An implant bridge replaces missing teeth with a restoration that is secured to dental implants. This solution offers stability, natural feel, and preserves jaw bone health.

Implants function like tooth roots, helping to stimulate the bone and avoid bone loss. With proper care and cleaning, they can last a lifetime.

Preserves the Health of Your Jawbone

When you lose teeth, the underlying bone in your jaw can begin to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation from tooth roots. Implants mimic the function of natural tooth roots, stimulating the bone and preventing deterioration. This preserves the health of your jawbone, keeping the structure of your face intact and reducing the appearance of a sunken mouth.

Additionally, implant bridges do not impact the health of your adjacent natural teeth. Traditional dental bridges require the adjacent teeth to be filed down in order to support them, which can weaken those teeth and lead to further dental issues down the road.

The implant-supported bridge procedure requires a consultation with your oral surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for the treatment. If you have sufficient bone volume to support the implants, the procedure begins with them being surgically placed in your jawbone in Step 2. Once the implants are healed and fused into the bone through a process called osseointegration (typically within several months), impressions are taken and the bridge is fabricated.

Prevents the Need for Bone Grafts

While bridges do provide a solution for missing teeth, they don’t prevent the bone loss that can cause other long-term dental issues. Additionally, bridges place additional strain on the adjacent natural teeth and may lead to them developing problems over time.

A bone graft involves transplanting natural or synthetic material to increase the thickness of the jawbone. It’s necessary to ensure a strong base for procedures like dental implants and other restorations.

Bone grafts are commonly used to correct injuries that damage or destroy the underlying bone. They’re also used to treat congenital defects, such as a small chin or an abnormally wide jaw.

There are two types of bone grafts: autografts and allografts. An allograft uses bone tissue from a deceased person, such as a cadaver or a human donor. It is carefully cleaned to reduce the risk of disease or bacterial transmission. An autograft uses bone from another part of your body, such as your hip or knee.

Preserves the Natural Aesthetics of Your Smile

If you are missing one or more teeth and want a replacement that closely matches your natural teeth in appearance, shape, and size, fixed implant bridges offer excellent cosmetic outcomes. These restorations also preserve the health of adjacent teeth, reducing strain that could weaken these healthy structures.

During your implant consultation, our dentist will assess the state of your jawbone to determine whether you have enough bone density to support an implant. If necessary, we will recommend a bone graft to strengthen your jaw. We will also prepare the adjacent teeth that will serve as abutment, removing a small portion of enamel to make room for your new bridge.

Once the abutment teeth have been prepared, we will take dental impressions to create your custom implant bridge. We will use these to fabricate a prosthetic that blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. In addition, we will design your implant bridge to match the shape and color of your natural teeth. This will ensure that your new smile is symmetrical and appealing.

Preserves the Function of Your Teeth

If left untreated, tooth loss can have a profound effect on periodontal health, leading to gum disease and bone loss. An implant bridge can replace missing teeth and prevent these complications.

Unlike traditional bridges, dental implants stimulate the jawbone to prevent and even reverse bone loss. This can have a significant impact on the longevity of your smile, and prevent the adjacent natural teeth from shifting toward the empty space.

During the surgical procedure, the implant posts are positioned in your jaw and covered with gum tissue. After a brief healing period, custom abutments are attached to the implant posts to connect them to your custom-designed bridge. The abutment teeth are exposed and at higher risk of decay, so proper oral hygiene practices and routine dental examinations are critical. They also need to be regularly cleaned with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. If you are interested in learning more about your options for replacing missing teeth, contact us to schedule a consultation.