ALL TEETH MISSING

Benefits of a fixed bridge on implants

When all teeth are missing or in such condition that they need to be replaced, a fixed bridge or denture can be anchored on 4-6 implants in one day.

Before dental implants, there were no fixed solutions available for people who lost all their teeth. Today, it is possible to replace a full jaw with dental implants and a fixed bridge that results in a permanent, stable and highly esthetic solution.

• Allows you to eat and function as if you have natural teeth
• A solid, stable solution that will serve you for life
• Preserves your facial appearance and prevents further bone loss 
  

Benefits of ALL - ON - 4 Implant Procedure

This term refers to a permanent solution for patients when all the permanent teeth have to be extracted due to advanced periodontal disease and or severely broken down teeth.  Four to six implants are place in one jaw at the time of the extractions. Then a prosthesis is screwed on to the implants and the patient walks out of the office the same day with teeth. Several months of healing are necessary before this temporary prosthesis is converted to the permanent one. Four to six implants will support an arch of 10-14 teeth. Dr. Miller works closely with your dentist or a prosthodontist who is a specialist in replacement of teeth.

Treatment:

The treatment procedure and number of visits is largely dependent on specific conditions. Your case is planned with your restorative dentist and Dr. Miller on a computer using your 3D scan that was taken. A surgical guide is fabricated in the laboratory which helps Dr. Miller plan the placement of your implants. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated.

COURSE OF TREATMENT

PLACEMENT THE FIXED BRIDGE– STEP-BY-STEP

The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult with Dr. Miller to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.

1: Before the procedure
Dr. Miller determines what needs to be done and prepares the patient for the coming treatment procedure.

2: Placement of the implants
After the implants are placed, your restorative dentist attaches temporary teeth that are screwed on to the dental implants.  You leave my practice with teeth that are stable and allowed to heal for several months.

3: Attaching the bridge
The final bridge will be fabricated by your dentist in about 4-6 months. With a full jaw replacement like this, it normally takes several visits to have the permanent restoration complete. Maintenance of this restoration is just as important as having your teeth present. Although you will never get decay, periodontal disease is possible around implants and must be maintained regularly.

4: End result
Your new teeth should be hard to tell from natural – both for you and others. People who have had traditional dentures before getting a fixed bridge often describe this as an overwhelming and very positive experience.

ALTERNATIVES TO A FIXED BRIDGE

An alternative to a fixed bridge is a removable overdenture, which is anchored on implants. The old fashioned denture still has advantages but will fit much better if there are four or more implants supporting this prosthesis.

Removable, implant anchored overdenture
A removable full denture that is connected to either a ball or bar attachment, which in turn is anchored on two or more implants in the front or back part of the jaw. 

The implants help keep the denture in place and provide better function and comfort. Cost is usually the reason why this solution is chosen over a fixed bridge – although the end result can’t be compared.

Removable full denture
A denture that is loosely placed on top of the gum to cover the missing teeth. This alternative has no real advantages – except for its low price and easy installation. 

The disadvantages are many: discomfort in eating, poor esthetics, affected speech, and sore gums from denture movement. Moreover, a full denture placed in the upper jaw severely reduces the sense of taste.