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Several teeth missing — implant-supported bridges

When several teeth are missing, the resulting gap should be closed again for medical reasons.

When several teeth are missing, the resulting gap should be closed again for medical reasons. Otherwise bone loss and misalignment of the teeth and jaw can follow. The bone quality in each case and the size of the gap determine exactly how many implants are needed. A major advantage of implant-supported bridges is that healthy neighbouring teeth no longer have to be ground down. Visually, too, implant-supported rows of teeth are the better alternative, because ideally they meet the gum cleanly.

Where several teeth are missing at the end of a row – the molars, for example – an implant restoration can provide fixed prosthetics. Closing such a free-end gap with implants is considerably more comfortable for the patient than living with the gap.

Several missing teeth — video

Answered briefly

Frequently asked questions

If the gap remains, bone loss and misalignment of the teeth and the jaw can follow. From a medical point of view it should therefore be closed again. An implant-supported bridge closes the gap without healthy neighbouring teeth having to be ground down.
There is no fixed number. The bone quality in each case and the size of the gap determine the exact number of implants needed. Several implants can carry a bridge together that closes the gap and ideally finishes off with the gum.
If several teeth are missing at the end of a row, the molars for example, this is called a free-end gap. With an implant restoration a fixed replacement can be provided in this situation too. For the patient that is considerably more comfortable than living with the gap.