Implant-Supported Bridges

Do I Need an Implant-supported Bridge?  

You may need an implant with a bridge if you’re missing several missing, broken, or decayed teeth in a row – this tooth restoration essentially bridges the gap in your smile. Typically, when an implant-supported bridge is used, one implant is placed in the jawbone for each missing tooth, then the crowns are connected to form one piece.   

Implant-Supported Bridge Procedure 

Implant-supported bridges require two appointments over several months. Here’s what you can expect:   

1. Implant placement: Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone to act as a tooth root and a solid foundation for the bridge. If you don’t have sufficient bone volume, a bone graft may be required before implants can be placed. It usually takes 4 to 6 months for the dental implants to osseointegrate or fuse with the surrounding jawbone. We will work closely with your dental implant surgeon to ensure the best results possible.  
2. Bridge placement: A custom dental bridge is created for you at our Swanton, OH dental practice to match the size, shape, and shading of your existing teeth and is affixed to the supporting implants.    

Benefits of an Implant-Supported Bridge  

There are several benefits of an implant-supported bridge:  

• Restores the integrity of smile and facial structure: When you have missing teeth, the bone begins resorbing (breaking down) because the natural roots of the teeth are no longer providing stimulation. The resulting bone loss causes your face to appear withdrawn or sunken. The implant stimulates bone growth by replacing your tooth roots, allowing you to enjoy a fuller, less withdrawn, more youthful-looking appearance.  
• It doesn’t require the removal of healthy tissue: Traditional bridges require healthy teeth to be ground down and reshaped to accommodate the crowns that support the bridge. You also need healthy teeth on either side of the gap to receive a traditional bridge. Since implant-supported restorations do not rely on teeth for support, they require no removal of healthy enamel, and you don’t need to have healthy teeth to get the bridge.   
• Restores chewing, speech, and pronunciation: Implant-supported bridges are incredibly stable, and you can rely on them to stay in place while you eat, speak, and smile.