What Is A Dental Implant Bridge?
Dental bridges are fixed dental restorations that anchor a false tooth or teeth to two existing teeth. However, some people don’t have two healthy teeth to anchor a dental bridge effectively. In these cases, a dentist may recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth and act as anchors for a dental bridge.
While implant-supported dental bridges are similar to regular bridges, they are supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth. Dental implants are made of titanium screws that fuse with the jaw bone, resulting in a durable, permanent, and natural-looking restoration. The bridge is then attached to the dental implants to replace the missing teeth between each dental implant.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Implant-Supported Bridges?
An implant-supported bridge is ideal if you have three or more missing teeth in a row. Two dental implants can replace the missing teeth on either side of the gap, while the implant-supported dental bridge fills the gap with false teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge Placement Process
Here’s what you can expect during the placement process for a dental implant-supported bridge:
- Initial consultation: Your dentist will discuss your options and whether implant-supported bridges are a good choice for you.
- Bone grafting (for some patients): If you don’t have enough healthy bone to support a dental implant, your oral surgeon will first perform a bone grafting procedure.
- Dental implant placement: Next, the dental professional implants two small titanium rods into the jaw bone and gums, where they will support the dental bridge.
- Dental implant fusion: After the implants are placed, it takes between three to six months for the titanium screws to effectively fuse with the jaw bone.
- Dental bridge placement: After your mouth is healed, the oral surgeon will place the dental bridge by attaching the abutments to the dental implants.
- Post-placement care and maintenance: Your dentist will give you tips on how to care for dental bridges and keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
Is there a cash-pay dentist near you? Yes! Contact Absolute Dental for an appointment.
