How many implants (minimum) are needed to support an upper arch dental bridge of 10 teeth?

If needing to replace 10 teeth on your upper arch, I would recommend 6 implants.  This would provide enough structure for great functionality and great cosmetics.  I would not recommend placing less than 6, because you would have an increased chance of implant failure in the future.  With the cost of implants these days, no patient wants to have one fail a few years from now, only to have to pay to have it redone, if possible.  I always tell patients to make sure that their teeth cannot be saved, prior to having them all pulled.  I know this may not apply to you, but you would be amazed at how many people have come to me for a second opinion on dental implants and I tell them that I can save their teeth.Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMD

For a fixed implant-supported prosthesis replacing 10 teeth (up to your second premolar), one may do all-on4, all-on-5, or all-on-6. The decision of number of implants is based on several factors: size of your arch, occlusion (bite), aesthetic needs, functional needs, amount of available bone, and expected chewing forces (strong or weak musculature). Your oral surgeon working with a prosthodontist or an experienced general dentist should provide you with recommendations on a design that best meets your needs.Dr. Kazemi

Many dentists suggest using 4 dental implants ( All on 4 technique) to support an upper bridge.  However, like a chair, if one of the implants (legs) is lost, the whole bridge no longer functions well.  It would always be better to place 6 dental implants if there is sufficient bone available when restoring 10 teeth.  It would be even better to have 8 dental implants if there is enough bone and the patient can afford the extra implants.  I have never seen a case  where a 10 tooth fixed bridge supported by 8 dental implants has failed.

I typically place 6-8 implants for the upper arch for 12 teeth. At my webpage there are several examples of implant bridges that I have done. The appearance of the prosthesis will depend on the amount of bone you have left and the position of your lips when you smile.  This is determined during your consultation.  The upper teeth are usually cemented like an ordinary bridge and feel very similar. 4 implants are what some doctors have done but I prefer 6 as a minimum.