In Dental Bridges, Can 4 Abutment Teeth Be Enough for 6 Pontic Teeth?

asked 1 year ago by caret in dallas, texas
Latest answer by Daniel Melnick, DDS
Question viewed 401 times
Tags: bridge

I have continous 6 front pontic teeth including the canines. I still have 6 molars left. I had dental bridges and only have 4 abutment teeth for that 6 pontic teeth. Would that be enough? Will my 4 abutment teeth remain healthy? Also what should be done to keep the abutment teeth in good condition? How can i be sure there would be no leaks for food or water inside? Thank you very much.

6 answers to In Dental Bridges, Can 4 Abutment Teeth Be Enough for 6 Pontic Teeth?

Long Span Bridge Design

I would be very hesitant to use four teeth to anchor six replacement teeth. From a physics/force standpoint, this option will ultimately fail due to inadequate foundational support. A better long term option is adding tooth implants for additional support of the replacement teeth. This would protect the remaining natural teeth and assure long term support for the replacement teeth.

Daniel Melnick, DDS
Laurel Cosmetic Dentist

Long bridges or implants

What you describe is a pretty long bridge, even with double abutments. In the past, that would have been your only option other than a partial denture. The problem with long bridges is if one of the teeth fails, the entire bridge fails and needs to be replaced. Today you also have the option of dental implants. With implants, there can be either shorter bridges, or each tooth can be replaced by it's own implant. In this way, if something fails, you don't have to start over. The first... more

Paul D. Kantor, DDS
Cleveland Cosmetic Dentist

Long span bridge

I would be very hesitant to place a long span bridge as you stated in your question. The excess forces of eating would put excessive stress on your remaining teeth. I do agree with the other doctors concerning losing one of the supporting teeth would cause the bridge to fail. With such a long span, you are risking causing those abutment teeth to fail sooner, with catastrophic results. I would discuss all options with your dentist. Today dental implants are the treatment of choice in your... more

Fred Peck, DDS
Cincinnati Cosmetic Dentist

Replacing Missing Teeth can be Done Creatively

I would seek the advice of a prosthodontist. You have advanced dental needs so get the help of a dentist who has experience. You can look into copings on the permanent teeth that fit under a super structure to replace all your teeth. You should also talk about using Implants to replace the long span of missing teeth and leaving the good teeth alone. There are all sorts of options so do your home work.

Wendy S. Spektor, DDS
Bellevue Cosmetic Dentist

Long Span Bridge

Although it is common to replace the four upper central and lateral incisors with a bridge from canine to canine, bridges beyond that length are not advisable. This anterior bridge usually works because the canines have the longest roots and thus ample support in replacing the front teeth. Bridges to replace all six anterior teeth do not last and when they fail, it is catastrophic. A better solution would be to look at implants. My preference would be four implants... more

Marc Zive, DMD
Springfield Cosmetic Dentist

Long spanning bridges often exceed material abilities

As a general rule, anything more than 4 teeth is not a good idea. While a bridge might work for a short while (one year? 4 years?) when it does fail, it is catastrophic and likely all teeth involved will be lost. If not, a problem with a single abutment tooth involved will require the entire bridge to be replaced. Dental implants are likely the best choice and should be strongly considered.

Lance Timmerman, DMD
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

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