Are Two Implants Sufficient to Bear the Load of Four Teeth
Ryan asks:
I have a bridge with two dental implants in the number 10 and 7 slots where my original teeth were. One of the implants failed already, resulting in addition bone grafting, and I'm now worried about the second one. My dentist has assured me that two implants are sufficient to bear the load of the four teeth, but I am skeptical and I'm worried about another failure. I've recently had some strange sensations around the other implant.Are two implants sufficient to bear the load, or should I have another dentist take a look?
Hi Ryan,
If I understand you correctly, you originally had three implants which were going to support your upper anterior reconstruction, one failed, and you have two left.
While dental implants have the highest success rate of any medical device they do not always work out as planned, and when they fail, a bone graft is often advised.
Depending upon the location of the remaining implants, the condition of the surrounding bone, and the relationship of your lower teeth, two implants could be sufficient to support the bridge. However, communication is key to this process, and it is important that you explain your concerns and the "strange sensations" to your current dentist, so that he/she can determine the long term prognosis, and perhaps make a contingency plan.
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Are Two Implants Sufficient to Bear the Load of Four Teeth
Dear Ryan: The best answer is "it depends" What it depends on should be able to be answered by your dentist. Dental implants are a very good service but think of this as a construction zone. The engineering needs to be done so that there is long term success. The implants must be of size and position that they support the number of teeth replaced. they also need to support the load placed on them; this is your biting force. If your biting force is excessive, then you need more support. One thing I always look at is "why" the teeth have been lost. There may be more factors than you are aware of. All this needs to be worked out via a CT scan and a diagnostic wax up of the final bridge. In my opinion, only then can you have the best chance at treatment longevity. Most implant cases need to be over-engineered for success. Trying to "get by" with less treatment often leads to failure.
Sincerely
Dr. Smith
Dr. Leonard H. Smith
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