“What are the disadvantages of fixed implant bridges?”

Implant supported bridges take longer and cost more because the implants have to be placed first, it can take a few months to complete the process, especially if bone grafting is required first to fortify the jaw bone to support the implant.

A lot depends on your particular location of missing teeth. If only one missing tooth is needed then a fixed implant might be optimal if you have enough bone that would surround the implant tooth. If you have more teeth missing then, depending on which teeth are missing, then fixed implants might be advisable. You have to have a consultation with your dentist, which will involve radiographs and possibly molds made of your teeth. Then the dentist can study your particular needs and discuss your options.

Fixed, implant supported bridges (also referred to as implant supported fixed partial dentures) are subject to the same types of problems that can be associated with natural teeth supported bridges. Oral hygiene is one of the keys to long term success. Although implants cannot develop structure decay (cavities) like natural teeth, they are subject to local inflammation, soft tissue problems due to inflammation, and progressive bone loss that is also due to inflammation. This inflammation problem is often due to a hygiene problem, but can be the result of unfavorable implant positioning, unfavorable soft tissue(gum tissue) immediately adjacent the supporting implants, unfavorable design or fit of the bridge, and to patient variables such as general health/cigarette smoking/diabetes/clenching and tooth grinding to name a few. One cannot floss between teeth that are part of the bridge, and will need to develop hygiene skills that allow the patient to reach the areas under the bridge. Implant placement and distribution of bite load in the bridge design are also both critical to long term prosthetic success.

Your dentist and your implant surgeon (preferably an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon) should address these issues with you completely and answer all your questions fully and to your satisfaction prior to embarking on such treatment. Do not be fooled, dental implants are not always the right answer and are not always a "permanent" solution, regardless of the marketing of dentistry that is so commonplace today.

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