What is an Implant Supported Bridge
Patients missing multiple teeth in one area of their mouth have a few options to restore their smile! An implant-supported bridge is a comfortable, natural-looking dental restoration with many benefits.
What is an implant-supported bridge?
This type of dental restoration utilizes dental implants for support and is incredibly stable and comfortable for the patient. A dental implant is a titanium post that is placed by an oral surgeon or periodontist. The doctor will make a small incision in the gum tissue at the area being treated then drill a tiny hole in the jaw bone in which to place the implant. They then stitch up the gum tissue leaving a small portion of the implant protruding through, which is then covered with a healing cap, or temporary abutment.
The healing cap will remain in place for up to six months while you heal and will provide protection from damage and infection. When implants are used for a bridge, at least two implants will be placed, one on each side of the space.
A traditional dental bridge uses the support of neighboring, healthy teeth. The teeth on either side of the space are prepared for dental crowns and a fake tooth sits between them. The fake tooth is called a pontic and can fill the space left by one or more consecutive missing teeth. So two dental crowns are joined by a number of pontics and are cemented on the adjacent, supporting teeth.
Should I get a traditional bridge or an implant-supported bridge?
Patients hoping to have an implant-supported bridge have to be healthy enough to endure the implant placement surgery and the extensive healing time. A temporary bridge can be placed to give the patient the appearance and function of a full smile while they heal so it is a great option for those patients who are a candidate.
One major benefit that an implant-supported bridge has over a traditional bridge is the added support to the jaw bone. Tooth roots actually provide stimulation to the osteoblast (bone forming cells) through daily chewing and speaking. The cells need that stimulation to know that they need to continue to regenerate new cells to maintain bone structure. Without root stimulation, the cells no longer think the bone is needed and put their energy elsewhere in the body and the bone in the affected area begins to shrink. Dental implants act as an artificial tooth root and provide the same stimulation to maintain bone health!
Additionally, implant-supported bridges do not compromise healthy teeth like traditional bridges do. Since a traditional bridge is cemented to healthy adjacent teeth, those teeth have to lose a bit of structure to allow room for the anchoring crowns.
An implant-supported dental bridge is a much more invasive and costly procedure but the final product is often worth the investment for a lot of patients. Dental restorations are an investment in your health and quality of life and an implant-supported bridge can help you achieve a healthy new smile!