Categories: Dental Implants

How Dental Implants Are Used With Bridges

Dental implants are highly recommended when it comes to replacing missing teeth. They are the only oral prosthetics that replace teeth and their roots. Other prosthetics like dentures and bridges simply replace the visible part of the tooth.

Implants are surgically placed in the patient’s jaw and left there to fuse with surrounding bone tissues. The process is called osseointegration, and it makes dental implants virtually as stable as natural teeth. A crown is placed on the implant to replace the lost tooth. The crown transfers bite forces through the implant into the patient’s jaw, preventing the bone tissue loss that takes place when teeth are lost. This bone tissue loss can lead to noticeable changes in a person’s facial structures, leading to a sunken look and wrinkles forming around their mouths. Implants are the only oral prosthetics that preserve bone tissues in the jaw when teeth fall out.

There’s just one problem. Implants also happen to be one of the more expensive ways to go about replacing teeth. The cost of a single implant can be more than a complete set of dentures or a dental bridge. Implants are often combined with other teeth replacement options to help reduce the cost. The patient still gets the bone-preserving properties of implants while paying considerably less.

Combining dental implants with bridges

A dental bridge is a restoration that is used to replace multiple teeth right next to each other. The restoration is typically anchored down on the two teeth closest to the gap (abutments), while the artificial teeth (pontics) attached to them close the space created by the missing teeth.

Using the natural teeth closest to the space left by missing teeth as abutments requires removing enamel from their sides so they can be fitted with crowns. It is a permanent alteration that can never be reversed, so these teeth will always need to be covered with a crown moving forward.

Implants can be used as abutments for bridges, removing the need to damage healthy teeth structures. The implants are inserted at the ends of the gap in the patient’s mouth, and they fuse with surrounding bone structures via osseointegration.

These implants are then fitted with crowns that serve as supports for the dental bridge. The artificial teeth that make up the bridge are made from an impression of the patient’s teeth. The impression is sent to a lab where technicians make dental bridges. It takes roughly two weeks for the customized pontics to get back to the clinic.

The patient comes into the clinic once their bridge is ready, and the abutments serve as its base. It keeps the bridge stable in the wearer’s mouth while preserving bone tissues in the jaw. The patient gets a set of artificial teeth that look real.

Explore teeth replacement options

Have you lost multiple teeth next to each other? You might need an implant-supported dental bridge. Call or visit our The Bronx clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://cohensgentledental.com or call Cohen's Gentle Dental at (718) 412-9440 for an appointment in our The Bronx office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in The Bronx, NY.

Related Posts

3 Common Oral Surgery Procedures

When a family dentist discusses oral surgery, some patients experience dread and anxiety about the cost and pain of such procedures. Read on to learn more about oral surgery. Many patients are unaware that dental surgery is common and involves treatments that address problems that affect many individuals. Dental surgery is often performed as an…

The Root Canal Procedure Explained: Step-by-Step

A root canal removes the interior living tissues of a tooth in order to combat infection or address damage. While it is not a dentist’s first choice, it can be necessary when no other options will save the tooth. If you are scheduled for a root canal, you may have heard that this procedure causes…

The Role Of A Family Dentist In Preventive Care

A family dentist serves as the front line of defense for oral health and preventive care. They can see patients from childhood all the way through their lives, allowing for a level of continued care, attention, and personal knowledge that is unmatched among other types of dental offices. If you are considering what kind of…

Repair Options For Partial Dentures

If you have partial dentures, you know how important it is to take good care of them. Repairs can be costly and sometimes damaged dentures may require a total replacement. When it comes to partial dentures, there are many parts prone to breaking, including the teeth, clasps, acrylic plastic base and any metal pieces. When…

Cohen's Gentle Dental

Share
Published by
Cohen's Gentle Dental

Recent Posts

3 Common Oral Surgery Procedures

When a family dentist discusses oral surgery, some patients experience dread and anxiety about the…

3 weeks ago

The Root Canal Procedure Explained: Step-by-Step

A root canal removes the interior living tissues of a tooth in order to combat…

2 months ago

The Role of a Family Dentist in Preventive Care

Family dentists typically focus on preventive care to stop big problems while they are still…

3 months ago

Repair Options for Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are not designed to last forever and are prone to damage over time.…

4 months ago

General Dentistry Tips to Prevent Bad Breath

Nobody wants to have bad breath, and more often than not, it is easily preventable.…

4 months ago

What Is Composite Bonding for a Smile Makeover?

Learn how composite bonding can be used during your smile makeover to enhance your smile.…

6 months ago