Implant crowns and bridges · Barcelona
Understand the difference between an implant crown and a bridge, what supports the new teeth, and how the options fit your needs. The plan starts with your remaining teeth, gums, bite and priorities.
Care with Dr. Sergi Rivas Frau and Dr. Sahand Shirzadi Maryan, including the surgical and restorative stages agreed for your case.
Visits take place at collaborating dental clinics in Barcelona. The location is confirmed when your appointment is arranged.
Understand what supports the teeth
Three replacement teeth. Two supporting implants.
An illustrative short bridge. The middle tooth has no implant underneath. This is different from replacing a complete arch.
Original educational cross-section · not to scale. This is an illustrative restored configuration, not a patient image, surgical plan or promised result.
The crown restores the visible tooth. The implant provides support.
These drawings compare the principles. They show different situations, rather than alternative plans for one patient. Where a tooth can be kept, discuss that option before considering its removal.
One missing tooth
The implant replaces the root support; the crown is the visible tooth. A separate connection joins them through the gum. The neighbouring natural teeth do not support this crown.
An implant crown is considered alongside other ways of managing the gap.
Several neighbouring teeth missing
Here, two implants support three joined teeth. The middle tooth is a pontic: a replacement tooth without an implant beneath it. This is one possible posterior bridge design.
The right number and distribution of implants are decided for your anatomy and restoration.[1]
Another implant design
This example has one implant beneath each replacement crown. Separate crowns and a bridge have different design and maintenance considerations; more implants are not automatically the better plan.
These examples explain the difference. They do not prescribe two or three implants for your gap.[2]
An alternative for one missing tooth
This conventional bridge has crowns on two neighbouring teeth and a replacement tooth between them. Preparing the supporting teeth is usually necessary. Other bridge designs, including adhesive bridges, may suit selected gaps.
This drawing replaces one missing tooth; the two outside teeth still have their natural roots.[4]
A removable partial denture or, in selected circumstances, accepting and monitoring a gap may also be considered. Discuss comfort, appearance, effects on other teeth, surgery, cleaning and cost before deciding.[3][4]
Missing most or all teeth? Explore full-arch optionsFrom the first conversation to continuing care
01
Discuss the gap, your remaining teeth and alternatives. Examination and appropriate imaging establish what may be suitable.
02
Plan the tooth positions, support, bite and cleaning access. Agree any preliminary treatment, grafting and temporary-tooth option.
03
Surgery and healing follow the agreed sequence. Records, fit, appearance and bite are checked before the final crown or bridge is fitted.
04
Learn how to clean around each implant and beneath a bridge. Arrange professional reviews and ask how repairs and future maintenance are handled.
Placing an implant at extraction does not automatically mean fitting a tooth that day. A temporary tooth, protection during healing and the final restoration are separate parts of the plan. Agree an alternative if an immediate approach is unsuitable.[2]
Explore immediate and staged treatmentWhen indicated, scans help relate the intended teeth to your bone and surrounding structures. A surgical guide may help transfer a suitable plan; clinical findings still determine treatment.
See our separate implant-bridge planning exampleWhat makes your plan individual
Implants can fail to integrate, and inflammation or loss of bone support can develop later. Crowns and bridges can loosen, chip or need replacement. Surgery also has risks that depend on the site. Discuss these before treatment.[3]
A fixed bridge stays in your mouth, but still needs cleaning underneath and around its supports. Your team should show you the appropriate aids and agree professional follow-up.
How to care for implantsBefore you decide
No. A bridge can replace more teeth than the number of implants supporting it. For some posterior three-tooth gaps, a bridge on two implants is an option. The span, available bone, bite, restorative material and cleaning access guide the design; a drawing cannot determine your implant number.[1]
Sometimes a temporary tooth can be provided, but its type and timing must be agreed before treatment. Implant placement, connection of a temporary tooth and normal chewing are separate decisions. A final crown or bridge usually follows the necessary healing and restorative checks.[2]
Your assessment includes the health of the teeth and gums, medical history and appropriate imaging. Gum disease needs control. Bone or soft-tissue grafting may be considered; a different restoration or a staged plan may suit you better.[3]
Ask for the proposed surgery, any grafting, temporary teeth, final restoration, reviews and maintenance to be itemised. Discuss alternatives and what happens if the findings change. If travelling, agree the visits and local follow-up before booking travel.
The sources explain general principles. The ITI bridge recommendations concern selected posterior restorations; they do not establish the correct design or expected result for your case.
Derksen et al. Clinical Oral Implants Research 34(Suppl. 26):104–111. Sections 4.4–4.5 discuss posterior bridges with pontics and joined implant-supported crowns.
Patient information on implant components, assessment, restoration and healing.
Patient information on suitability, alternatives, possible complications and continuing care.
Patient information on tooth-supported bridges and other ways to manage a missing tooth.
A clear next step
Describe the missing teeth, your concerns and any travel plans. We can explain which records are needed for an assessment and discuss the next step.
An enquiry does not confirm suitability, treatment timing or an appointment.
Private case review
Send your case before planning travel.
For international periodontal, regenerative and implant surgery enquiries.