If you’re faced with having to lose or are already missing one or more teeth, then an implant-supported bridge from our Suffolk county dental office could very well be an excellent and permanent tooth replacement option to consider.

What Is An Implant-Supported Bridge?

An implant-supported bridge is a multi-tooth restoration made up of crowns connected side-by-side that is supported by a pair of dental implants.

Who Is An Ideal Candidate?

The most important requirement for an implant-supported bridge is to have enough healthy bone to support the implants. Some people don’t have the necessary amount of dense bone necessary or they may have a sinus cavity in the way of where the implants need to be placed. If this is the case, you may still have the option of getting a bone graft or sinus lift to create space for your implants.

During your initial consultation, we’ll take a 3-D X-ray of the area in question and be able to evaluate your oral anatomy to determine if you’re ready for an implant-supported bridge (or if you’ll need additional procedures first.)

The Implant Bridge Process

The process of getting an implant-supported bridge begins by placing the implants into the jaw bone. Once this initial procedure is performed, there’s a period of healing in which the bone fuses to the implants, giving them a strong and secure “fit”. It typically takes at least a couple of months for your body to fully integrate with them. Once the implants are stable enough to withstand constant pressure applied to them, we’ll have your bridge made and attach it to the implants permanently.

Implant-Supported vs. Traditional Bridges

An implant-supported bridge is used when you have a wide space with missing teeth that needs to be closed in. The implants are usually placed on the outermost section of the gap and serve as the anchors for your bridge. The bridge itself closes in the space by attaching to the implants.

A traditional bridge closes in smaller spaces than an implant-supported bridge does. However, it uses natural teeth as the anchors, not implants. Since that’s the case, it can only replace 1-2 teeth at a time, whereas implant bridges can restore 3-4 teeth at a time. If you don’t have healthy natural teeth that can support a bridge on each end of the space, then a traditional bridge isn’t a good option.

Advantages Of Implant Bridges

Implant bridges are very natural-looking and durable so they last for many years. These restorations are fixed, meaning there’s nothing to remove (like a partial denture). And since there are no natural teeth to support a bridge, you won’t have to worry about permanently altering your healthy tooth structure or replacing your restoration more often because of decay.

Implant Bridges vs. Partial Denture

A partial denture is a removable appliance that covers an entire arch of your mouth, replacing the teeth that are missing. Partials are typically made from acrylic or metal framework that snaps around your other teeth.

Since the appliance covers a large area, it can affect your speech or make it more challenging to eat certain foods. Also, some people with a sensitive gag reflex find it very difficult to wear a partial.

Partial dentures are initially more affordable than an implant bridge, especially if there are several teeth throughout a single arch that need to be replaced. However, before basing your decision solely on cost, you should consider that implants outlast other restorations, providing the best long-term return on investment.

How To Care For An Implant-Supported Bridge

Caring for an implant-supported bridge isn’t much different than cleaning and maintaining a traditional bridge.

Brushing Your Implant-Supported Bridge

Brushing your bridge is the same as brushing your natural teeth. Position the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to ensure that you’re brushing the restoration and your gumlines at the same time. Use a soft bristle, or better yet, an electric toothbrush to ensure that you’re not being too forceful.

Flossing Implant Supported Bridges

Since the section of the bridge that replaces the missing teeth floats above your gum tissue, you’ll need to clean under the bridge to ensure that the tissues stay healthy. Since the bridge isn’t removable, you’ll use a special type of floss to do this. A floss threader works like a needle and thread to give you a rigid point to guide the floss string under the bridge and between the gum. Once the floss is there all you need to do is maneuver the floss back and forth along the gum and underside of the bridge to ensure that all plaque and food particles are dislodged. Also, make sure that you wrap the floss around the implants to clean them thoroughly as well.

Using a Water Flosser

A water flosser is a great tool to use when you have any kind of bridge work in your mouth. Water flossers are a small countertop appliance which consists of a wand that is connected by a hose to a water reservoir. When you aim the wand between your teeth, a stream of pressurized water comes out of the end and flushes away the bacteria around your teeth and bridgework. Water flossing helps clean areas that traditional floss can’t reach and are easier to use if you have limited dexterity.

Regular Checkups

All implant patients should plan a preventative care exam and checkup every six months to keep their smiles healthy. Even though implants don’t decay like natural teeth, they still need professional maintenance to ensure their longevity.