Implant-Supported Bridge
Dental Implants > Implant-Supported Bridge
If you are missing three adjacent teeth, you could be a candidate for an implant-supported bridge. We need two implants on each side to be able to replace the third tooth in the middle (pontic), resulting in a three-unit bridge. Implants and teeth are biologically and mechanically different. For this reason, we can't splint implants with teeth, meaning that the implant bridge needs to be completely separated from the adjacent teeth. You can have up to four teeth replaced by an implant bridge (if the missing teeth are next to each other). We try to avoid shaving your natural teeth down to replace a missing tooth with a traditional dental bridge. Dr. Lydia will explain in detail why replacing multiple teeth with implants is better than traditional bridges. During your implant consultation, we will explain the options for temporaries while we make your bridge. We understand that esthetics is important.