Dental bridges are so called because they span the gap left by one or more missing teeth. But while bridges have been around for centuries, never before have there been such realistic options. Today, dental implants can support custom-made bridges for a beautiful restoration with important oral health benefits.
Dr. Chris Tye of Texas Oral Surgery Specialists is a top ranked area dentist. He is also a dual-degreed oral surgeon with degrees in both dentistry and medicine. With his surgical expertise, as well as his eye for aesthetics, he provides outstanding implant-supported bridges for patients in the greater Fort Worth area.
To learn more about implant-supported bridges or other restorations, contact our office today.
What is a traditional bridge?
A traditional bridge is made of several dental crowns fused together. The crowns on each end cap the natural teeth flanking the gap in a patient’s smile. In select cases, a patient could receive a cantilever bridge, which is supported by only one abutment tooth.
What is an implant-supported bridge?
An implant-supported bridge is also composed of multiple dental crowns. But rather than resting on the adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge sits atop tiny implant posts which are surgically placed in a patient’s jawbone.
Dr. Tye uses advanced imaging technology to determine the best possible placement for the implants. Once they are in place, the posts fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Then Dr. Tye can place the permanent new dental bridge. In some instances, patients can undergo implant surgery and receive their dental bridges on the same day thanks to innovative All-on-4®.
Candidates for Traditional and Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can replace one or several missing teeth – typically up to four in a row. If you are missing a larger number of teeth, you are likely a candidate for a partial denture.
To receive dental implants, it is vital that you have sufficient jawbone tissue. Otherwise, your implants will not have a strong foundation. Fortunately, even if you have suffered bone recession, Dr. Tye can often restore candidacy with a bone grafting procedure.
Certain medical conditions can affect your candidacy for implants, so Dr. Tye will discuss your health history and medications at your initial consultation.
The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
Implant-supported dental bridges offer important benefits over traditional restorations. Most importantly, they can significantly improve your oral health. Implants stimulate new bone tissue growth. This means that an implant-supported dental bridge can prevent jawbone recession, an aged appearance, and additional tooth loss.
Second, these types of bridges do not affect your other teeth. In contrast, a traditional bridge would require significant alteration to the supporting teeth.
Implant-supported bridges are extremely durable. According to one large study, the cumulative survival rate of implants at 15 years was 94%. And with appropriate oral hygiene, implants can often last much longer.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Learn more about why implant-supported dental bridges are the restoration of choice. Contact Texas Oral Surgery Specialists to schedule your consultation.
Complete our online form or call us at (817) 552-3223.
