Failing bridgework

Failing Upper Bridgework

A four unit bridge has failed from UL4 to UL7 requiring implant placement at UL5 and UL6. 

Pre-operative Assessment

Original bridgework from UL5 to UL7

Side view of original bridgework.  

Radiograph of failing bridge.

Treatment

Radiograph of implants and bone grafting at the time of placement.

Radiograph of implants and the final crowns none years after placement.

Final individual crowns on UL4 to UL7.

Failing Anterior Bridge

Original gold and acrylic bridgework from UR2 to UL1.

Replacement Zirconium and porcelain bridge as the root angulation did not allow for implant placement.

Failing Bridge and Individual Crowns

Original Three Unit Bridge and crowns.

New three unit bridge and replacement crowns.

Failing Implant retained bridge and conventional crowns

A patient presented with a bridge that had been placed on three implants with less than ideal tooth shape (leading to a rather spade like appearance) and less than ideal position (leading to an inability to clean under it resulting in a constant foul taste and smell). 

She also presented with a number of crowns that had been placed with less than ideal attention to detail. The fit of each crown was not precise enough and the shape was, in places unnatural and ill-conceived.

Implant Bridge Replacement

Poorly conceived bridge design. Unnatural tooth shape and position.

New crowns and implant bridge on laboratory cast. Note new custom made Zirconium abutments for better aesthetics.

New bridge in the mouth. Better shape and relation to implants.

This necessitated a complete lower arch rehabilitation, with the exception of one premolar tooth, with a change of the design of the implant abutments and an increase in the number of teeth on the bridge from six to seven to position them correctly in line with the implants (so making cleaning easier) and so as to create a more tooth like appearance of the individual teeth.


Occlusal views

Pre-Operative view of existing bridge and crown work. Note the bulbous appearance of the inside of the bridge and the poor alignment of the teeth with the implants.

New Crowns and Bridge on the laboratory cast. Note the better shape and reduced bulk of the bridge.

New crowns and bridge in the mouth. Improved function and aesthetics.

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