What is an Implant Supported Bridge?
If you are suffering from a missing tooth or you have a damaged tooth that needs to be replaced then you may be looking for the different options available to you that fits your desired outcome and budget. One of the best and most recent tooth replacement options is a dental implant. But what are your options when you are missing more than one tooth and what are your options when more than one missing tooth is next to each other?
The traditional approach to replacing multiple missing teeth is a dental bridge. It sits above the gums and is attached to the teeth on either side with a crown to keep the bridge in place. The traditional dental bridges require the dentist to remove the enamel from your otherwise healthy teeth to secure the crowns to them. Without the roots of your teeth to stimulate the jaw bone when you talk and chew, the bone in the area of the bridge will become weak. Additionally, traditional dental bridges are not as strong as your natural teeth so they are not as able to withstand the pressure from your bite. The traditional bridges require more deliberate and attentive cleaning than your natural teeth and may need to be replaced after ten or more years.
An implant supported bridge is not much different in most ways from a traditional bridge but the result is a better performing, stronger dental restoration. Before the dentist can offer you this treatment option, you need to be healthy enough to have the dental implant surgery and heal properly from it. The dentist will review your dental health, your overall health, and your medical history to determine if you are an ideal candidate. The implant is placed into your jaw bone surgically and must be healed before proceeding to the next steps. The implanted post will fuse with the jaw bone and function like your natural teeth roots. Next the dentist will need to secure an abutment in place on top of the implant above the gum line where the dental crown or bridge will attach. Depending on the number of teeth you are replacing and where they are located in your jaw, the dentist will determine the number of implants where they are most effectively placed.
When the dental bridge is supported by a dental implant, the pressure on the bridge when you chew or talk will stimulate the jaw bone through the implanted post and keep the jaw bone strong. The bridge will have a more natural look as compared to one that sits above your gums. And because the bridge is secured in place with the implants, the teeth on either side of the gap do not need to be altered for the bridge to stay in place. Once a crown is placed on a tooth, the tooth will always need a crown to stay healthy and protected from damage caused by exposure to bacteria. Additionally, the teeth with crowns may be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures due to the lack of protective enamel.