What is an Implant Supported Bridge?
If you’re missing two or more teeth in a row and would like to replace them with artificial teeth that are sturdy and visually appealing, an implant supported bridge could be a good option for you. A simple implant supported bridge replaces a few teeth in a row with dental implants placed at either end of the gap created by the missing teeth. Once these implants are placed and have healed, a dental bridge made up of a span of at least three artificial teeth is affixed to the implants. Implant supported bridges are comfortable, durable, and highly natural-looking, and they also convey an additional benefit: the help protect the jaw from the natural atrophy that takes place when there are no tooth roots to stimulate the bone and keep it strong and vital.
Traditional bridges rely on the teeth adjacent to a gap of missing teeth for support. Before placing a traditional bridge, the dentist files enamel away from these adjacent teeth, reducing their size so they can accommodate the dental crowns that will support the bridge and still look natural. Once the teeth are prepared, the row of prosthetic teeth made up of two crowns and a bridge is bonded in place. An implant supported bridge functions similarly, but it relies on dental implants for support. The total number of implants placed will depend on the number of teeth that are missing, allowing biting and chewing forces to be evenly distributed in the jaw. So, the first step for any implant supported bridge is the surgical insertion of the implant posts that will support the bridge. Typically, implant placement requires at least two procedures, and these procedures are separated by several months of healing. This extended healing time is an important contributor to the durability and stability of implant supported bridges, as it is during healing that the implant post and bone tissue fuse together and create a long-lasting bond. While this may seem inconvenient, it’s the main reason implant supported bridges and other restorations are as comfortable, natural, and popular as they are.
While implant supported bridges require a greater investment of time and money, they are universally preferable to traditional dental restorations. Implant supported bridges can be placed without removing any healthy dental tissue, which isn’t the case with traditional bridges. They are also considerably more durable and stable than any type of removable dental bridge or restoration; with the proper care, implant supported bridges can be depended upon to stay put while you speak and eat, and they could continue to enhance your smile for a lifetime. Implant supported restorations are also the only type of dental restoration that prevents the jawbone atrophy that naturally occurs when a tooth is lost.
For implants to be a good idea, there needs to be adequate bone tissue to support implants, and the patient should be in good oral health. This might mean that additional procedures like bone grafts or periodontal treatments will be required before implants can be placed safely. Additionally, smokers are restricted from smoking for a period of time preceding and following implant placement; the sucking action of smoking combined with the toxins in tobacco compromise healing and are very likely to lead to implant failure, which requires additional surgeries to fix. Patients with unmanaged diabetes will also be required to treat their condition before dental implants can be considered a safe option.
