Multiple Teeth Dental Implants in Glendale & La Crescenta, CA
Several missing teeth do not necessarily require one implant for every missing tooth. Strategically positioned implants can support individual crowns or an implant-supported bridge depending on bone, bite and restorative needs.
Different Patterns of Tooth Loss Need Different Implant Strategies
Individual Implant Crowns
Separate implants may restore individual missing teeth when anatomy and spacing support that approach.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Two or more implants can sometimes support several replacement teeth without placing an implant beneath every missing tooth.
Transition to Full-Arch Treatment
When many teeth are missing or failing, a broader full-arch plan may be more appropriate than multiple separate restorations.
Use Implants Where They Provide Appropriate Support
The objective is not to maximize implant count. Treatment planning considers the number and location of missing teeth, available bone, remaining teeth, bite forces and the type of final restoration.
- Number and location of missing teeth
- Available bone
- Condition of remaining teeth
- Implant distribution
- Bite forces
- Restorative design
- Cleansability and maintenance
Plan the Replacement Teeth Before Finalizing Implant Position
Implant position should support the intended bridge or crowns rather than simply follow where bone is easiest to access.
Implants Can Provide Fixed Support
Implants may reduce dependence on a removable partial denture for selected patients who have sufficient bone and appropriate restorative conditions.
Avoid Using Healthy Teeth Solely as Supports When Appropriate
An implant-supported approach can reduce the need to prepare adjacent teeth solely to hold a bridge, depending on the clinical situation.