Implant supported bridge

[Alf]

Hi

I have three missing teeth after the previous tooth bridge fractured and was removed by my dentist. I am now looking into getting dental implants to replace the bridge that I used to have.

I have been given the option of an Implant supported bridge or three implants and three crowns on top of them by my dentist. But he does not place the actual implants, he says that I would have to see a specialist for the actual implant placement.

I would like to know what are the advantages and disadvantages of having implant supported bridges over separate dental implants with crowns on top of the implants?

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

The advantages of an implant supported bridge over three separate implants with crowns are:

1. Its difficult to shape the gum between three separate implant crowns but easier to do this with an implant supported bridge.

2. The cost of three implants is likely to be more than two implants and an implant supported bridge.

3. Its not always possible to place three implants in a gap, either due to space limitations or lack of bone availability.


The disadvantages of an implant supported bridge over three implants and crowns are:

1. More difficult to clean underneath a bridge than it is to clean between crowns. Some people prefer not to have joined up bridge teeth and wish to have gaps between their crowns, so that they can run floss through them.

2. If an implant which is part of an implant supported bridge fails, the whole bridge will be in jeopardy and will result in the loss of the bridge.