What Are Implant-Supported Bridges?
Implant-supported bridges are restorations that use dental implants to support a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a prosthetic that replaces one or lost teeth. The dental bridge is anchored to the jawbone using dental implant posts.
A dental implant bridge has four parts:
- Titanium Posts: These are the base of your restoration. They’re surgically placed into the jawbone and act as a natural tooth root, stimulating the jawbone.
- Abutment: A small metal connector is attached to the implant posts.
- Porcelain Dental Crown: Dental crowns are customized restorations placed over the abutments to give you a natural-looking smile.
- Pontic Teeth: The prosthetic teeth are cemented to the neighboring porcelain dental crowns.
Types of Implant Bridges
There are various implant-supported restorations, including:
- Fixed implant-supported bridge: A type of bridge that’s permanently attached to dental implants. It cannot be removed by the patient and is designed to function and feel like natural teeth.
- Removable implant-supported bridge: This type of dental bridge is designed to be removed by the patient for cleaning and maintenance. It’s attached to the implants with connectors that can be easily unscrewed.
- Full arch implant-supported bridge: This type of bridge is used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth in the upper and lower jaw. It’s anchored to several dental implants and is a good option for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth in one arch.
- Partial arch implant-supported bridge: A dental bridge used to replace several teeth in a row. It’s anchored to two or more dental implants and can be used to replace a small section of lost teeth.
- Hybrid implant-supported bridge: Combines the benefits of a fixed and removable bridge. It’s designed to be permanently attached to the implants but can be removed by the dentist for maintenance and cleaning.
Implant-Supported Bridge Benefits
Benefits of an implant-supported bridge include:
- Provides a permanent restoration solution to missing teeth
- Doesn’t rely on the support of other adjacent teeth, which means it doesn’t put additional stress on healthy teeth
- Can prevent further tooth loss
- Looks and feels like natural teeth
- Restores a patient’s ability to eat and speak normally
- Patients can achieve a natural appearance and a boost in self-confidence
Implant-Supported Bridge Placement
- Initial Evaluation: First, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination, which usually includes X-rays or other imaging procedures, to assess the condition of your jawbone and determine whether it can support dental implants.
- Implant Placement: If you’re a suitable candidate, the next step is the placement of dental implants. This is a surgical procedure where the dentist inserts titanium posts into your jawbone. These posts act as artificial tooth roots.
- Healing Period: After the implants are placed, a period of healing, known as osseointegration, is necessary. During this time, the implants fuse with the bone, providing a solid foundation for the bridge. This process can take several months.
- Abutment Placement: Once healing is complete, an abutment is attached to each implant. This serves as the connector between the implant and the bridge.
- Bridge Placement: Finally, the dentist will create a custom bridge that fits perfectly into the gap. This bridge, which is made of several artificial teeth (also known as pontics), is then attached to the abutments.
Candidacy for Implant-Supported Bridges
To qualify for implant-supported bridges, you need adequate jawbone density and good overall oral health. Ideal candidates should also be non-smokers, as smoking can increase the risk of implant failure. An implant bridge isn’t recommended for patients who have active periodontal disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or other medical conditions that may impact healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Implant-supported bridges can last a lifetime, but their lifespan depends on factors such as the quality of the dental implant, the patient’s oral hygiene routine, and overall health. Regular dental checkups and cleanings must be scheduled to help increase the longevity of your implant bridge.
There’s no age limit for implant-supported bridges. However, implant bridges aren’t a treatment option normally recommended for patients whose jaws are still developing. Older patients may have a lower jawbone density, which can affect the success of the implant. In these cases, implant-supported bridges aren’t always the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth.
In general, an implant bridge can replace anywhere from two to six missing teeth in a row. If a patient has more than six missing teeth in a row, multiple dental implant-supported bridges or other tooth replacement options may be needed to fully restore their smile.
The number of dental implants needed to support the bridge will also depend on the number of missing teeth being replaced. Typically, one dental implant is needed for each missing tooth being replaced. However, in some cases, fewer dental implants may be used if the bridge is being used to replace multiple teeth in a row.
Are Implant-Supported Bridges Right for You?
If you’re missing multiple teeth, it’s time to find a dentist with the best replacement treatment option. To learn more about dental implant-supported bridges, contact our Wasilla dentist. We’ll help you better understand your treatment options to improve your oral health and boost your smile’s appearance.