An implant supported bridge is a dental prosthesis used to replace a few teeth missing in one area of the mouth. This type of bridge is fixed in place using dental implants as the supporting foundation. An implant-supported bridge is a comfortable, natural-looking dental restoration with many benefits.
What is an implant-supported bridge?
A traditional dental bridge uses the support of the healthy teeth on either side of the space which are prepared for dental crowns and a fake tooth sits between them. The fake tooth is called a pontic and can fill the space left by one or more consecutive missing teeth, one pontic per missing tooth.
An implant-supported bridge utilizes dental implants and is incredibly stable and comfortable for the patient. A dental implant is a titanium post placed by an oral surgeon or periodontist. The doctor will make a small incision in the gum tissue at the area being treated then drill a tiny hole in the jaw bone in which to place the implant. The tissue is then stitched up around the implant, leaving a small portion protruding, which is then covered with a healing cap, or temporary abutment.
The healing cap will remain in place for up to six months while you heal and will provide protection from damage and infection. When implants are used for a bridge, at least two implants will be placed, one on each side of the space.
Traditional Bridge v Implant-Supported Bridge
Patients who want an implant-supported bridge need to be healthy enough to endure the implant placement surgery and the long healing time. A temporary bridge can be placed to give the patient the appearance and function of a full smile while they heal so it is a great option for those patients who are a candidate.
Bone support is one of the major benefits of an implant-supported bridge versus a traditional bridge. Tooth roots naturally provide stimulation to the osteoblast cell (bone forming cells) in our jaw bone through daily chewing and speaking. The cells need stimulation to know that they are expected to continue to regenerate new cells to maintain bone structure. Without root stimulation, the cells no longer think the bone is needed and put their energy to use elsewhere in the body and the bone in the affected area begins to shrink. Dental implants act as an artificial tooth root and provide the same stimulation to maintain bone health,
Another bonus of implant-supported bridges is that they do not compromise healthy teeth like traditional bridges. Since a traditional bridge is cemented to healthy adjacent teeth, a few millimeters of enamel is removed from the anchoring teeth to allow room for the anchor crowns.
An implant-supported dental bridge is a much more invasive and costly procedure but the result is often worth the investment for a lot of patients. Dental restorations are just that, an investment in your health and quality of life and an implant-supported bridge can help you achieve a healthy new smile. If you need to have a few teeth replaced, speak with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for an implant-supported bridge.