Implant-Supported Bridges Strengthen Your Jawbone for Long-Lasting Results
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth in a row, and several options are available to restore a full set of teeth. While conventional dental bridges use dental crowns on the teeth surrounding the gap to hold an artificial tooth in place, implant-supported restorations use dental implants to anchor the false tooth and strengthen the jawbone. There are many benefits to choosing an implant-supported bridge. This technique may offer the longest-lasting results, lasting an average of 20 years or longer compared to five to 10 years with conventional bridges.
Our experienced dentists at Pearce Dental Group can determine if an implant-supported bridge is the best dental restoration for your oral health needs. Our dedicated team of dental professionals will discuss the benefits of various dental bridges with you during your dental exam and consultation.
Preserve Surrounding Healthy Teeth
The traditional dental bridge requires reduction of surrounding healthy teeth, called abutment teeth, to accommodate the dental crowns that support the false tooth (pontic). Preparing the abutment teeth requires removing enamel and additional tooth structure so that the dental crowns can be placed on top of them.
With an implant-supported bridge, there is no need to reduce the surrounding (abutment) teeth. Rather than reducing these teeth, a dental implant is attached to the jawbone to support the artificial tooth. The implant-supported bridge protects these teeth because they will no longer shift to fill the gap, preserving your overall bite and reducing the risk of additional tooth loss.
Strengthen the Jawbone and Prevent Bone Loss
One of the most crucial reasons to replace a lost tooth is bone loss. The jawbone starts to degrade quickly after losing a tooth and may resorb up to 25% in the first year. One or more dental implants are used for an implant-supported bridge. These are titanium posts or rods surgically placed in the jaw under the gum tissue to replace a lost tooth root. Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots and provide the stimulation the jaw needs to maintain its integrity. (Some patients may require a bone graft before the dental implant procedure if they don’t have sufficient bone tissue to hold the rod.)
Care For Your Bridges the Same As Your Natural Teeth
Traditional dental bridges require some additional upkeep on top of regular brushing and flossing, such as cleaning underneath the bridge. However, implant-supported bridges are often easier to care for and act more like your natural teeth. Make sure you brush twice daily and floss once a day. Wash food debris away from the gum line, and schedule regular dental visits and cleanings to maintain your complete smile.
If you’re interested in an implant-supported dental bridge, contact Pearce Dental Group to learn more. Call our Cincinnati, Ohio, office at (513) 651-0110 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. We offer convenient online consultations for some patients.
