Multiple Tooth Implants

Dental Implants for Multiple Missing Teeth - Implant Supported Bridges

Do you feel like you’ve had bad luck with your dental health? Sometimes dental health can feel like the lottery. Some people are blessed with naturally healthy teeth. Meanwhile, tooth decay and dental damage can strike at any time, even when you try to take care of your oral health.

Modern dentistry has many innovative ways you can treat your damaged and decayed teeth - for instance, with dental fillings, root canals, and crowns. Unfortunately, there are still some occasions when decay progresses to where the tooth cannot be saved.

In these instances, dental implants provide a robust and aesthetically pleasing solution to missing teeth. Dental implants are inserted into the bone and capped with a color-matched crown. They look and function just like a natural tooth. Dental implants are the perfect solution for missing one tooth, but what happens if you have more than one missing tooth?

What are Multiple Tooth Implants?

Multiple tooth implants, sometimes referred to as implant-supported bridges, are the perfect solution for patients who have lost more than one tooth. Your dentist will screen (usually via x-ray) and examine the area for consideration. He will then be able to plan how many implant supported posts are needed to sustain the bridge. Typically, there are less supportive posts needed than replacement teeth, which makes the process simpler as well as more cost effective.

Your dentist will choose the location of the implant posts, and then design the replacement teeth to fill the gap. As with regular implants, the replacement teeth are comprised of color-matched crowns to give you a natural looking and confident smile.

How Do Implant Supported Bridges Work?

Like dental implants, you’ll begin your tooth restoration by scheduling a consultation to assess your condition and decide on the best course of treatment. The consultation stage will involve taking a full medical and dental history, as well as physical examination and screening tests.

Once the plan of treatment has been confirmed, your dentist will place the implant posts into your jaw. The placement locations will be predetermined to offer the best support for your implant supported bridge.

Then, the implant posts will heal to fuse to the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, becoming implanted into your jawbone. Temporary replacement teeth are often placed under the fusion of the bone to the implant has taken place. After the bone heals, we will place the final teeth. In some cases, same day implants are possible, but this would need to be something discussed with your dentist at the time of consultation.

Why Choose Implant Supported Bridges Over Traditional Bridges?

Dental implants are proven to be more long-lasting and secure method of replacing teeth. There are a number of reasons bridges and dentures are inferior to implant supported bridges, including:

  • Gums and bones can recede around a fixed bridge or removable denture, leaving a visible defects. Implants actually help to support the gum and bone structure.

  • Bone beneath the bridge can deteriorate, leaving your smile vulnerable to collapse. Again, osseointegration actually strengthens the bone, meaning that your smile should stay strong for years to come.

  • The cement holding bridges in place can deteriorate, allowing bacteria to penetrate the teeth than anchor the bridge and putting them at risk of treatment and irreversible damage. With implants, attachment is made using an abutment mechanism, meaning there is nothing to erode.

  • Dentures are prone to moving around in the mouth, making it tricky to eat certain types of food. Implants are completely secure and let you eat and drink normally.

Are You a Candidate for Multiple Implants?

Tooth implants are the most successful tooth loss treatment in the U.S. and are suitable for the vast majority of patients. Your candidacy may depend on both the strength and health of the bone in your jaw, and your ability to withstand the procedure. However, you will need to have a consultation with your dentist who will determine your viability for the procedure based on your personal circumstances.

How Much Do Multiple Tooth Implants Cost?


Although many people consider dental implants to be an expensive choice of treatment, studies show that in terms of longevity and convenience, the benefits of the procedure far outweigh the costs.

The exact cost of your implants will vary depending on the number of support posts and replacement teeth needed. This will be discussed with you at your consultation meeting.

You may find that all or part of the cost of your treatment is covered by your dental insurance, but you will need to check your policy information for exact details of what is covered by your plan.

Learn More About Implant Supports Bridges at Gables Perfect Smile

If you would like to know more about multiple tooth implants, make an appointment with Gables Perfect Smiles today.