A Detailed Guide On An Implant-Supported Bridge
There is not a great deal of difference between an implant-supported bridge and the sort of bridge that dentists have been using for many years.
What is an Implant-Supported Bridge?
A dental implant bridge is the closest option to natural teeth when missing a large span of natural teeth. There is not a great deal of difference between the dental implant-supported bridge and the sort of bridge that dentists have been using for many years. They do the same job and are equally important when it comes to allowing crowns to be placed in gaps left by lost teeth. The difference is that none of the original teeth are used to support the bridge, rather are help together by implants in the bone. There is an implant for every tooth that is to be replaced and the implants are easily placed into the bone one for each anchor tooth. Once the dental implants have healed into the jawbone, the dental crowns can be attached to each other and the implants finalizing the bridge. The attached dental crowns will be then attached and appear as one piece fulfilling the prior spaces and giving you a fuller smile.
Despite the problems including oral hygiene maintenance with removable dentures, having an implant support bridge is going to be a lot more comfortable and attractive than having dentures that need to be removed and cleaned each night. It will appear that the teeth are all your own and when cleaned as they should be with our specific instructions and protocols they will have a lifetime of success and improvement in your smile.
Why are Dental Implants Needed?
The main reason for having this treatment done, is to replace the large spaces or gaps in your smile. Sometimes a normal cap can be used, but often there needs to be an implant-supported bridge to make sure that the teeth look and act as good as they should once the treatment is complete. The dental implants will keep tight hold of the crown and can support several teeth in place as well due to their high technology fabrication. In a situation where there is a large space or many teeth missing, it is not always possible to place on a conventional bridge, as this will put too much pressure on the anchor teeth and implants are needed for more support. When the dental implants have fully healed and integrated in the bone and gum areas they will serve as ideal support that is in close relation to normal teeth.
As with any health situation in the mouth or body, the area around the dental implant can still be prone to infection and defects including screw, abutment, or crown fractures which may become defective and lead to replacement or further care.
Who needs an implant-supported bridge or dental implant?
The candidates that have large spaces including several teeth that may be missing could benefit from having an implant-supported bridge placed and fitted. Starting with a dental implant consult will lead to highly recommended path for deciding highly recommended options for your situation. If situations may arise that the bone quality or gum disease is actively present there can be failures with dental implants coming loose. Dental consultations and exams are first and foremost important to be sure oral hygiene standards are met to make sure the work is long-lasting. The option of having dental implants is the most ideal treatment in restoring smiles and replacing lost teeth, gaps, or spaces to get the smile you want back!
It is important that the gums and bone areas are healthy as there could be the risk of dental implant failure if they were not diseased or have active infections. By having highly recommended home care aids and habits it will increase the prognosis of long-lasting dental implants. Also if you visit the dentist regularly there will be a decrease in potential problems with any dental work.
How do you use an Implant-Supported Bridge?
An implant-supported bridge is only suitable when there is more than just one tooth missing. There are situations when this form of treatment is recommended if there are concerns about the stress that could be placed on an individual implant. Dental implants are fixed and permanent in the bone and are similar in the habits with normal teeth. Keeping precaution on hard foods and grinding habits are also important. Considering a nightguard to protect dental work is also vital. Otherwise, if severe grinding is noted possible dental implants can become lose and result in failure consulting with your dentist on these matters are recommended.
By having multiple implants placed to hold a dental supported bridge there will be less pressure focused on one are or implant. There is not going to be the same degree of pressure placed on one tooth or one part of the jaw alleviating issues of stress which could cause failure. This way the pressure is reduced and will be spread out over a bigger area. Having a balanced pressure system creates equal distribution of force resulting in a more stable environment. Most of this is also going to be dependent upon the health of the gums, bone, and teeth that are around the dental implants. If you have infections in your gum or bone areas, such as gum disease, this needs to be addressed by your dentist as soon as possible prior to the placement of dental implants.
How are Dental Implants Placed?
Dental implants have a lot to consider, including overall bodily health, oral hygiene, and integrity of the bone in which the implants will be placed. Making sure oral hygiene is top-notch, and one visits the dentist for regular check-ups increases the success rate of dental work. When placing dental implants, there is generally a wait time of about 5-7 months, depending on the quality of the bone and the overall health of the gum and bone areas. Sometimes if bone quality is defective, some cases need additional treatment to augment and help build the backbone with a bone graft. This can lead to longer healing times as well. In some advanced cases, dentists may need to consider placing and restoring the implant during multiple visits due to the personal healing habits of patients.
Generally, there are three visits needed with dental implants. This first step, after the initial consultation, is the placement of the dental implant in the site selected. Once the artificial titanium root is placed in the bone the area is covered by the gums to help protect and heal the area. After this has been done there can be a waiting period of up to 6 months while this heals. Once the area has healed and the dentist is satisfied with the evaluation of the area the implant is ready for an impression of the area. Once the impression is sent out to the lab to fabricate the dental crown and additional implant restoration parts the final visit is scheduled. For the final visit, the dental crown or bridge is placed on the dental implant permanently. There is no need to worry that hygiene will be an issue once you have the new dental bridge in place. It will be possible to clean it as well as the area between it and the gums. It may need a special brush from the dentist as it will need one smaller than a conventional toothbrush, but the teeth will be clean, and the bridge will not become damaged or dirty as long as dental visits and check-ups are maintained.
