Restore Aesthetics and Function with Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges allow patients to replace multiple consecutive missing teeth without having to crown healthy teeth or suffer gradual jawbone recession. At our Philadelphia, PA, dental practice, Dr. Bruce J. Wilderman accepts CareCredit® financing to help you budget for this advanced and multi-beneficial treatment.
Traditional Bridges vs Implant-Supported Bridges
Traditional dental bridges consist of two dental crowns supporting a row of artificial teeth – or pontics – in between. The crowns are attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. In order to do this, the teeth must be reshaped and reduced to make room for the crowns.
Implant-supported bridges are supported by dental implants instead of adjacent teeth, eliminating the need to remove healthy dental tissue.
Exploring Your Candidacy
General candidacy for an implant-supported bridge includes being in good overall health. Patients considering implant treatment should not have any health-related concerns that could interfere with healing, such as hemophilia or uncontrolled diabetes. Furthermore, individuals should be free from gum disease and tooth decay. If these issues are present, periodontal or restorative treatments can be performed prior to implant placement.
Patients must also have sufficient jawbone tissue to support the posts. Those who lack adequate bone density can restore their eligibility for implants with a bone grafting procedure. This involves adding bone tissue to the jaw to replace lost tissue. Typically, bone grafting procedures add a few months to the total treatment timeline. However, most patients agree it is well worth the wait to experience the benefits of an implant-supported restoration.
Implant-supported bridges require no alteration of healthy adjacent teeth.
Placing an Implant-Supported Bridge
Dr. Wilderman works alongside an oral surgery specialist to place your implants. The day of your surgery, your doctor will administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. Sedation can also be given to induce a state of relaxation and maintain your comfort throughout the procedure. Once you are comfortable, a tiny incision will be made in the gums to access the underlying jawbone. The surgeon will carefully prepare the bone for the implants, and strategically position them into the jaw. Finally, the incision will be closed with sutures.
After this procedure, the bone tissue must have sufficient time to integrate with the implant posts. In most cases, this takes between three and six months. However, healing times can vary depending on the specific case and the patient’s own healing ability.
Once the implants have fully integrated with the bone tissue, Dr. Wilderman will connect your bridge to the implant posts during an office visit.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges offer several important advantages:
- Improved oral health: Because implants mimic the micromovements of natural tooth roots, they actively stimulate the jawbone and prevent the bone loss that would otherwise occur.
- Long-lasting results: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
- Enhanced function: When you are missing teeth, it can compromise your chewing ability. Dental implants restore your bite and the function of your smile.
- Improved self-confidence: Replacing your teeth with dental implants can dramatically improve the look of your smile, helping you experience boosted confidence.
Learn More about Implant-Supported Bridges
To explore your eligibility for an implant-supported dental restoration, schedule a consultation at our practice. You can call us at (215) 631-3085 or contact us online anytime.
