SEVERAL TEETH MISSING

Benefits with fixed bridge on implants:
In this case, when replacing three teeth in the far back of the mouth, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the only fixed alternative. Traditional dentures can't offer the same stability or function.
 

Having dental implants replacing your lost back teeth will give you new, unparalleled strength and stability that allows you to eat what you want.  It will also preserve your jawbone and facial appearance.

In this situation, implants offer:

• The only fixed alternative in this situation.
• A stable, secure solution that lets you eat what you want.
• Preserves your facial appearance and prevents bone loss.

Treatment:
After the initial examination, you can expect 4-5 additional visits until the final fixed bridge is permanently attached. It is normal to experience some minor bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissue afterwards. Any discomfort is usually treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day.
 

COURSE OF TREATMENT

INSTALLING THE FIXED BRIDGE– STEP-BY-STEP

The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult your dentist to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

1: Before the procedure Three teeth at back end of the mouth are missing. The only real replacement alternative is installing a fixed bridge. The bridge contains all teeth in one piece and is anchored on dental implants. Before the procedure, the dentist does an exam and takes one or more x-rays to prepare for the procedure.  At this time various preparation procedures may need to be completed, such as tooth extraction and, or bone graft.  If this is the case, it will be 4 months before the implants are installed.

2: Installing the implant First, the implants are installed. This is normally done in a single session. The implants will need 4 to 6 months depending on the area of placement to integrate with the jawbone before the next step is taken.  If you already wear a partial, it may be adjusted so that it puts no pressure on the new implants, allowing you to continue to use it.

3: Attaching the bridge The implants need to integrate with the jawbone before the permanent bridge is attached. This is normally done 4 to 6 months after the implant installation, depending on the arch in which the implants are installed. As the implants are buried at the time of placement, the implants will be exposed at this time with a simple, short procedure and parts will be placed to prepare the implant for a ceramic crown.  At this time, the general dentist will take over, and as with a natural tooth, take an impression of the area and fit it with the fixed bridge.

4: End result The new bridge will handle all the pressure that your strong, natural back teeth did. You will have a stable and secure solution that allows you to eat what you want. Do your usual dental hygiene routine to keep the teeth and gums around the implants clean and healthy.  Six months after the placement of your bridge, you will visit our office for a follow up at which time an x-ray will be taken of the implants to evaluate the bone level and the doctor will verify that the occlusion of the implants is such that any stress on the implants is minimized.

ALTERNATIVES TO FIXED BRIDGE

Removable partial denture This alternative is often perceived as uncomfortable and a bit complicated to use. Function can’t be compared to that of a bridge. This denture is made of plastic and metal, which affects its look. It is quite expensive to fabricate due to its many parts. However, the installation process is simple, and natural teeth are spared.