An implant-supported bridge is similar to a traditional bridge. Instead of being supported by dental crowns placed on the two adjacent teeth, the implant-supported bridge is supported and stabilized by small titanium posts that are surgically placed in your jawbone. The number of posts needed will depend on the length of the gap and the number of missing teeth the bridge is replacing.
A traditional bridge needs the teeth on both sides of the gap for support. An implant-supported bridge gets the necessary support from dental implants, leaving the adjacent teeth natural. The traditional bridge must use these two natural teeth for its support, so those natural teeth must be prepped to accept crowns, which now subjects them to more stress which could be damaging. This is increasingly possible if the existing teeth, roots, or surrounding bone structure are in decline. A dental implant-supported bridge replaces your missing teeth and avoids putting any additional stress on your healthy teeth.
What are Implant-Supported Crowns and Bridges Made of?
An implant-supported bridge consists of several parts:
* The dental implant- Which is most often made of titanium, is surgically placed in the upper or lower jawbone to function as an artificial root for the restoration.
* The abutment is an extension- It is affixed to the implant post and reaches to the surface of your gum. This part simply connects the implant to your crown or bridge.
* The restoration crown- This is the part that visually looks like a tooth on your bridge. Using a color guide to match your natural teeth, it is fabricated in ceramic, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or composite resin. The crown or bridge is then secured onto the abutment.
What is the Success Rate of Implant-Supported Crowns and Bridges?
If you are a healthy individual and exercise good oral hygiene, your dental implants will achieve a success rate above 90-95 percent. Implants have become the new gold standard for restorations. Good oral hygiene is still extremely important for the success of your implant-supported restoration. Even though the implant and the bridge will not experience any decay, you still must keep the area clean to prevent gum problems. Scheduling regular preventative dental exams every six months, especially to monitor your dental implants, is important to observe any inflammation that might damage the soft tissue or bone around the implant.
Like your natural teeth, an implant restorative crown can still wear and break. The life expectancy of two decades or more depends on many factors, including your oral habits, such as teeth grinding. If you experience this habit a night guard is beneficial to protect your restoration.
Benefits of Implant Supported Bridges
The benefits are numerous. Here are just a few:
* A permanent restoration that remains in your mouth.
* The bridge is easy to clean and maintain with a toothbrush, floss, or water pick.
* Your implants will not decay.
* Your implants never experience nerve problems resulting in root canals.
* The implants are far less likely to break than natural teeth.
* Implants function as artificial roots stimulating your jawbone maintaining integrity and density.
* The implants can deliver as much chewing force as natural teeth.
* Your implants deliver both chewing sensations and temperature changes.