Where more than one tooth is missing it is possible to replace all the spacing with an implant supported bridge. It is not necessary to place an implant for every tooth missing.

The first x-ray shows two integrated implants prior to fitting a bridge, the second shows a four unit (tooth) bridge fitted to these.

The bridge is screwed onto the implants through the biting surface, and the screws covered with a tooth coloured filling material.

This means it is possible to remove the bridge if in the future the situation changes, and a different restoration can be placed on the existing implants.

In this diagram, a complete replacement of a denture is provided with three separate bridges fitted to eight implants. It is always a good policy to split up any bridge into smaller sections.

This means that if any one section needs replacing, it can be done independently of the rest.

It also allows for movement of the bone, the lower jaw distorts on opening wide, the breaks between the sections reduce the forces on the bridge