At ARCHPOINT Implant Dentistry, our Dallas and Ft. Worth implant specialists understand that everyone’s tooth replacement needs are unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of implant therapies tailored to the specific individuals we serve. Implant-supported dental bridges are just one example.
What is an Implant Bridge?
An implant-supported bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces 3-4 teeth or more at a time. These porcelain or zirconia dental bridges look similar to a traditional bridge, except they’re supported by a pair of dental implants.
Implant bridges are ideal restorations that eliminate the need for a removable partial denture. When completed, they’re capable of biting and chewing like a natural tooth, plus add fullness to that area to delay premature aging in your face.
How Many Implants are Needed?
Rather than installing one implant for each tooth that’s missing, implants are paired together in a wider space to anchor a multi-tooth restoration. In most cases, it’s two implants with a 3-4 unit (tooth) bridge.
Depending on the circumstances, implant bridges may be able to use three implants to replace 4-5 teeth, but the planning process is dependent upon several different factors. Although it’s possible to place several of these restorations, full-arch rehabilitation is usually achieved through alternative treatments such as All-on-4 or All-on-6 therapy.
Choosing the Best Implant Treatment
Dental implants are one of the absolute best ways to restore your smile. But not every type of implant treatment is ideal for everyone. When you have missing teeth, it’s best to work with our DFW specialists to discuss which options you have and the benefits that each one has to offer.
A fixed implant bridge is ideal for our patients who still have several healthy teeth. Rather than removing their anatomical teeth, we can place implants between them, either individually or in this case, with a bridge (depending on the number of teeth there are to restore.)
Advantages of Implant Bridges in DFW
Compared to more conventional tooth replacements, fixed implant bridges offer:
- A fixed alternative to removable partials
- No alteration to your remaining teeth
- Stable restorations that function similar to teeth
- Supports anti-aging properties in your face and bone
- Capable of lasting a lifetime
- Easy everyday maintenance
After completion of your implant placement and restoration, you’ll be able to eat, smile, and laugh as if you had natural teeth all over again.
How to Care for an Implant Bridge
Home care for an implant-supported bridge is similar to that of a traditional bridge. It’s important to clean between the bridge itself and your gum tissues each day, especially around the base of each implant. By keeping these spaces clean, you can avoid any food buildup, bad breath, or infection around the supporting implants.
In addition to brushing around your implants twice a day, we recommend using a floss threader or water flosser to clean around the gumlines and between the gums and your prosthesis. Be sure to schedule six-month checkups as well, to have your restoration professionally cleaned and evaluated.
A Cost-Effective Smile Investment
Choosing to invest in an implant bridge offers lifelong benefits. Since implants are capable of lasting for decades, you can permanently replace your missing teeth while also looking out for the best interest of your overall smile. You’ll be able to retain your anatomical teeth with the implants at their side, offering added support in your smile’s alignment.
Unlike conventional bridges or dentures, there’s no need to plan on routinely updating or changing out your implant bridge. These treatments are designed for optimal longevity, providing one of the best returns on investment.
During your initial evaluation, our implant experts will provide you with a detailed treatment plan. This breakdown will include the proposed implant designs, restorations, and procedures involved. You’ll see exactly what to expect when it comes to financing, insurance, and financial investments. The better we communicate this information with our clients, the less likely you’ll be to feel surprised about your treatment experience.
Getting an Implant Bridge: What to Expect
Step 1. Your Consultation and Treatment Plan
Is an implant bridge best for you? During your initial evaluation, we’ll discuss what’s in the best interest of your future oral health. After your exam and any necessary scans or X-rays, we’ll develop a customized care plan that outlines all procedures, fees, estimated insurance coverage, and optional financing opportunities. Our implant specialists will review all possible options with you so that you can make a confident decision about what steps to take next.
Step 2. Installing Your Dental Implants
The actual “treatment date” where you receive your dental implants is quite straightforward. Since implant installation is a considerably minimally-invasive procedure, the process only requires a small amount of numbing medication and can usually be completed a little over an hour from start to finish.
Step 3. Osseointegration and Restoration Design
Implants require several weeks for full integration to occur. Osseointegration involves the formation of new bone tissues around the implant, fusing it permanently into the placement site.
During this time, we will take special scans or impressions and design your fixed bridge. Including the shape, size, and color of the teeth that make up the restoration.
Step 4. Installation of Your Bridge
Approximately 3-6 months after your implants are installed, we will gently uncover and access the top of each implant. A small abutment is installed, which attaches the implant to the fixed bridge. Your bridge is then cemented onto the abutments on the same day. Little to no irritation is present, but minor soreness can easily be managed with a salt-water rinse or over-the-counter pain reliever.
Find Out If You Qualify
ARCHPOINT offers dental implant bridge treatments at both our Dallas and Ft. Worth locations. With specialists on staff in each office, we can provide a full menu of implant treatments without cutting corners.
With convenient locations in DFW, we make quality implant treatments accessible for everyone in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex.
To learn more about fixed implant bridges and to find out if you qualify, reserve a no-obligation evaluation at ARCHPOINT today.
