Single implants vs. Implant Supported Bridge?

Question

Hello. I'm having implants which will give me abutments on teeth 6, 7, 10, 11 (hoping bone grafting can give me another abutment for teeth 8/9 which teeth have been missing for many years due to an accident.) Is there any reason why an implant supported bridge vs. single implants are a better alternative? My thought is if a implant cracks or breaks, it would be less $$ to replace one implant vs. a whole bridge of implants. Thoughts please?

Helen Carmenate, DDS · Answer

Your consideration about choosing between an implant-supported bridge and single implants for replacing missing teeth (specifically teeth 6, 7, 10, 11, and potentially 8/9) is a crucial aspect of dental restoration planning. Both options have their advantages and potential drawbacks, and the best choice often depends on individual circumstances, including oral health, bone quality, aesthetic concerns, and financial considerations. Let's explore both options:
Implant-Supported Bridge:Less Invasive: Fewer implants are needed to support a bridge, which can mean fewer surgeries and potentially less trauma to the jawbone.
Cost-Effective: Generally, a bridge is more cost-effective than multiple single implants, especially when replacing several teeth.
Stability and Function: Bridges can provide good stability and function, distributing biting forces across multiple implants.
Aesthetics: They offer a continuous, natural-looking replacement for multiple teeth.
Potential Drawbacks: If one implant in the bridge fails, it can affect the entire bridge, potentially requiring more extensive repair or replacement.
Single Implants:Independent Function: Each implant functions independently, so if one fails, it doesn't affect the others.
Easier Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining single implants can be easier than a bridge, as they allow for normal flossing between teeth.
Longevity: Individual implants might have a longer lifespan as they are not dependent on adjacent teeth or implants.
Cost Consideration: The initial cost is generally higher for multiple single implants compared to a bridge.
Surgical Considerations: More implants mean more potential sites for surgery, which might not be suitable for all patients, especially if there are concerns about bone density or other oral health issues.
Decision Factors:
Oral Health and Bone Structure: The condition of your jawbone and overall oral health play a crucial role in determining the suitability of either option.
Aesthetic Goals: Your aesthetic expectations might influence the choice. Single implants can offer a more natural look but require careful color and shape matching.
Financial Aspects: Consider the long-term costs, including maintenance and potential replacements.
Risk of Failure: While single implants offer the benefit of isolated repairs or replacements, their initial cost and surgical requirements are higher.
Recommendation:Each method has its merits, and the choice often comes down to a balance between cost, convenience, aesthetic desires, and your specific dental health profile. Remember, what's most important is the long-term health and functionality of your dental restoration.

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

If you have individual implants and crowns  and if one implant breaks or fails you need to remove it and replace it.   There are two factors to consider.  
First splinted implants are stronger and you are less likely to have an implant fail.  The problem with a failed implant is what you do while a new implant is placed.  How long are you without a tooth.

The fastest fix is to do a 3 unit bridge on two implants.

The other question is what if a crowns breaks?
With single implants and crowns a new crown is made and a temporary is put in.

You are more likely to have a single implant fail than a implant bridge.

With an implant bridge it is possible to section and replace part of a bridge or the whole bridge.

Not in your discussion is what is quality of the bone, how is the oral hygiene of the patient, can they afford the extra costs etc.

I prefer seeing patients in fixed bridgework to all on 4/6 restorations but they are considerably more expensive and can be an issue.

Leslie A. Nason, DDS · Answer

Hello,There are many things to consider when planning a cosmetic case involving dental implants. First, you have to have adequate bone to support the implants, depth, and width. Second, you have to look at the patients bite. Do the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth? Does the patient clench or grind? Third, does the patient have a "high smile line" also called a "gummy smile"? These are all factors to consider when designing the restorations for the patient. In my years of experience, rarely do the implant bodies break. The implant (body) is the piece that is seated inside the bone. The crowns or bridge (you are using the term abutments) is attached to the implant and needs to be beautiful as well as functional. Based on the previous considerations mentioned, it could be better to have things connected (tooth to tooth) or it might be ok to have the teeth each individual. The smile is not only the teeth but also the gum tissue, as well as the tooth length and width. I'm sure your dentist is evaluating all of these things to recommend the very best solution for your specific situation. The abutment is the small piece that connects the implant (body) to the tooth (crown or bridge). I tell my patients to think of the abutment like a trailer hitch. It connects the SUV/truck to the camper or the boat or a motorcycle trailer. If things are built correctly, I would not expect failure unless there is an accident or something unusual. I think this is a great question and worth exploring further with your dentist. Best of luck to you on this journey! Dr. Nason

Kerem Turgut Atasoy, DDS, PhD · Answer

Hello. In implantology, it is not a preferred method to place an implant for each tooth in order to eliminate tooth loss. This will prevent the cleanability of implant-supported prostheses and biologically damage the gum health. Instead, the application of implant-supported fixed prostheses made in bridge design will be more cleanable and this provides a more predictable success.

Single implants vs. Implant Supported Bridge?

Answers (4)

Answer: Dental implants for each lost tooth is not recommended

Answer: Dental implants for each lost tooth is not recommended

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Single implants vs. Implant Supported Bridge?

Answers (4)

Answer: Dental implants for each lost tooth is not recommended

Answer: Dental implants for each lost tooth is not recommended

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.