Better Support For A Fuller, Healthier Smile
For patients who are missing multiple teeth in an arch, replacing every tooth with a singular dental implant might prove costly and time consuming. At Mid-Valley Dental Care, our implant dentists Dr. Casey, Kayla, and Terence Lau can replace multiple teeth with an implant-supported bridge. Keep reading to learn more about implant-supported bridges and how you might benefit.
What Are Implant-Supported Bridges?
Implant-supported bridges are multi-tooth restorations made of a row of false teeth called pontics. Unlike traditional dental bridges, implant-supported bridges don’t rely on dental crowns placed over your healthy surrounding teeth for support. Instead, they’re supported by dental implants, one on each end of the row of pontics. The restoration “bridges the gap” left by missing teeth and can replace up to four adjacent teeth in an arch.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Bridges
There are several advantages to implant-supported bridges, such as:
- Affordability – Replacing multiple missing teeth with a bridge instead of singular implants reduces treatment costs.
- Superior Stability – Using implants instead of your surrounding teeth for support provide superior stability, as dental implants fuse to your jawbone in a process called osseointegration for unmatched support.
- The Health Benefits of Singular Implants – Implant-supported bridges help prevent tooth-loss related health issues such as loss of jawbone density (resorption) and smile misalignment.
- Doesn’t Compromise Healthy Teeth – Implant-supported bridges save your healthy teeth from enamel shaving, which can have a significant impact on your smile’s health and function.
- Long-Lasting – Implant-supported bridges can last ten to 20 years, while the implants themselves can last 20 years to a lifetime.
- Time-Saving – Using less dental implants to secure your restoration means less time spent on exams and healing.
The Implant-Supported Bridges Process
Initial Consultation
Before you’re approved for an implant-supported bridge, you’ll undergo the standard implant process, starting with an initial consultation with Dr. Lau. During your consultation, your implant dentist in Northridge will thoroughly examine your mouth, including taking X-rays of your smile with advanced dental technology. They’ll also review your medical history and ask you about your smile goals. If you feel any anxiety about your dental procedure, Dr. Lau will discuss sedation dentistry with you.
Designing Your Restoration
Once your implant dentist has approved you for an implant-supported bridge, we’ll take digital images and impressions of your smile. These images will be used to make your restoration, which we can often make in-office with CAD/CAM technology.
Implant Placement Preparation
We’ll first prepare you for implant placement by numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic. If you opted for dental sedation, we’ll also apply your sedative or make sure any oral sedatives taken beforehand are working. Once you’re numb, your implant dentist will perform any necessary extractions and make two small incisions into your gums where the implants will be inserted.
Implant Placement
Your implants will be inserted into the two incisions. Once they’re placed, you’ll let them fully osseointegrate, a process which usually takes three to six months. You’ll return to Mid-Valley Dental Care once you’re fully healed to have your restoration installed.
Restoration Installation
You’ll have your bridge restoration installed when you return after your healing period. The implant-supported bridge will be secured by the two implants with connective abutment pieces. After Dr. Lau makes any adjustments to ensure your restoration fits comfortably and naturally, you’re free to leave our Northridge dental office with a new smile you can be proud of!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do implant-supported bridges cost?
The cost of your implant supported bridge will depend on numerous factors, including how many teeth you need replaced, the materials used, and your insurance coverage. It’s encouraged that you contact your insurance provider beforehand and confirm with them what coverage your plan provides. If you need help covering your implant-supported bridge, Mid-Valley Dental Care offers financing options, including third-party financing through CareCredit, LendingClub, and Careington.
How long do implant-supported dental bridges last?
Implant-supported bridges can last ten to twenty years, and the implants themselves can last twenty years to a lifetime. However, getting the most out of your implant-supported bridges will depend on at-home and in-office care. Be sure to brush and floss regularly and visit our Northridge, CA dental office for regular exams at least every six months.
Are implant-supported dental bridges removable?
Implant-supported dental bridges are permanently secured to your jawbone. This will help the restoration stay securely in your mouth, making for easy maintenance. Simply brush and floss regularly to maintain your new smile.
What do I do if my implant-supported dental bridge falls out?
If your implant-supported dental bridge falls out or breaks, do not attempt to repair or reinstall it yourself. Attempting to repair or reinstall your bridge restoration yourself can result in damage to your bridge and oral health.
Instead, put all pieces of your implant-supported bridge in a small plastic bag or container and contact our Northridge dental office immediately at 818-239-4956 to schedule an appointment. Your implant dentist will repair the bridge if necessary, reinstall the bridge, or suggest replacement options.
Implant-Supported Bridges Affordably Restore Your Smile
At Mid-Valley Dental Care, implant-supported bridges offer a way to more quickly and affordably restore your smile. We offer smile restoration with implant-supported bridges to patients from Northridge and surrounding areas such as Granada Hills, Winnetka, and Chatsworth, CA.
To learn more about the benefits of implant-supported dentures, contact Mid-Valley Dental Care by dialing 818-239-4956. You can also fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly.