Evolve Dentistry are a Portishead-based dental practice offering dental implant treatments for the replacement of missing teeth to the local people of Bristol, Portishead and Cleveland. We offer a free dental implants consultation with our treatment coordinator to discuss your concerns and find out if implants are right for you. Call us today to book your free consultation.
😴 Can snoring affect your oral health?
In our latest Two Thirty video, Maggie answers a question many people don’t think to ask — can snoring impact your teeth and gums?
The short answer is yes, it can.
Snoring is often linked to breathing through your mouth at night, which can cause a dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth, so when your mouth is dry, you may be more prone to tooth decay and bad breath.
If you snore and have noticed dryness, increased decay or concerns about your breath, it’s worth mentioning at your next appointment.
Our reception team at Evolve Dentistry in Portishead will be happy to arrange a consultation if you’d like advice.
⏰ Smile hack: When you brush matters
Did you know it’s not just how long you brush — but when you brush — that makes a difference? Maggie shares an important smile hack about timing your toothbrushing properly.
Brushing straight after eating — especially after acidic foods or drinks like fruit, juice or coffee — can actually do more harm than good. Your enamel is slightly softened, and brushing immediately can cause wear.
Maggie explains the best time to brush and why waiting can help protect your teeth long term.
It’s a small change that can make a big difference to your oral health.
How do braces actually work? 🤔
In the latest video from our Two Thirty series, Lisa explains exactly how braces move teeth — and why treatment takes time.
If you’ve ever wondered how gentle pressure can gradually straighten your smile, or what’s happening behind the scenes during orthodontic treatment, this short video breaks it down in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, understanding the process can make the journey feel much more reassuring.
Watch the full video now and, if you have questions about braces, our reception team will be happy to help you book a consultation at Evolve Dentistry in Portishead.
Have you got an old filling on a front tooth that’s starting to discolour?
Andrea recently visited us to have a stained filling replaced by Richard — and she’s absolutely thrilled with the result.
In her video, she talks about how the old filling had become noticeable over time and how much fresher and more natural her smile looks now.
Sometimes it’s the small changes that make the biggest difference to your confidence.
If you’re unhappy with an old filling, contact our reception team to book a consultation and explore your options.
Thinking about improving your smile but not sure what SmileFast actually involves?
Richard Ford has recorded a short video explaining how the SmileFast process works and the benefits of treatment.
From digital smile design through to the final result, SmileFast offers a minimally invasive way to enhance chipped, worn or uneven teeth — with predictable, natural-looking outcomes.
If you’ve been curious about composite bonding or want to understand your options, this is a great place to start.
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel and contact our reception team if you’d like to book a consultation.
Life gets busy — we get it.
If your healthy mouth review has slipped down the to-do list, this is your gentle reminder 💚
We’re here to help you stay healthy, comfortable and smiling with confidence.
📍 Portishead | 📅 Book your appointment today.
