At 21D, the number of implants we use during full mouth dental surgery is determined by a combination of anatomical factors, the amount of healthy bone available, and long-term functionality requirements. Our approach is grounded in science and precision, ensuring that each patient's needs are met in the most effective and durable way possible. Here's an in-depth look at how we decide the optimal number of implants for each case.
Anatomical considerations
When planning a full mouth dental implant procedure, one of the key factors is the patient's anatomy. The amount of living bone tissue remaining in the jaw plays a critical role in determining the number of implants needed. Our goal is to ensure that the implants provide robust and long-lasting support for the full jaw prosthetic, which typically includes 12 teeth.
For instance, four implant sites are often marked out. These implants may extend close to or even slightly into the nasal cavity by one or two millimetres. While this may sound concerning, it’s not detrimental. In fact, this positioning provides a strong anchorage point for the implants.
What’s more important than the implants themselves is the quality and quantity of the bone between them. At 21D, we aim for a minimum of 10 millimetres of bone between implants. This is because sufficient spacing ensures excellent blood supply to the surrounding bone. Good blood supply is essential for maintaining the strength and durability of the jawbone and ensuring the implants remain securely anchored for decades.
Prosthetic perspective
From a prosthetic standpoint, spacing between implants is equally crucial. A full jaw prosthetic sits on top of the implants, and if the implants are too close together—say, by using six implants instead of four in a small area—problems can arise. Crowded implants create smaller gaps, leading to food entrapment. This can increase the risk of infection around the implants, compromising their longevity.
For this reason, at 21D, we don't use six implants when four are sufficient. While some patients may have heard that using more implants is better, this is simply not true. The number of implants is determined based on individual needs, and the decision is guided by a biomechanical analysis of all relevant variables, including the patient's anatomy and how the prosthetic will perform over the long term.
When more than four implants are used
There are cases where more than four implants are necessary. For example, pterygoid implants may be used. These are placed at strategic angles to provide additional support. When pterygoid implants are incorporated, the total number of implants increases to six, but the implants are still spread over a larger area to avoid overcrowding.
The decision to use pterygoid implants—or any additional implants—is a clinical one. It is not based on patient preference or request but on detailed calculations made by our clinicians. These calculations account for the anatomical realities of the patient’s jaw and the long-term performance of the implants.
A science-based approach to longevity
At 21D, our primary focus is not just on the immediate outcome but on how the implants and prosthetics will perform over decades. By ensuring proper spacing, optimising blood supply to the bone, and tailoring the treatment to each patient's unique anatomy, we provide solutions that stand the test of time.
Whether we use four implants or six, our decisions are based on meticulous biomechanical calculations and years of clinical expertise. This ensures that every patient receives a treatment plan that is not only effective but also safe and sustainable for the long term.
The number of implants used during full mouth dental surgery at 21D is carefully calculated to provide the best possible outcome for each individual. Our focus on anatomical precision, blood supply, and prosthetic design ensures that our patients receive durable, functional, and life-changing dental solutions. Whether it’s four implants or six, rest assured that every decision we make is grounded in clinical expertise and a commitment to your long-term oral health.
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