What Are Implant Supported Bridges Made Of?
Implant supported bridges are a permanent dental restoration that replaces two or more missing teeth in a row. Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone; as the bone heals, the implants become a sturdy support for a dental prosthetic. When they were first introduced, a single dental implant was used to support a dental crown, creating a structure of root and tooth that mimicked a natural tooth and its root in appearance and function. As implant innovations continue, it has become more and more common for treatments to rely on fewer implants to support more teeth. Implant supported bridges are a perfect example of this. While traditional bridges rely on the natural teeth on either side of a gap created by missing teeth, implant supported bridges use one or dental implants to support three or four teeth. In some cases, in fact, as few as four dental implants can support an entire row of prosthetic teeth.
Each implant supported dental restoration is made of a few different components: the dental implant post the attachment abutment; and the dental prosthetic itself. The dental implant post, which is most often made of titanium, is a tiny fixture that is surgically placed into the jawbone, under the gums, where the root of a natural tooth once lived. Dental implant attachment abutments are made of gold, titanium, or porcelain. After the implant post is placed into the jaw and given time to heal, your implant dentist will perform a second surgery, making an incision into the gums and pulling back the tissue to expose the tops of the dental implant posts. Then, they will affix the attachment abutment onto the implant post, finally suturing the gum tissue into place around the base of each abutment, creating a natural-looking gum line. The gums are allowed to heal for a couple of weeks before the dental prosthetic is permanently attached to the abutments, which help the false teeth bear the forces of everyday wear and tear.
The part of any dental implant that looks like a tooth or a row of teeth is the implant supported crown or bridge. These prosthetic teeth are most frequently made of ceramic or porcelain that is tinted to match the natural teeth, porcelain fused to a metal base, or composite dental resin. These lustrous materials are chosen because of their resemblance to the natural dental enamel and their durability, though each material comes with its own pros and cons. Your dentist will review the details of each of your options when you meet for your consultation, and you can ask the questions that matter most to you.
Some implant supported crowns and bridges are cemented to their attachment abutment, while others are screwed into place. If your implant supported restoration is screwed in place, the hole where the screw nestles will be filled in with pliable composite material that is matched to the tooth, completing the implant restoration. Even though the procedure has been completed, the continued care of an implant supported bridge is hugely important to the lasting success of the restoration. Overall, keeping the oral tissues clean is the first step in maintaining dental implants for the long term, but certain materials are more durable than others, and some materials have greater aesthetic benefits but might not be as strong. Cost is also a factor in choosing the best materials for an implant supported restoration, and you and your dentist will review each of these important factors at your initial treatment consultation.
