Implant Bridges Jarrow
Implant Bridges Jarrow
Implant bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. Thanks to them, you can regain the ability to chew and speak properly, improve your overall oral health, and last but not least, they are a great way to improve your appearance.
What are implant bridges?
It is a set of three or four crowns joined together (forming a bridge) and placed on two implants that simulate the anatomy of three or four missing teeth. The crowns at the ends of the bridge are placed on the implants that serve as support, while the central crown(s) has the function of filling the gap left by the missing tooth. Its main objective is to cover the space of several missing teeth with as few implants as possible.
Why choose implant bridges?
-To replace contiguous (three or four) missing teeth in the same arch.
-It prevents the development or progression of dental malocclusions such as crowding and dental migration.
-It also improves facial aesthetics, thus helping to increase the patient’s self-esteem and confidence.
-They are also indicated to prevent the loss of maxillary bone or to avoid its progression.
-Implant-supported bridges are stronger, more durable and have a longer lifespan than bridges cemented onto teeth. Besides, a well-placed implant that is well cared for by the patient can last a lifetime.
-In addition, since implants are fixed to the bone they have excellent stability. And because they fit properly to the bridge above them, they prevent mobility, giving comfort and safety to the patient when speaking and chewing. In contrast, dental bridges can become dislodged over time causing discomfort to the patient.
-Implant-supported bridges offer great functionality but also aesthetics, as they achieve excellent aesthetic properties by reproducing the natural shape, colour and appearance of the teeth quite closely.
Types of dental bridges
In addition to implant-supported bridges, there are other types of bridges with different characteristics and benefits. We briefly discuss the most commonly used types below:
Traditional dental bridge: This type of prosthesis is cemented onto two trimmed teeth that serve as abutments. Since the abutment teeth are trimmed for life, they would always have to be covered by a bridge for protection, and take into account that trimming reduces their size, volume and structural strength.
Maryland bridge: It uses a metal structure on the posterior face of the prosthetic tooth (on each side) which is attached to the adjacent teeth and serves as an anchor. Although this structure eliminates the need to prepare adjacent teeth and offers a more conservative alternative to the traditional bridge, its disadvantages include the fact that it can only replace a single missing tooth and that metal structures can cause discoloration of adjacent teeth.
Choosing the right dental bridges for you
This depends on several factors, including your personal preferences, financial considerations, and long-term goals. Each type of bridge has its distinct advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to carefully weigh your options before making a decision.
But while all bridges can restore your smile and functionality, implant-supported bridges offer exceptional stability and durability. And also they are an excellent choice if you’re missing multiple teeth in a row.
Costs
The cost of an implant bridge can range from £2,000 upwards, varying according to the number of teeth to be replaced (three or four). Bear in mind that implant bridges are a more expensive option than dental bridges, but when you consider the cost-benefit ratio, it is a very worthwhile investment.
We invite you to make an appointment with us where after evaluating your oral cavity we will establish the most appropriate treatment plan for you, and of course we will indicate the total cost of your implant-supported bridge treatment.
Process
Before starting your implant bridge journey, your dentist will carefully assess your oral health and the area to be treated. They’ll choose the ideal implant based on factors like size, shape, and material.
The implant placement procedure is typically performed under anesthesia and conscious sedation and takes about 30 to 40 minutes per implant (remember that two implants are needed for this procedure). However, before proceeding, your dentist will ensure there’s sufficient bone in the area to support the implant. This may involve imaging studies to assess bone density.
If your alveolar bone is deficient, your dentist might recommend a bone graft to increase its thickness and height. This procedure requires a healing period of approximately three months before implant placement.
Additionally, your gums must be healthy (without periodontal disease) to prevent bacterial infections that could hinder implant integration and tissue healing.
Once the implant is in place, it will fuse with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration, which usually takes about four months. By then, the dentist will take an impression of your mouth and send it to the dental lab to create a custom-made permanent bridge. In the meantime, we provide you with a temporary bridge so that you don’t have to be without teeth during the fabrication process.
Once it has healed properly, your dentist will be able to attach the permanent bridge to the implants, completing the restoration of your missing teeth.
Why our clinic?
If you are considering implant bridges, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us at Westmount Dental Surgery for a thorough evaluation of your situation. Our clinic offers state-of-the-art treatments, personalized care, and a commitment to achieving exceptional results. With our skilled dentists and advanced techniques, you can trust us to provide a comfortable and successful experience.
Our results
At Westmount Dental Surgery we use top quality materials and have highly qualified professionals to guarantee the success of the treatment. Both the implants and the bridge we use are made of high quality materials that will stand the test of time. And as long as patients follow the recommendations of our experts, such as maintaining good oral hygiene habits and regular check-ups, they will enjoy implant-supported bridges in good condition for years to come.
Do not wait any longer and schedule an appointment with us, after establishing a plan of action, we will provide you with the treatment that best suits your needs.
Is the procedure painful?
A mild anaesthetic is usually required to numb the surrounding area before treatment. Teeth may be extra sensitive initially after treatment, in which case using sensitive toothpaste may help. Your dentist will advise you on the best course of action.
How long does bridge treatment take?
Two appointments are generally required for the fitting of a dental bridge. In the first, the temporary bridge will be fitted and the surrounding teeth prepared. An impression will be made so that the bridge can be made in a laboratory. Once the permanent bridge has been made it can then be fitted in the second appointment. The bridge may not be permanently cemented at once and extra visits may be required so that the fit is correct, but generally they only take two visits.
Advantages of dental bridges
The bridges look natural in the mouth and fit in beautifully with the rest of the teeth. They also only require two visits to the dentist and so do not take up a lot of time. Another advantage is that they last for a long time if looked after well and their life span is between 5 and ten years. They improve a great deal of issues that missing teeth create such as appearance, bite function and speech.
Disadvantages of dental bridges
For a few weeks after treatment the teeth can be extra sensitive to hot and cold, but this should only be temporary. Teeth on either side of the gap need to be healthy so that they can be treated and prepared. There is also an increased risk of gum disease and oral infection if a high standard of oral hygiene is not maintained.
