Replacing Multiple Teeth

If you are missing several teeth in one area of your mouth they can be replaced similar to an individual tooth by using dental implants.  Depending on how many teeth are missing they can be replaced either with an individual implant for each tooth or with several implants providing support for multiple teeth, similar in concept to a fixed bridge. 

In contrast to a fixed bridge, an implant-supported bridge doesn’t require the modification of adjacent teeth and won’t decay.  With good oral hygiene and routine maintenance an implant-supported bridge can last a lifetime. 

It is important to try and replace teeth soon after they are lost – without functional healthy teeth in the jaw bone the bone starts to deteriorate.  Over time significant bone can be lost – creating a need for extensive grafting in the future if implants are desired.  With implants in the jaw they help to support the maintenance of the bone in the area and prevent age related bone loss in the jaws.