Two Missing Teeth. Space Too Small for Two Implants. Options?

Hey Amanda19,

There are several options for this situation.  If there are just 3mm remaining than one implant should be able to support both crowns.  The dentist can ask the lab to create a wax-up to give you a preview of the crowns.  If you are satisfied with the esthetics of the wax-up and the dentist thinks there’s enough bone to place the implant in the proper position then you’re all set.  In the rare instance where esthetics are compromised, orthodontics may be an alternative to move teeth in order to recreate space.

When you do not have enough  space for 2 implants there are few options that you might consider for an esthetic outcome. You can have orthodontic treatment to create needed space for second implant or close it, so you might not need it. You need to obtain orthodontic consultation to determine what would be the best for you. Another option is to place one implant ant make two crowns to fill the space. The best treatment option for you can be determined by dental specialist who will analyse your case and will give you the most favorable treatment option. Good luck

There's no reason that every missing tooth has to be replaced with it's own implant. The first question in doing an implant is always whether there is enough bone. As long as a comprehensive exam has been done, and the case well planned (by both surgeon and restoring dentist), a good lab should be able to make a crown that blends in well with the adjacent teeth. 

I would suggest to have an implant placed and a crown with a small extension to close the space.

Hi Amanda19

Its always hard to answer these questions without doing an exam first.  But if the remaining space after one implant/crown is only going to be 3mm, it is hard to imagine why one implant cant be used to fill the whole space.  Its not that hard to make a single unit crown look like two teeth.  Perhaps the dentist will have to work with his/her lab to come up with a creative esthetic solution, but it really shouldn't be too difficult.  And the implant must be placed really well.

Of course if the teeth are poorly aligned, the treatment might require some orthodontics (Invisalign) after extraction, and prior to implant placement.