Multiple Tooth Dental Implants
Explore implant-supported options for replacing several missing teeth, including implant bridges and removable prostheses. Learn how treatment is planned.
When several neighboring teeth are missing, dental implants can sometimes support multiple replacement teeth without placing an implant for every tooth. The design depends on the number and location of missing teeth, available bone, bite forces and the condition of the remaining teeth.
What is an implant-supported bridge?
An implant-supported bridge uses implants as anchors for several connected replacement teeth. This can avoid preparing healthy neighboring teeth for a conventional bridge and may reduce the number of implants needed compared with replacing every missing tooth individually.
What if many teeth are missing?
When tooth loss is more extensive, implants can also be used to improve the support or retention of a removable partial denture or full denture. In some cases a fixed full arch restoration may be considered. Learn more about full arch implant treatment.
How is the number of implants determined?
There is no universal formula. Implant distribution, bone quality, prosthetic span, opposing teeth, grinding or clenching and the type of final restoration all influence the plan. The most implants is not necessarily the best plan and the fewest implants is not necessarily the most economical long term.
What happens if there is bone loss?
Some sites can accept an implant without grafting while others may need bone augmentation or a different prosthetic design. Three-dimensional imaging may be recommended when it will change surgical or restorative planning.
Multiple-tooth implant planning in Palo Alto
Dr. Sharma can compare implant-supported treatment with a conventional bridge or removable denture and coordinate surgical care when appropriate.
Request an appointment to discuss your replacement options.
