Multiple tooth dental implants replace several natural teeth and their roots with a more natural-looking, functional, decay-resistant option than a fixed bridge or removable partial denture. Fixed bridges and removable partial dentures rely on adjacent teeth for support, which can lead to additional tooth failure long term. Like with single tooth implants, bone loss is minimized, keeping the bone healthy and intact.
There are times when the implants can be placed the same day unhealthy teeth are removed, while other times the bone may need several months to heal before implant placement.
Temporary teeth are sometimes provided at the time the implants are placed and can be worn during the healing process. During the healing time, the implant and the bone fuse together to create anchors for the new bridge of teeth.
Once healing is complete, usually after several months, the final bridge is created to match the color and style of the remaining natural teeth. This bridge is attached to small metal posts and the implants.
This process prevents patients from having to deal with the inconveniences of partial dentures and the unpredictability of fixed conventional bridges.