COMPLEX TREATMENTS

REPLACING ALL YOUR TEETH

If you need to have all your upper or lower teeth replaced a common desire is to have the new teeth be fixed in place (i.e. cannot be taken out). This is called a dental bridge. This dental bridge can be fixed onto dental implants that in turn are anchored to your jaw bone. There are several different methods to use dental implants and a dental bridge. They all have pros and cons which you should be aware of to make an informed decision about which option best suits you.

OPTION 1 – ONE STEP AT A TIME

A Traditional Approach

This involves

1. Remove remaining teeth and wait for gum healing
2. Insert dental implants and wait for gum healing
3. Dental bridge construction over several months

Advantages: Each step is completed and checked before moving on the next step. This is a good approach for patients where treatment has a high chance of failing. However, for most people, the long treatment time and multiple surgery sessions are unnecessary, painful and adds extra expense.

Disadvantages: Throughout steps 1-3 the patient is required to wear a temporary denture which can be challenging.

OPTION 2 – ALL IN A FEW DAYS

As seen with techniques such as All-On-4 this is a combination of steps resulting in a faster outcome

This involves

1. Removing of remaining teeth and placing 4 implants in one visit
2. Over the course of several days, various impressions are taken, the bridge made and inserted
3. After approximately 3 months the bridge is removed, and the implants are checked

Advantages: This process works well when there is enough bone accessibility and when there are no infections in critical locations.

Disadvantages: This process does not work well when the quality and quantity of bone is inadequate or when there are large infections present.

OPTION 3 – ALL AT ONCE

A more recent innovation resulting in less time in the dental chair and quicker recovery

This involve

1. Removal of remaining teeth, implants placed, and dental bridge fitted while under general anaesthetic in a hospital setting
2. Bridge and implants checked

Advantages: This process works well for most healthy patients who have adequate bone and are without significant infection. It is a good option for those patients who have trouble with impressions or who are anxious about dental treatment or who are time poor. The procedure is performed by specialized team of oral surgeon, prosthodontist and anesthetist and offers the safety and security of the hospital setting.

Disadvantages: As with the previous protocol it may have limitations for those with significant bone loss or when there are large infections present.