My dentist is recommending a six-tooth bridge to join two natural teeth with three implants and replace a missing tooth. It sounds drastic to me. Is it easier to get two dental bridges? Are there any concerns with having six teeth connected? I’ve asked my dentist the same questions, but he says my concerns are understandable, and it will work out well. Thanks. Eli from Newark, NJ
Eli,
Your dentist’s proposal for a fixed bridge that would connect two of your natural teeth with three implants is a somewhat debated area in dentistry. Natural teeth have a small amount of flexibility due to the ligaments that attach them to the bone, whereas implants are rigidly integrated directly into the bone. While many studies suggest that joining them with a rigid bridge can be successful, it’s a technique that, if performed, requires exceptional care to ensure the long-term health of your natural teeth.
An implant-supported bridge does not affect natural teeth. However, including natural teeth in the bridge can stress them because implants are rigid.
Furthermore, connecting all your front teeth within one large bridge introduces additional considerations.
- Rigid vs. Flexible Connection: Natural teeth move slightly; implants are rigid. Joining them in a bridge is possible but requires careful execution to protect natural teeth.
- Risk of Full Bridge Replacement: If a problem arises with a natural tooth or an implant, the entire bridge would likely need to be redone. Keeping these components separate could prevent such a widespread issue.
- Maintenance Challenges: Daily cleaning is also a concern because a single, connected bridge makes it impossible to floss between the individual teeth. Instead, you’d have to rely on a floss threader, which many people find to be tedious and time-consuming.
We question why your dentist hasn’t discussed the option of replacing the single missing tooth with an individual implant. This is typically the most direct solution. If budget is a concern, a removable partial denture (sometimes referred to as a flipper partial) could also be a viable and more affordable option for replacing a single tooth.
Dr. James Gavrilos, an accredited cosmetic dentist from Barrington, Illinois, sponsors this post. Read how he strives to give his patients the best dental care in Barrington.