Single Tooth, Bridge, or Full Arch?
How implant number and configuration are chosen — from one missing tooth to a full smile.
The number of implants is a clinical decision, not a preference. It reflects bone volume, bite forces, aesthetics, and long-term maintenance.
Single-tooth
One implant, one crown. The most conservative option, and often the longest-lasting.
Implant-supported bridges
Two implants can support three or four teeth, avoiding the preparation of adjacent natural teeth.
Full-arch (All-on-4 and All-on-6)
Four to six precisely angled implants can support a fixed full-arch prosthesis, restoring a complete smile without a removable denture.
The maintenance conversation
More implants mean more surface area to clean. Every configuration demands a maintenance plan — professional and at home — designed for that specific case.
Medically reviewed
Reviewed and edited by Dr. Marianna Zadov, DDS. Last updated August 2026.
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