What are Implant Supported Bridges Made of?
An implant-supported bridge is quite similar to a traditional bridge. However, instead of being secured and supported by dental crowns placed over the two adjacent teeth, the implant-supported bridge is supported and stabilized by attaching to small titanium posts that are surgically embedded in the jawbone. The number of posts needed will depend on the size of the gap and the bridge.
A traditional bridge uses teeth on both sides of the gap where the teeth are missing for support. An implant-supported bridge gets its support from two or more dental implants rather than those adjacent teeth. When a traditional bridge uses the natural teeth for support, the natural teeth must be prepped for crowns and are then subject to possible increased stress which can be damaging, especially if the existing tooth, roots, or surrounding bone structure are already compromised and in decline. A dental implant-supported bridge restores your missing teeth and avoids putting any additional stress on your healthy natural teeth.
What are Implant-Supported Crowns and Bridges Made of?
An implant-supported crown or bridge consists of several parts:
- The dental implant, which is made of titanium, is surgically placed in the upper or lower jawbone to function as an artificial root of the missing tooth.
- The abutment is an extension be made of titanium, gold, or porcelain. It is attached to the implant with a screw and reaches the surface of the gum. This part connects the implant to the crown or bridge.
- The restoration, the part that looks like a tooth, is the implant-supported crown or bridge. Using a color guide to match your natural teeth, it is most often made of tooth-colored ceramics, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or composite resin. The crown or bridge is affixed onto the abutment.
What is the Success Rate of Implant-Supported Crowns and Bridges?
If you are a healthy individual with good oral hygiene, your dental implants can exceed a success rate above 90-95 percent. Implants have become the new gold standard for restorations. Good oral hygiene is extremely important to the success of an implant-supported restoration. Even though the implant and the restoration will not decay, you will need to make sure the area around them is always clean to prevent gum problems. Consistent preventative dental exams every six months, especially for dental implant maintenance, are important any inflammation that can damage the soft tissue and bone around the implant.
Just like your natural teeth, an implant restoration can wear and break. The life expectancy of two decades often depends on many factors, including your oral habits, such as teeth grinding. In this case, a night guard is necessary to protect your implant and restoration.
Benefits of Implant Supported Bridges
The benefits are numerous. Here are a few:
- A permanent tooth replacement that stays in your mouth.
- Implants will not decay.
- The bridge is easy to clean with floss, water picks, and a toothbrush.
- Implants never have nerve problems or need root canals.
- Implants stimulate the jawbone ensuring prolonged health.
- Implants are much less likely to break than natural teeth.
- Implants can exert as much or more chewing force than natural teeth.
- Implants deliver chewing sensations as well as temperature changes.