Are Dental Implant-Supported Bridges Right For You?

If you have multiple missing teeth, you have many options to choose from in order to have them replaced. You could sign up for a set of partial dentures, or a partial bridge, or a bridge that's supported by dental implants. While all of these methods can replace the appearance of your teeth, only one can help to support your jaw and surrounding teeth the way real teeth can. Read on to learn more about this solution and what you can expect if you choose it.

What Are Dental Implant Bridges?

Dental implant bridges take the best of a dental bridge and combine it with dental implants. Instead of having a bridge secured to your surrounding, healthy teeth, the bridge is instead held in place by metal implants. These implants are secured in your jaw, just like the root of a tooth would be.

By keeping a dental bridge in place with implants, you're refraining from putting any stress on the surrounding teeth. In addition, the presence of the metal implant itself can help to keep your jaw bone strong, preventing bone resorption and a prematurely sagging jawline.

How Do They Work?

To install dental implant bridges, your dentist will examine your mouth and clean your teeth and gums. Then, they'll determine the placement of your dental implants and start the process of installing them. After your dental implants are installed and healed, a bridge will be secured directly on top of them. This is a permanent installation that doesn't need to be removed to clean it, and it won't pop out spontaneously due to a poor fit, like other kinds of bridges can.

How Many Implants Will You Get?

Unlike if you had every single missing tooth replaced by an individual dental implant, you can expect that your dental implant bridge will only replace a few of your missing tooth roots with implants. Putting an implant in every single socket is not necessary for bridges. However, the exact number of implants you'll receive depends upon your individual situation. For example, how many teeth you're missing, and what part of your jaw you're missing them in. Talk to your dentist to discuss what your situation calls for.

Dental implant-supported bridges can provide a permanent solution for missing teeth in a short time. Rather than putting up with messy partial dentures or a bridge that could potentially put stress on your surrounding teeth, choose the only option that can help to keep your jaw strong while it restores your appearance of a full set of healthy teeth. For additional information, you will want to talk to company such as Bruce Mathes DDS.