Smiling, laughing, and enjoying your favorite foods are simple pleasures that can be hindered by missing teeth. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a range of solutions to restore both the function and aesthetics of your smile, including the implant-supported bridge. This is a reliable and long-lasting option for replacing multiple missing teeth. Want all of your questions answered now? In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about implant-supported bridges, from how they work to their benefits and candidacy.
To learn if you are a candidate, call our friendly dental team today to schedule an initial consultation!
Understanding Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge is a dental prosthetic that replaces two to three missing teeth in a row. Unlike traditional bridges that rely on adjacent natural teeth for support, implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. These implants act as sturdy foundations for the bridge, providing unparalleled stability and functionality.
How They Work
The process of receiving an implant-supported bridge typically involves several steps:
- Consultation and Treatment Planning: Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with your dentist or prosthodontist. During this visit, they will assess your oral health, discuss your treatment goals, and determine if you are a suitable candidate for implant-supported bridges.
- Dental Implant Placement: Once approved, the next step involves the placing the implants into the jawbone, typically with the help of local anesthesia. Then, the implants are left to integrate with the surrounding bone tissue over a period of several months.
- Healing and Osseointegration: During the healing phase, osseointegration occurs, wherein the bone tissue fuses with the surface of the dental implants, ensuring their stability and durability.
- Impression and Bridge Fabrication: When osseointegration is complete, impressions of your mouth are taken to create a custom-made bridge that fits seamlessly into your smile. The bridge is fabricated in a dental laboratory to ensure optimal aesthetics and functionality.
- Bridge Placement: Finally, the completed bridge is securely attached to the implants, restoring your smile to its full beauty and functionality.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges offer numerous advantages compared to traditional bridges or removable dentures:
- Stability and Durability: By anchoring the bridge to dental implants, implant-supported bridges provide unmatched stability and durability, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods with confidence.
- Preservation of Adjacent Teeth: Unlike traditional bridges that require the alteration of adjacent natural teeth for support, implant-supported bridges preserve the integrity of surrounding teeth, promoting long-term oral health.
- Bone Preservation: Dental implants stimulate the underlying jawbone, preventing bone loss and preserving facial structure and aesthetics.
- Natural Look and Feel: Implant-supported bridges are designed to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking smile.
- Improved Oral Health: With proper care and maintenance, implant-supported bridges can contribute to improved oral hygiene and overall oral health.
Candidacy for Implant-Supported Bridges
While implant-supported bridges offer numerous benefits, not everyone is a suitable candidate. Ideal candidates for implant-supported bridges generally:
- Have Sufficient Bone Density: Adequate bone density in the jawbone is essential to support the dental implants. If bone loss has occurred, bone grafting procedures may be necessary to augment the bone tissue.
- Have Good Oral Health: Candidates should have healthy gums and no active periodontal disease or untreated dental issues.
- Are Committed to Oral Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits, are essential to the success of implant-supported bridges.
- Do Not Smoke: Smoking can impair the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. Candidates are encouraged to quit smoking before undergoing implant treatment.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation
Implant-supported bridges offer a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing multiple missing teeth, restoring both the function and aesthetics of your smile. With unparalleled stability, durability, and natural look and feel, implant-supported bridges can significantly improve your quality of life and confidence.
If you're considering implant-supported bridges as a solution for your missing teeth, schedule a consultation with our experienced team. After a thorough examination and discussion about your specific needs and expectations, we can determine if you are a suitable candidate.