Dental Implants for Multiple Missing Teeth Penrith
Replacing Several Missing Teeth with Dental Implants
If you have several missing teeth, dental implants can be used to support individual crowns or an implant-supported bridge.
At Best Western Dental Centre in Penrith, Dr Nathan Le provides implant treatment for multiple missing teeth using 3D CBCT imaging and digital implant planning.
Importantly, replacing several teeth does not necessarily mean placing one implant for every missing tooth. In suitable cases, two or more implants can support a fixed bridge replacing several teeth.
Treatment is individually planned according to the number and position of missing teeth, available jawbone, gum tissues, neighbouring teeth and your bite.
REQUEST A DENTAL IMPLANT CONSULTATION
What Is an Implant-Supported Bridge?
An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants to support two or more replacement teeth.
When several adjacent teeth are missing, implants can be placed at selected positions and connected by a fixed dental bridge.
This can allow several missing teeth to be replaced without placing an implant beneath every individual replacement tooth.
The appropriate number and position of implants depends on factors such as:
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number and location of missing teeth
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available jawbone
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bite forces
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opposing teeth
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length and design of the bridge
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condition of the gums and surrounding tissues
The implant arrangement is therefore planned for the individual patient rather than using the same configuration for everyone.
Do I Need One Implant for Every Missing Tooth?
Usually not.
When several adjacent teeth are missing, an appropriately designed implant bridge may allow multiple teeth to be supported by fewer implants.
For example, in some situations, two implants may support a bridge replacing three teeth.
However, this is only an example. It does not mean two implants are appropriate for every three-tooth space.
The number and position of implants need to be planned according to the location of the missing teeth, available bone, bite forces and design of the proposed bridge.
When May an Implant Bridge Be Suitable?
An implant-supported bridge may be considered when:
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two or more adjacent teeth are missing
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several teeth cannot reasonably be restored
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teeth have been lost because of decay, periodontal disease or trauma
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a removable partial denture is difficult to tolerate
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you would like to investigate a fixed replacement for several missing teeth
An implant bridge may also allow missing teeth to be replaced without preparing neighbouring natural teeth to support a conventional bridge.
However, dental implants are not automatically the best option for every patient. The remaining teeth, available bone, gums, bite and overall dental condition need to be assessed.
What Other Options Are Available?
Depending on your individual situation, options for several missing teeth may include:
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an implant-supported bridge
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individual dental implants and crowns
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a conventional tooth-supported bridge
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a removable partial denture
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orthodontic treatment in selected situations
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accepting some spaces where clinically appropriate
If most or all of the teeth in one jaw are missing or failing, full-arch dental implant treatment may also be considered.
Dr Le can discuss the advantages and limitations of the options appropriate for your situation.
Learn more about Full-Arch Dental Implants & All-on-4
Will I Need Bone or Gum Grafting?
Not everyone requires grafting.
When teeth have been missing for some time, the jawbone in those areas can reduce in width or height.
Depending on your individual situation, bone grafting, sinus lift or gum grafting may sometimes be required as part of implant treatment.
For missing upper back teeth, the position of the maxillary sinus can also affect the amount of bone available for implant placement.
Clinical examination and 3D CBCT imaging help determine whether additional procedures may be required.
Learn more about Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift Procedures
3D CBCT and Digital Implant Planning
When several implants are being used to support a bridge, their positions need to be planned in relation to both the available jawbone and the proposed replacement teeth.
At Best Western Dental Centre, CBCT 3D imaging is used to assess the available bone and relevant anatomical structures.
Digital planning allows the proposed implant positions and replacement teeth to be considered together.
For suitable cases, guided implant surgery may also be used to help transfer the digitally planned implant positions to the mouth.
Learn more about 3D Guided Dental Implant Surgery
What Does Treatment Involve?
Treatment varies according to the number of missing teeth and your individual clinical situation.
1. Consultation and CBCT Assessment
Dr Nathan Le examines your teeth and gums, reviews your CBCT and discusses the treatment options that may be appropriate.
2. Treatment Planning
The proposed implants and replacement teeth are planned together. Digital scans, photographs or other records may be taken where required.
3. Implant Placement
The dental implants are placed into the planned positions.
If required, extractions, bone grafting, gum grafting or other procedures may sometimes be performed as part of treatment.
4. Healing
The implants are allowed time to integrate with the surrounding bone.
Where temporary teeth are required, the appropriate temporary option depends on the number and location of missing teeth and the planned treatment.
5. Implant-Supported Bridge
After appropriate healing, a digital scan or impression is taken and the implant-supported bridge is made.
The bridge is designed according to the implant positions, neighbouring teeth and your bite.
Treatment commonly takes several months, although the timeframe varies depending on whether extractions, grafting or additional healing are required.
How Much Does an Implant-Supported Bridge Cost?
The cost depends on the treatment required rather than simply the number of missing teeth.
Factors can include:
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number of implants
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number of teeth being replaced
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extractions
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available jawbone
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bone or gum grafting
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sinus augmentation
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implant components
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design and materials of the final bridge
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laboratory requirements
Best Western Dental Centre does not advertise one implant bridge price as though it applies to every patient.
Following assessment and treatment planning, we provide an individual written treatment plan and quotation outlining the proposed treatment and associated fees.
[Learn more about Dental Implant Costs]
Looking After an Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge requires regular cleaning and professional maintenance.
Plaque can accumulate around the implants and underneath the bridge, so these areas need to be cleaned effectively.
Regular home care and professional dental reviews are important for maintaining the health of the implants, gums and surrounding bone.
Learn more about How to Look After Dental Implants
Implant Treatment with Dr Nathan Le
Dental implant treatment at Best Western Dental Centre is provided by Dr Nathan Le (B.D.S., University of Sydney, 1999).
Dr Le has undertaken postgraduate education in implant dentistry in Australia and internationally, including training in implant surgery, bone grafting, soft-tissue management and digitally planned implant treatment.
Our Penrith practice has CBCT 3D imaging and digital implant planning available for implant assessment and treatment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Implant Bridges
Do I need one implant for every missing tooth?
Not necessarily.
Several replacement teeth can sometimes be supported by fewer implants using an implant-supported bridge. The appropriate number depends on the location of the missing teeth, available bone, bite and bridge design.
Can two implants replace three missing teeth?
In selected situations, two implants can support a three-tooth implant bridge.
However, this arrangement is not appropriate for every patient or every location in the mouth. The number and position of implants need to be individually planned.
Is an implant-supported bridge fixed or removable?
An implant-supported bridge is generally fixed to the implants and is not removed by the patient.
It may be removed by a dental professional when clinically required.
How long does an implant bridge last?
Dental implants and implant bridges are intended as long-term treatment, but they cannot be guaranteed to last for a particular number of years.
Longevity is influenced by factors including oral hygiene, gum and bone health, smoking, bite forces, general health and ongoing professional maintenance.
The bridge or its components may also require maintenance, repair or replacement over time.
Request a Dental Implant Consultation in Penrith
If you have several missing or failing teeth, a consultation can help determine whether individual implants, an implant-supported bridge, a removable option or another treatment may be appropriate.
Best Western Dental Centre offers one free dental implant consultation per person with Dr Nathan Le.
A recent suitable CBCT is required, and a $120 booking deposit is required to secure the appointment.
If you require a CBCT at Best Western Dental Centre, the CBCT fee is $280 and your $120 deposit is credited towards this fee.
If you already have a recent suitable CBCT and attend your appointment, your $120 booking deposit is refunded.
Following assessment and planning, we can provide an individual treatment plan and quotation for you to consider.
Request a Dental Implant Consultation with Dr Nathan Le