What is an Implant Supported Bridge?
If you have missing teeth, the gap needs to be filled or your neighboring natural teeth will drift and shift into the gap. Your dentist can close or bridge the gap in your smile with a dental bridge. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth, called a pontic, that is suspended in the gap by the abutment teeth on both sides of the gap. These artificial crowns are usually made from porcelain or ceramic to aesthetically blend with your natural teeth.
An implant-supported bridge is much like a traditional bridge. Instead of being supported by dental crowns placed over the two adjacent teeth, implant-supported bridges attach to and are secured by small titanium posts surgically embedded in the jawbone. The number of posts placed will depend on the size of the gap and the bridge.
Implant-Supported Bridges versus Traditional Bridges
To receive an implant-supported restoration, you must first go through the process of the implants being surgically placed. This usually requires several procedures allowing adequate time for the posts to fuse and bond with the jawbone.
Even though an implant supported bridge requires a bigger investment in time and cost, it will offer many benefits over a traditional restoration option. With a traditional bridge, the teeth next to the gap in your smile must be slightly altered for proper crown placement. Since implant-supported bridges do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, the healthy teeth are left natural. They are also extremely secure and stable, and they will remain in place while you eat, speak, and smile.
As an added benefit, implants are the only method of tooth restoration that protects your jawbone from atrophy. An implant-supported bridge replaces your entire tooth, from root to crown. By functioning as artificial tooth roots, the implant stimulates the jawbone to send resources to that area. Without tooth roots, the body begins to distribute the bone tissue of the jaw elsewhere. With proper care and oral hygiene, your implant posts will last a lifetime and ensure long-term oral health.
Are You a Candidate for an Implant Supported Bridge
To qualify for an implant supported bridge, you need to be in good oral health and have adequate bone density and integrity in your jawbone to support the implants. If you have compromised implant candidacy it can be restored by having a procedure such as a bone graft or sinus lift. If you have gum disease or tooth decay, we must first resolve these issues before surgically placing implants. If you smoke, you must be willing to cease the habit for a period before and after your implant surgery. Uncontrolled diabetes can also prevent you from receiving implants. Your dentist will help create a strategy that allows implants to become a beneficial component of your smile.
If you are missing two or more consecutive teeth, an implant-supported bridge will provide a comfortable, natural-looking restoration with many benefits. The number of implants will be dictated by the gap and the number of missing teeth. It is a worthwhile investment in your ongoing health.