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Replacement of Many Teeth
When replacing more than one tooth, the same rules apply as for single
teeth. However because the implants can be joined or splinted together
with bridges, it is not necessary to replace each tooth with an individual
implant. Guidelines for the upper and lower jaws are slightly different.
Lower – In the lower jaw, in order to replace all the teeth
with a fixed bridge of natural looking teeth, between six and eight
implants would be inserted. However, four or even two implants can be
used to support a denture which can be fixed or removable. As a general
rule, the greater the number of implants placed, the more fixed and
natural the teeth will look.
Upper – The bone in the upper jaw is less dense and therefore
generally more implants are required. In addition the natural teeth
are angled outwards and therefore require more support. For a fixed
bridge in the upper jaw, between eight and ten implants might be needed.
It is unusual to use fewer than four implants to support a denture;
these implants can be joined by a bar onto which a denture can be clipped.
1 and 2 above: Implant supported
bridgework on completion.
1 above: X-ray showing missing
upper teeth.
2 Lateral x-ray showing lack of
bone in upper jaw.
3 Lateral x-ray showing grafted
bone in upper jaw.
4 X-ray showing upper and lower
implants with bridgework.
Immediate Replacement of Many Teeth
In the same way that a single tooth can be immediately replaced by an
implant and crown, the same is true of many or all the teeth in one
jaw. With careful planning a patient can have all their failing teeth
removed, implants inserted as previously planned and a temporary bridge
attached at the same appointment. Therefore not only are diseased and
unsightly teeth removed but they can be replaced and a smile and health
restored in one visit.
» Next section: Bone grafting
