Implant-supported Bridges Restore Smiles and Conserve Oral Health
Unlike traditional dental bridges, implant-supported bridges do not rest on surrounding, healthy teeth. These advanced restorations receive superior support from a permanent foundation. Implant-supported bridges placed by Dr. Emma Wu at our North Andover, MA, practice restore form and function to your smile, replacing missing teeth. These restorations both conserve surrounding teeth and stimulate the jawbone because they rely on dental implants for support. At Aesthetic Family Dentistry, you can receive excellent, quality care throughout your entire treatment.
What Is an Implant-supported Bridge?
An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants and a porcelain restoration to provide you with a long-lasting and natural-looking solution to restore dental function and aesthetics. Because an implant-supported bridge involves surgically placing titanium posts into your jawbone, it is vital that you have healthy bone density to support the restoration.
Traditional Implants
Traditional dental implants offer the highest level of strength and durability. During surgery, a single threaded implant post is inserted directly into the jawbone to replace each missing tooth. After traditional implants surgery, the posts are left to heal for several months, during which time they will become fused with the surrounding bone through a process known as osseointegration. This implant-to-bone integration allows traditional implants to provide up to a lifetime of support for dental restorations. Additionally, traditional dental implants can also improve a patient’s oral health by returning stimulation to the jawbone and halting bone recession that occurs after tooth loss.
Compared to traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges protect your overall oral health by preventing jawbone deterioration and further tooth loss. Dental implants send regenerative signals to your jaw, preserving bone density and preventing bone degeneration. In addition, because your restoration will be affixed to dental implants rather than surrounding teeth, an implant-supported bridge eliminates the need to alter healthy teeth and will be more stable than a traditional alternative.
How the Procedure is Performed
In order to receive an implant-supported bridge, your treatment will require various stages. These phrases include:
- Dental Implant Placement: Dr. Wu can surgically place titanium posts into the strongest areas of your jawbone. An implant-supported bridge will typically require two or more implants for proper support.
- Recovery: Once you have received your dental implants, you will need to spend an appropriate amount of time healing. During this four to six month period, your jawbone and the titanium posts will begin to fuse, forming a strong foundation for your restoration.
- Restoration Design: Dr. Wu will take an impression of you teeth and gums in order for your customized, lifelike restoration to be fabricated at our quality lab. Your restoration will be created to blend with the natural shape, size, and color of your remaining teeth.
- Abutments Placement: The abutments, also known as connector pieces, are typically made from titanium and will screw onto each individual implant, providing a solid base for the restoration to attach to permanently. In most cases, it will take about two to three weeks to recover from this step.
- Restoration Placement: Once you have completely healed, Dr. Wu can connect your customized restoration for a completely restored smile.
An implant-supported can restore your dental function, making it easier to eat your favorite foods and helping you speak clearly.
Benefits of an Implant-supported Bridge
Once your restoration is placed, you can enjoy many benefits, including:
- Improved oral function: An implant-supported can restore your dental function, making it easier to eat your favorite foods and helping you speak clearly.
- Increased oral health: A dental bridge will help preserve your bite alignment and prevent other teeth from shifting out of place. In addition, dental implants prevent bone deterioration that accompanies tooth loss. Your maintained levels of bone density can prevent future tooth loss and issues.
- Enhanced quality of life: You can experience a significant increase in your self-confidence when you fill gaps in your smile with a long-lasting, lifelike restoration.
Improve Your Smile
If you are in need of a treatment for missing or severely damaged teeth, an implant-supported bridge may be an ideal solution for you. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wu.