Missing several teeth in a row? Dental implants can replace two, three, four, or five teeth with an implant-supported bridge — a permanent fix that doesn't require grinding down your healthy teeth. Placed by Dr. Michel Azer, a board-certified periodontist at Texas Dental Implant Center.
When you're missing several teeth in the same area, you don't need one implant per tooth. Two or three implant posts can support a bridge of three to five teeth — a connected set of custom crowns anchored to the implants.
The implants go into the jawbone at each end of the gap (and sometimes in the middle for longer spans). Once healed, a fixed bridge is attached to the implants. It looks like a row of natural teeth, it's permanent, and it functions exactly like your original teeth.
This is different from a traditional bridge, which requires shaving down the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to anchor the replacement teeth. With an implant-supported bridge, your healthy teeth stay untouched. The implants carry the load.
Two implant posts on either end can support a three-tooth bridge. This is one of the most common implant cases.
Two to three implants can support a longer bridge spanning the full gap.
If the teeth on either side of the gap are healthy, implants let you fill the space without damaging them. A traditional bridge would require cutting those teeth down.
Removable partial dentures are uncomfortable and move around. An implant-supported bridge is permanent and stays put.
The longer a gap sits empty, the more the surrounding teeth shift and the jawbone deteriorates. Implants stop both.
| Feature | Implant-Supported Bridge | Traditional Bridge | Partial Denture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjacent teeth | Untouched — implants support the bridge | Ground down to anchor the bridge | Clips hook onto adjacent teeth |
| Permanence | Permanent — never comes out | Fixed, but needs replacement every 10-15 years | Removable — take out daily |
| Bone preservation | Implants stimulate the jawbone | No bone stimulation under the bridge | No bone stimulation |
| Cleaning | Brush and floss like natural teeth | Requires special threading under the bridge | Remove, soak, and clean daily |
| Longevity | 20+ years | 10-15 years | 5-10 years |
| Feel | Like natural teeth | Fixed but the gap underneath can trap food | Can feel bulky, may move |
Dr. Azer evaluates your bone density, the size of the gap, and the health of your surrounding teeth. He determines how many implants you need and where they should go.
Two or three titanium implant posts are placed into the jawbone. This is done under local anesthesia — typically takes about an hour. A temporary restoration may be placed during healing.
The implants fuse with your jawbone. Your temporary restoration is functional during this time.
Once healed, Dr. Azer takes impressions and has a custom porcelain bridge fabricated. It's color-matched to your natural teeth and designed to fit your bite. The bridge is attached to the implants — permanent, fixed, done.
Multiple tooth implant pricing depends on the number of implants and teeth being replaced. Dr. Azer provides an exact quote during your free consultation after evaluating your 3D scan.
Financing available through our lending partners.
Your consultation is free and includes a 3D scan. Dr. Azer will evaluate your bone, determine how many implants you need, and give you a clear plan with pricing.
1811 Bering Dr, Suite 110, Houston, TX 77057
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michel Azer, DDS, CAGS, MSD — Board-Certified Periodontist