Can a Bridge Be Made on an Implant and Connect to a Tooth

Under no circumstances should you use an implant in the first molar position as an anchor for a bridge connecting a wisdom tooth.  This is contraindicated and is a situation that is set up to fail.  The chewing forces are too strong that far back in the mouth to try this.  Natural teeth flex slightly when chewing due to the periodontal ligament that attaches teeth to bone.  Dental implants do not have this ligament and do not flex when chewing forces are applied.  Over time too much force would be placed on the implant causing the bridge and ultimately the implant to fail. Not a good idea!

Especially a third molar.  Dentists that push the limits of accepted methods and techniques usually do so in low risk areas, in this case in the anterior.  Bite forces increase as you go further back, and the forces on the third molar would stress the bridge, the implant and the bone supporting it all.

It always comes down to, "just because you can, doesn't mean you should."  If you want your investment to last as long as possible, this is a high risk option.  Some people are ok with spending the money on things like this knowing that it may not last as long as alternatives.

As stated elsewhere, this is a controversial approach among dentists.  Some say it is ok, some do not, but even the ones that say it is ok would likely NOT do it if it involved a third molar.

Hi,

Connecting the third molar (natural tooth) to first molar (implant) is not recommended for the following reasons:

1. implants and natural teeth have different type of connection to the bone and there are reports to suggest problems in long term.

2. Third molars are highly prone to gum disease and decay and often require extraction for best hygiene access. Its use to support a bridge is not recommended.

3. Upper back area has the high forces of chewing and bone quality is usually thinner than other areas. Best design is one implant per missing tooth. Even implant bridges are not recommended in this area.

Hope this is helpful

Dr.  Kazemi