An implant supported bridge, is the same as other dental bridges. The difference is that it’s supported by several implants and not the adjacent teeth. It can be placed with one implant per each missing tooth and connect the crowns in between, or a lesser number of implants will support more crowns replacing missing teeth.
Bridges are used when there is more than one single tooth missing to be replaced or when the doctor thinks that the patient might be putting too much pressure on an individual implant that may cause the rejection of the same. Using an implant supported bridge spreads the pressure across the entire piece. We only use imported FDA approved implants, the same brands that are used in the USA and Canada.
The size of the implant can be wide, regular or narrow, depending on if the teeth that it’s going to replace are anterior (front), posterior (rear) or if there are a number of pieces that need to be replaced. The treatment is very simple and fast, it only requires a minor invasive surgery where the doctor will open the gum and screw the implants to the bone, after it’s placed the healing cap and gum will be sutured. This is not a painful procedure as it’s done with local anesthesia and it only takes approximately three hours. When placing several implants, we recommend using sedation to be performed by an anesthesiologist to make the process less stressful for the patient.
Most people are eligible for this procedure, as long as there is enough bone to work with we can do it. The doctor can make a specific evaluation of your case, the only thing we need you to do is send us a panoramic x-ray of your mouth.
When it comes to replacing lost teeth, there are two options: Use implants or a bridge. But what are the benefits of placing implants over those of using a bridge?