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.
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Book An Introduction Call Can you spot the odd object? 🔍
This summer, we’re proud to be taking part in the RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station Spot the Odd Object trail! 🚤❤️
From 25 July to 29 August, explore Portishead, visit participating businesses and see if you can spot the mystery object hidden in each window - including ours here at Evolve Dentistry!
Not only is it a great way to enjoy a family day out, but every £5 entry helps support the incredible volunteers at RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station, who work tirelessly to help keep people safe at sea.
📍 Visit our practice and see if you can find our hidden object.
👀 Don’t forget to complete your entry form for your chance to win one of the fantastic cash prizes!
If you take part, we’d love to see your photos - tag Evolve Dentistry and let us know when you’ve found our mystery object!
Good luck… and happy spotting! 🔎💙
#Portishead #RNLI #SpotTheOddObject #SupportLocal #FamilyFun #EvolveDentistry #PortisheadEvents #SummerHolidays
Will composite bonding damage my teeth?
It’s a common concern, especially for patients who want to improve their smile while protecting their natural teeth.
The good news is that composite bonding is often one of the most conservative cosmetic dental treatments available. In many cases, little or no preparation of the tooth is required, meaning your natural tooth structure can be preserved.
Composite bonding can be used to improve the appearance of:
✔ Chipped teeth
✔ Small gaps between teeth
✔ Uneven tooth shapes
✔ Worn edges
✔ Minor imperfections
Because the treatment is minimally invasive, many patients choose composite bonding when they want to enhance their smile without significant changes to their natural teeth.
Every smile is unique, so we’ll always discuss your options and explain exactly what’s involved before any treatment begins.
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #compositebonding #smilemakeovers #cosmeticdentistry #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #smiledesign #bonding #confidentsmile #cosmeticsmile
Reading comments like this reminds us why we do what we do.
Helping people feel comfortable and cared for is just as important as providing great dentistry.
Thank you for your kind words.
You could be grinding your teeth every night… without even knowing it. 😴
Many people assume they’d know if they were clenching or grinding their teeth.
In reality, most don’t.
As Richard explains, while we’re asleep our brains continue processing the events and stresses of the day. For some people, that stress is released through clenching or grinding their teeth - but because the part of the brain that would normally recognise it is effectively switched off during sleep, we often have no idea it’s happening.
Over time, tooth grinding can contribute to:
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Morning headaches
• Sensitive teeth
• Disrupted sleep
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s worth mentioning them at your next appointment. We can look for the signs of tooth grinding and discuss ways to help protect your teeth before more damage occurs.
Have you ever been told you grind your teeth, or has someone heard you doing it while you sleep?
#ToothGrinding #Bruxism #HealthySmile #DentalHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
✨ Looking for a role where people matter?
We’re searching for a new Front of House Team Member to join our award-winning team at Evolve Dentistry.
This isn’t just about answering the phone or booking appointments.
It’s about creating the kind of welcome that makes people feel relaxed from the moment they walk through our doors. It’s remembering the little things, taking pride in every interaction and helping deliver an experience that patients genuinely talk about.
If you’re warm, organised, love looking after people and enjoy being part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.
Experience in dentistry isn’t essential. We’re looking for the right person with the right attitude - someone who genuinely enjoys making a difference to someone’s day.
If that sounds like you, or someone you know, we’d love to hear from you - hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk
📍 Portishead
💙 Award-winning team culture
☕ Every patient welcomed like a guest
Please share this post with anyone who might be the perfect fit.
🚦 Travelling to Evolve? Please allow a little extra time.
If you’re visiting us over the next few weeks, please be aware that there are temporary traffic lights on the Portbury Hundred until 10th August, which are causing delays, particularly at busier times of the day.
We’d hate for your journey to add any unnecessary stress, so if you have an appointment with us, we’d recommend allowing a little extra travel time.
If you think you may be delayed, please give our reception team a call and we’ll do everything we can to help.
Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you to the practice. 💙
“Great patient focus and excellent staff and facilities.”
Those few words mean a great deal to us.
Because creating an exceptional experience isn’t just about modern facilities - it’s about making every person who walks through our doors feel welcomed, listened to and genuinely cared for.
Every interaction matters, from your first phone call to the moment you leave the practice.
Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback in our recent patient survey. Your kind words remind us why we do what we do, and inspire us to keep making every experience the best that it can be. 💙
#EvolveDentistry #PatientExperience #PatientFeedback #Portishead #Compassion #ExceptionalCare