Paula had four implants to replace seven missing and failing upper teeth and a seven tooth bridge. Paula's four implants were placed with immediate teeth added and fixed to the implants within one hour.

Before	After

She had lost confidence in her four front tooth bridge and had a continued struggle with a painful denture. Meticulous planning and careful surgery involved removal of the front bridge, followed by placement of four implants (UR2, UL2, UL3 and UL5) along with a one-piece screw retained transitional bridge.

Paula's Treatment

Before	After

The temporary bridge before fitting into the implants. The screws holding this to the implants are visible.

The temporary bridge after one week of healing. Note the exceptional gum lines and health. There is no bruising, she suffered no discomfort during this week of healing.

Before	After

Guy Barwell says ‘the protocols we have for this technique are unique to us at The Implant Centre. The transitional bridges have to be treated very carefully during the first 4-6 weeks but as long as patients are careful this is the ideal treatment where possible. My patients prefer not to have to wear dentures even for a short period of time and this allows for a fixed solution immediately – instant implants and instant teeth’.

With the temporary teeth removed we can see how healthy the tissues are below this bridge after 8 weeks of healing where the implants are perfectly stable with the bone.

The final bridge in place following four appointments for impressions, assessment of tooth position and manufacture of the two bridges, each supported by two implants. The appointments involved all vital members of the team including the patients spouse for additional opinion and support. The porcelain bridge was fitted and held into place with microscrews for stability. At no stage during treatment did she leave without teeth in place and these were always fixed to the implants rather than resorting to dentures.

As with so many of our patients she was delighted with the outcome, the care she had received and wished she had started treatment years ago!