What is an Implant-Supported Bridge?
Have you experienced tooth loss? If so, our implant restoration dentists in Grandville, MI, may recommend an implant-supported bridge. As the name suggests, an implant-supported dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that’s supported by implants on both sides. This is different from a “conventional” bridge that’s supported by dental crowns on teeth adjacent to the gap in a patient’s smile.
Here’s what else you need to know about the implant-supported bridge procedure.
Candidates for Implant-Supported Bridges
You may be a candidate for an implant-supported bridge if you have three missing teeth in a row. To fill in the empty space, our dentists may recommend a dental bridge supported by dental implants.
It’s also important that you have adequate bone density in your jaw to support the dental implants. Otherwise, our dentists may refer you to an oral surgeon for a bone graft. A bone graft supplements the jawbone tissue you already have. That way, any future dental implants will have the support they need to act as a foundation for the bridge restoration.
Related: What are Implant-Supported Dentures? →
Benefits of an Implant-Supported Bridge
An is a great option for someone missing several consecutive teeth. While a partial denture does nothing to prevent bone loss in the jaw, an implant-supported bridge exerts pressure like natural tooth roots would. This keeps your jawbone tissue healthy in the long run.
Another benefit of choosing an implant-supported bridge is that they’ll never shift or click. This means that you’ll be able to eat, smile, talk, and laugh with complete confidence.
What Happens During the Procedure?
As soon as you experience tooth loss, it’s important that you schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. During your appointment, they’ll help you explore your tooth replacement options so you can make an informed decision for your smile. If you decide to move forward with an implant-supported bridge, our dentists will refer you to an oral surgeon who will place the implants.
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root that’s made out of a titanium alloy. During , the oral surgeon will embed the implants into the jawbone. Over the course of several months, these implants will fuse to the bone during a process called osseointegration.
Once osseointegration is complete, our implant restoration dentists will plan and place your new dental bridge to fit over top. As mentioned previously, this restoration will contain a prosthetic tooth and two crowns that will fit over the dental implants. The result is a beautiful healthy smile you’ll be able to enjoy for the rest of your life.
Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. However, it’s still important to keep up your routine visits to 44 West Dental Professionals.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
Want to know if you’re a candidate for an implant-supported bridge? Schedule a consultation with one of our implant restoration dentists in Grandville, MI. Please call 44 West Dental Professionals at (616) 530-2200. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.