Restoration of an Edentulous Mandibular Arch: 2 or 3 Implants?

Last Updated: Feb 27, 2009

Dr. G. asks:
I am treatment planning a patient for restoration of an edentulous mandibular arch. The patient wants bridgework. I am planning to place 3-bridges: one anterior, one on the posterior right and one on the posterior left. I want my surgeon to place 3-implants in the posterior sextants and 3-implants in the mandibular anterior sextant. The posterior bridges will consist of the mandibular first and second premolars and first molar. The patient has square mandibular arch form. My oral surgeon is recommending 2-implants for the posterior sextants and 2-implants for the anterior sextant. What do you think?

5 Comments on Restoration of an Edentulous Mandibular Arch: 2 or 3 Implants?

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Robert56

04/28/2009

What is the class of the bite? the load matters Get it mounted and set up and take a look. Try to avoid crossing the midline. You may need some flexation for fixed work.

Dr. Leo

04/28/2009

Mandibular flexure (if present) is normally seen in the pre-molar or 1st molar area. Not in the midline. 2 implants on a 3-unit bridge is workable if you have a fairly good implant size.

Dr O

04/29/2009

What are you opposing? If it is a denture 2 implants are plenty. If you have 10 implants supporting maxillary fixed opposing 6 small diameter implants you may experience some problems.What is the anticipated width and length of the implants and bone quality?

05/03/2009

Mndibular flexure is always present Dr Leo...and there is no accurate way to measure it.6 Implants for ur full arch is a maximum.U can even do it with 4 if u have a removable upper denture opposing.Check the literature by Malo

Richard Hughes DDS, FAAID

05/04/2009

With root forms, segment the bridge. With blades do not segment the bridge. Mandibular flexure is an issue for root form implants. The blades need to be fixated.

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