AboutJoseph Zelig, DDS, D.ABP www.smileinthecity.com Expertise Dr. Zelig is a board-certified Periodontist and an expert on dental implants. Dr. Zelig can answer any and all questions you have about complex dental problems, dental implants, gum disease, treatment of gum recession, and treatment of a "gummy smile".
Experience Dr. Zelig has personally placed over a thousand implants with excellent success and has worked with many dental specialists and educated them on full mouth reconstruction, esthetic dentistry, and dental implantology.
Organizations American Dental Associateion, American Academy of Periodontology, American Board of Periodontology, North-Eastern Society of Periodontitis, New York State Dental Association, New York County Dental Society
Education/Credentials I received both my dental degree (DDS) and my certificate in the specialty of Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Zelig graduated among the top 10% of the graduating class. As a result of outstanding academic achievements, Dr. Z was elected into the membership of Omicron Kappa Upsilon- the national dental honor society. In addition, Dr. Zelig has lectured to general dentists and specialists on periodontal treatment and dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology which recognizes periodontists who have made significant achievements beyond the educational requirements of the specialty. Board-certified periodontists have been examined by a panel of internationally respected peers and has been awarded Diplomate status. By successfully completing this challenge, Dr. Zelig has demonstrated a robust knowledge of periodontics, Continued professional development, Critical review of results of therapy, and interest in providing the best, most up-to-date care.
Question I have three missing teeth in the left upper part (no.4,5 and 6) and consulted
a dental surgeon about making implants. He suggested making two implants
for tooth 4 and 6 and then have bridge to get tooth 5 in the middle. I asked
what about having one implant for tooth no. 4 and then make a bridge using
teeth no 7 that needs anyway a new crown. He answered that it is usually not
a good idea to make a bridge using an implanted tooth and a natural tooth
with crown because the implanted tooth is more stable than a natural tooth
and this could make the implanted tooth to move and get into problems.
What is your opinion?
Also, the gap between the missing teeth is not very big and I could have just
two implants with little gaps inbetween. The surgeon said that it is not good
to leave gaps inbetween because of cleaning and infection problems. Again,
what do you think about this?
Many thanks in advance.
Answer Hi,
I agree 100% with everything you have been told. We generally don't connect natural teeth to implants because it can lead to fracture of the implant due to small micromovents of the tooth. I have seen a fractured implant caused from this. I also agree that gaps can lead to food debris and plaque accumulation and it is therefore better to close all the gaps. It sounds that your surgeon knows his stuff!
