Several missing teeth
When several teeth are missing, it is not always necessary to place one implant for each of them. There are different ways of rebuilding the missing areas and getting back to a fixed solution, depending on where the gaps are, the remaining teeth and the bone available.
The medical team assesses your whole mouth before recommending a plan.
Are you missing several teeth?
You may recognise yourself in one of these situations. The right option can only be decided after an assessment.
You have lost two or more adjacent teeth in the same area.
You have missing teeth in different areas of your mouth.
You wear a removable partial denture and want to know the fixed alternatives.
You have some missing teeth and others that need to be assessed.
You have received different proposals and want to understand why the plans vary.
Not every case needs one implant per tooth
Replacing several teeth can involve different treatments. The aim is to restore function and appearance in the area, taking into account the teeth that can be kept.
Individual implants
When the missing teeth are spread out, it may make sense to replace some of them individually with an implant and crown. The position and number of implants are decided by the medical team.
Implant-supported bridge
When adjacent teeth are missing, a fixed bridge can, in certain cases, be supported by fewer implants than the number of teeth replaced. The plan depends on the bone, the space and the bite.
Implants with complementary treatment
If you still have natural teeth, the plan may include care to preserve them, in addition to placing implants and the crowns or bridges planned. The procedures are decided after the medical assessment.
If all or nearly all the teeth in one arch are missing, see Full-arch fixed teeth.
How is the solution chosen?
The number of missing teeth is only part of the decision. The medical team also assesses:
Which ones can be preserved and whether they can support a bridge.
Adjacent missing teeth and separate gaps call for different plans.
When the area needs to be examined in three dimensions, the team may ask for a dental CBCT scan.
The new work has to be planned in relation to the other teeth.
Chewing, comfort and appearance are all part of the discussion about the plan.
Having missing teeth does not mean the remaining teeth need to be extracted. Whether they can be kept is assessed individually.
How the treatment works
The pathway depends on the solution chosen. When the plan includes implants, there may be a surgical phase followed later by a final restoration phase. A bridge supported only by natural teeth follows a different pathway.
Plan and quote
Send us a recent panoramic X-ray and photos that help to assess the gaps and the visible teeth. If you do not yet have a panoramic X-ray, we can send you a referral to have one taken near you. The medical team reviews what you send and gives you an individual plan and quote remotely. You can contact us and have your questions answered before you decide.
Before the trip — preparation
Once you have approved the quote, you have a video call with Dr Ana Leitão to review your health, medication, conditions and allergies, answer clinical questions and start preparing your treatment, even before you travel to Portugal.
In Portugal
Once you are in Portugal for the planned treatment, you have an in-person consultation. The team confirms the final details and carries out additional scans, when indicated, before the procedures. You can choose to have an in-person consultation beforehand if you wish; you do not need one to receive your first quote.
Treatment
The implants are placed and the complementary treatments included in your plan are carried out. If the procedure involves front teeth, an aesthetic solution is planned for the interim period.
Healing, if there are implants
After the implants are placed, there is a healing period before the final restoration. In most cases it lasts 4 to 6 months. Where extensive bone regeneration is needed, longer healing periods may be required and the surgery may even be split into two parts: first the regeneration and, only once that has healed, the placement of the implants.
Afterwards
At the clinically appropriate time, the adjustments are made and the final work is fitted. The team explains the care needed and how follow-up works once you are back home.
Identified materials and a plan explained to you
The plan includes Straumann implants and documentation with the references of the components placed. The materials for the bridge or crowns are set out in your individual quote.
After surgery, the patient receives an implant passport identifying the implants, abutments and other materials placed.
Straumann implants carry the manufacturer's lifetime guarantee on the body of the implant, according to the applicable terms and conditions. This guarantee is not a promise of clinical success and does not automatically extend to crowns and bridges.
The team explains the care needed, follows your progress and advises the patient if a question arises after returning home.
