Implant-Supported Bridges
If you are missing two or more consecutive teeth, implant-supported bridges offer superior stability, durability, and health benefits. In contrast with traditional bridges, which rely on neighboring teeth for support, this type of bridge attaches to titanium posts embedded in the jawbone. Drs. Charles D. Kirksey, Milan Simanek, and Touraj Kamali can place implants and provide custom bridges at our Fairfax, VA, practice. We also offer sedation options to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during your treatment.
Are You a Candidate for Implants?
Before recommending dental implants, your doctor will perform a thorough oral health evaluation and take detailed images of your teeth, jaw, and gums. Using this information, he can determine if implants are the right tooth replacement option for you.
Bridges supported by dental implants provide an unsurpassed level of reliability and strength.
We typically recommend implant-supported bridges for patients with two or more consecutive missing teeth who are in good oral and overall health. You also need sufficient bone tissue in your jaw to support implant posts. If you have oral health issues affecting your implant candidacy, we can provide preparatory procedures to address them, such as a bone graft or sinus lift.
What to Expect during Treatment
On the day of your implant placement, we will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable. We can also provide sedation at your request. Once you are comfortable, your doctor will make a small incision at the gum line and create a pilot hole in the jawbone. He will then insert your dental implants. We may attach a temporary bridge to wear while your jawbone heals.
The Healing Period
Over the next four to six months, your implant will fuse with the jaw in a process called osseointegration. Once your doctor confirms that the implant has become fully integrated, he can begin the restoration process.
Restoration
The first step in restoring your implants involves placing abutments. These devices connect the implant post to the permanent prosthetic. It typically takes about two weeks for the gums to heal before we can place the final restoration. During this time, your doctor will ensure that the restoration matches the shade and shape of your surrounding teeth and fits your bite patterns for optimal comfort.
The Advantages of Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges offer a number of unique benefits over traditional bridges:
- They require no alteration of adjacent teeth.
- They are easy to maintain.
- They prevent jawbone recession.
- They prevent changes to your facial structure, such as puckered lips and collapsed cheeks.
Bridges supported by dental implants provide an unsurpassed level of reliability and strength. In addition, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
Fill the Gaps in Your Smile
If you are missing two or more consecutive teeth, implant-supported bridges can be an excellent way to rebuild your smile. Our team at Fairfax Family Dental Care is committed to helping patients with compromised smile experience a better quality of life with dental implants. Learn more by calling us at (703) 385-0303 or contacting our office online.
