Implants for a Free-end Situation
Shortened Row of Teeth
A free-end situation or shortened row of teeth means that the last teeth on the side of the jaw are missing. This results in a shortened row of teeth and a reduction of the chewing capacity. Missing support in the lateral tooth region may also result in problems with the jawbone.
In case several molars are missing, it is often not possible to attach a permanent bridge, because too many teeth have to be replaced or an eyetooth is missing. This often requires a removable denture. In the area of the missing teeth, the bone tissue starts to shrink right after the loss of the teeth. Implants at an early stage can stop bone shrinkage in this spot. The implants with crowns or bridges assumes the function of natural teeth.
Three solutions are available here with implants:
- An implant for increased support of the eyeteeth and formation of a bridge, meaning an implant is inserted at a certain distance to the last tooth, which is used to form a bridge construction.
- An implant is inserted behind the last tooth for each missing tooth and fitted with individual crowns. This is the best solution with respect to strain and hygiene.
- Two implants are inserted. A bridge is then attached as prosthesis.
Here, the dentist should chose the best solution together with the patient.
Anatomic Peculiarities
There are anatomic limiting factors in the region of the molars in the lower jaw as well as in the upper jaw. In the upper jaw, this is the sinus cavity, and in the lower jaw a nerve, which supplies the sensation in the teeth and lips. This limits the necessary length of an implant required for sufficient stability.
If there is not enough bone material, there is still the possibility to augment bone material in the lower jaw, and in the upper jaw by sinus augmentation. To prevent these additional surgery, you should think about the possibility of an implant at an early stage after loss of a tooth, or even better, before this situation arises, because - as previously explained - implants can prevent further reduction of the bone material.
