If you are missing some teeth, the gap created should be filled or your neighboring natural teeth will immediately shift and drift into the gap. Your dentist can bridge the space in your smile with a dental bridge. A traditional dental bridge is an artificial tooth or teeth, which are called pontics, that are suspended in the space by securing them to the abutment teeth on both sides of the gap.
These artificial crowns are custom fabricated in porcelain or ceramic to aesthetically match your natural teeth.
An implant-supported bridge is in principle very much like a traditional bridge. Instead of being supported by dental crowns placed over your two adjacent teeth, implant-supported bridges attach to and are stabilized by small titanium posts surgically placed in your jawbone. The number of posts needed will depend on the length of the gap and the bridge.
Implant-Supported Bridges versus Traditional Bridges
To pursue an implant-supported restorative bridge, you first go through the procedure of the implants being surgically placed. This usually requires several appointments allowing sufficient time for the posts to fuse, bond, and integrate with the jawbone.
Even though an implant supported bridge needs a bigger investment in both time and cost, it does offer many benefits over a traditional bridge. With a traditional bridge, the teeth on each side of the space in your smile must be altered to accept a crown placement. Since the implant-supported bridge does not rely on the adjacent teeth for support, your healthy teeth are left completely natural. The implant supported bridge is extremely secure and stable, and will remain in place while you eat, speak, and smile.
As an added unseen benefit, implants are the only method of tooth restoration that protects your jawbone from atrophy. An implant-supported bridge replaces your entire tooth, from crown to root. By functioning as artificial tooth roots, the implant continuously stimulates the jawbone. Without the tooth roots, your body begins to distribute the jawbone tissue elsewhere. With proper daily care and oral hygiene, your implant posts will last a lifetime and contribute to long-term oral health.
Are You a Candidate for an Implant Supported Bridge
To qualify for an implant supported bridge restoration, you should be in good oral health and have sufficient bone density and integrity in your jawbone to successfully support the implants. If you have compromised bone mass, it can be restored by having a procedure such as a bone graft and a sinus lift. If you have gum disease or tooth decay, your dentist must first resolve these issues before proceeding with surgically placing implants. If you smoke, you need to be willing to cease the habit for a period before and after your implant surgery. If you have diabetes, it can also prevent you from receiving implants. Your dentist will help create a plan that allows implants to become a beneficial component of your healthy smile.
If you are missing two or more teeth in one location, an implant-supported bridge will provide a natural-looking restoration with numerous benefits. The number of implants necessary will be determined by the size of the gap and the number of missing teeth. It is a very worthwhile investment in your ongoing oral health.