Dental implant bridges are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. An implant bridge is supported by titanium dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone. The number of teeth that can be replaced with an implant bridge depends on several factors.
What is a dental implant bridge?
A dental implant bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth fused to a dental implant or implants. The implants provide stability for the bridge, while the artificial teeth replace the missing ones. Implant bridges can be used to replace anything from a single tooth to a full arch of teeth.
The steps involved in getting an implant bridge are:
- Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone.
- The implants are given 3-6 months to osseointegrate (fuse) with the bone.
- Abutments are attached to the implants to support the bridge.
- The bridge framework is created, with crowns to replace the missing teeth.
- The implant bridge is secured to the abutments.
Implant bridges are a more permanent solution than removable dentures. They also help prevent bone loss in the jaw, which occurs after tooth loss.
How many implants are needed for a bridge?
The number of implants required depends on the length of the bridge or the number of missing teeth:
- Single missing tooth – 1 implant is placed.
- 2-3 missing adjacent teeth – 2 implants.
- 4-6 missing adjacent teeth – 3 implants.
- Full arch of missing teeth (14 teeth) – 6-8 implants.
As a general rule, each missing tooth that will be replaced requires an individual implant. The implants act as abutments to support the bridge and evenly distribute the biting forces.
Factors affecting number of teeth in an implant bridge
Some key factors determine how many teeth can be supported by an implant bridge:
Condition of the jawbone
The quality and volume of jawbone affects the number of implants that can be placed. Those with healthy, dense bone can support more implants. Atrophied or resorbed bone may only allow shorter implant bridges due to decreased stability.
Position of missing teeth
The location of the gap in teeth also impacts bridge length. Shorter spans in the front can have fewer implants. Longer spans of missing teeth usually require more implant abutments for support.
Opposite arch condition
If the opposite arch has some natural teeth, longer bridges may be possible. With no natural teeth opposing the bridge, shorter spans are recommended.
Biting forces
People who have heavy biting forces or clench/grind put more stress on implants. This may limit the number of teeth that can be replaced in one arch.
Typical lengths of implant bridges
The typical implant bridge spans 3-6 teeth. Longer bridges are possible in the right conditions. Some common implant bridge lengths include:
- Single tooth implant bridge – 1 tooth
- 2-3 unit bridge – 2-3 teeth
- 4 unit bridge – 4 teeth
- 6 unit bridge – 6 teeth
- Full arch bridge – up to 14 teeth
Implant bridges with 10 or more teeth are less common and require excellent bone volume to be stable. Let’s look at some sample implant bridge cases.
Case 1: Replacing a single missing tooth
For a single missing tooth, such as a missing lateral incisor, one implant is ideal. The crown attached to this single implant will replicate the missing tooth.
Case 2: Replacing 4 missing teeth
If 4 adjacent teeth are missing, such as the premolars, 3 implants can support a 4-unit bridge to replace them. Each implant will support one or two crowns in the bridge.
Case 3: Complete arch bridge
For those missing all teeth in an arch, a full arch bridge on 6-8 implants may be constructed. The number of implants will depend on the quality of the jawbone.
This full arch restoration can replace all 14 natural teeth. The bridge is either screwed or cemented onto the implant abutments.
Can a bridge be placed immediately after tooth extraction?
Immediate implant placement into fresh extraction sockets is possible. However, loading the implants immediately with a bridge is not recommended. Implants require a 3-6 month healing period before being restored.
If you require tooth extractions, sockets must be thoroughly debrided and an implant placed for future bridge placement. Temporary dentures or a flipper can be used in the interim.
How many implants can be placed at once?
There is no set limit on the number of implants that can be placed in one surgery. The main factors include:
- Available bone
- Surgical time
- Post-op recovery
- Cost considerations
Placing more implants requires more surgical time under anesthesia. This can increase costs and recovery time. Many clinicians feel 4-6 implants provides adequate support for fixed bridges.
Those with extensive dental needs may require full mouth reconstruction over several surgeries. The placement of 10-12 implants per arch over multiple visits may be planned.
How Many Implants for an All-on-4 Bridge?
The All-on-4 implant technique uses 4-6 implants to support a full arch bridge. It was designed as an efficient solution for those needing complete tooth replacement.
This technique places 2 anterior and 2 posterior implants angled in each arch. The angled implants provide greater stability in poor quality bone.
All-on-4 bridges can have immediate tooth replacement if adequate primary implant stability is achieved. This technique enables a fixed bridge in one surgery visit.
Foods to Avoid with Implant Bridges
Implant bridges can last many years with proper care. However, certain foods should be avoided to prevent damage:
- Hard candies – can loosen bridge
- Ice – can crack material
- Sticky foods – can dislodge bridge
- Hard foods like nuts – puts stress on implants
Avoid biting hard foods on the implant bridge. Chew on both sides of your mouth evenly. Use care while flossing around bridge teeth.
Cleaning Dental Implant Bridges
Daily plaque removal is critical for the success of implant bridges. Bridges should be cleaned:
- Brush twice daily with soft brush
- Use interdental brushes to clean under bridge
- Floss around implant crowns daily
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash
- Have professional cleanings every 3-6 months
Make sure to brush the gums around the implants to stimulate tissue health. See your dentist if you notice swelling, bleeding, or loosening of bridge teeth.
Longevity of Implant Bridges
With excellent oral hygiene, implant bridges can last over 20 years. The implants themselves can last a lifetime in healthy bone.
Factors affecting the lifespan of bridges include:
- Oral hygiene – Poor cleaning leads to peri-implant disease
- Heavy loads – Grinding or clenching puts strain on implants
- Bone loss – Can destabilize the implants
- Bridge material – Porcelain may chip over time
Make sure to get your implant bridge checked annually by your dentist. They can evaluate the health of surrounding bone and stability.
Costs of Implant Bridges
Implant bridges are an expensive treatment, though they last long-term. The costs include:
- Dental implant surgery – $1500 to $5000 per implant
- Abutments – $500 to $1500 per abutment
- Bridge fabrication – $2500 to $7500 per arch
Many factors affect the total costs like the number of implants, bridge span length, materials used, and more. Dental insurance may cover a portion of the treatment.
Alternatives to Implant Bridges
Depending on your needs, some alternatives to implant bridges include:
- Removable partial dentures
- Full dentures
- Dental crowns on natural teeth
- Maryland or resin bonded bridges
- Orthodontic space closure
Talk to your dentist to determine which option is optimal for replacing your missing teeth.
Key Takeaways
The key points about implant bridge tooth replacement include:
- Each missing tooth usually requires one implant
- 3-6 tooth bridges are common
- Full arch bridges use 6-8 implants
- Bone volume affects number of implants
- Bridges should be cared for daily
- Implant bridges can potentially last decades
Consult a dentist experienced in implant dentistry to determine your best options. Advances in techniques and technology now allow for implant bridges to beautifully restore your smile.