Implant Supported Fixed Bridges: A Large Opportunity ?

In a recent issue of Dental Economics, Pat Sullivan,of Nobel Biocare, argued that due to certain advances in technology, the market for implant-supported fixed bridges is on the verge of a major transformation.

Specifically, Pat Sullivan states:

“Many dentists assume that the main or only application for dental implants for the edentulous patient is to retain overdentures. The coexisting market for fixed bridges on dental implants currently is quite small….To take a human being with failing dentition or existing dentures and provide him or her with a fixed bridge approximating an arch of natural teeth is a dramatic development in science and clinical practice. Those dentists who do have experience with both overdentures and implant-supported fixed bridges usually find that overdentures often don’t offer patients all the benefits available from fixed bridges. There are thus huge opportunities for dentists to take advantage of fixed-restoration treatment on behalf of their current and future patients.”

What are your thoughts on this development in implant dentistry? Is this truly something patients will demand? Is it worth the investment? What are the potential complications?