Dental Implant Bridge

Dental implant bridges, also known as ‘Implant-supported bridges,’ are a type of dental restoration used to replace multiple missing teeth by anchoring a ceramic bridge to dental implants rather than your natural teeth (like a traditional dental bridge).

This treatment option combines the stability of dental implants with the functional and aesthetic benefits of a dental bridge.

Dental Implant Bridge: Unlike traditional bridges that rely on adjacent natural teeth for support, a dental implant bridge is anchored to dental implants. These implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone. The implants fuse with the jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots to provide a stable foundation for the bridge.

Traditional Dental Bridge: A traditional dental bridge is supported by your natural teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth, known as abutment teeth, are prepared by grinding down the outer layer of enamel (as required for a dental crown) to accommodate the bridge and serve as anchors to hold the replacement tooth (known as a pontic) in the middle.

A dental implant bridge provides several benefits, including:

• Preservation of jawbone and facial structure
• Stability and comfort similar to that of your natural teeth
• There is no need to alter adjacent healthy teeth
• Improved ability for chewing and function
• Enhanced aesthetics, restoring your smile

Overall, dental implant bridges offer a reliable and highly aesthetic fixed solution for replacing multiple missing teeth and providing a stable, long-term alternative to traditional bridges or removable dentures.

How Long Do Dental Implant Bridges Last?

With proper care, a dental implant bridge can last many years, often decades. The longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, the patient’s overall health, and regular dental maintenance. The implants themselves can last a lifetime, while the bridge may need replacement at some point if it becomes damaged due to misuse, wear and tear or age.

Who is Suitable for A Dental Implant Bridge?

Dental implant bridges are suitable for individuals with multiple missing teeth and sufficient bone density in their jaw to support dental implants. Good oral hygiene and overall health are also critical factors in determining candidacy for the procedure.

The process of getting a dental implant bridge involves several steps, each crucial to ensuring a successful and long-lasting restoration. Here’s a breakdown of the typical process:

Initial Consultation and Planning:

The process begins with an in-depth consultation with our dentist, including x-rays and 3D imaging, to assess the condition and health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. This will allow us to determine your suitability for dental implants and how many implants will be required.

Once confirmed, a customised treatment plan is developed, detailing the number of implants needed, the type of restoration required, the cost and the overall timeline for the procedure.

Pre-Surgical Preparations

• Bone Grafting (if necessary): If you have insufficient bone density in the jaw, a bone graft or ridge augmentation may be required prior to your dental implant surgery to provide a stable foundation for the implants to be placed. This procedure, if needed, can add a few months to the overall treatment time as the bone grafting material needs time to heal and integrate.

Often, simple bone grafting procedures are just completed when the dental implants are placed, alleviating the need for additional treatment/healing time.

• Tooth Extraction (if necessary): If any damaged or decayed teeth need to be removed before the implants are placed, this will be done, and the area will be allowed to heal.

Surgical Procedure and Healing Time:

Surgical Procedure: The implant placement is usually performed under local anesthesia, but sedation options are available if you’re anxious about the procedure. During the surgery, an incision is made in the gum area that needs exposure to place your dental implant (at times, multiple sites). After preparation, the titanium implant will be placed into the jawbone. Upon completion of the surgery, these areas will be sutured.

Depending on the case, ‘keyhole’ surgery can sometimes be performed for dental implant placement.

Healing Period (Osseointegration): After placing the implants, a healing period of 3-6 months is required for osseointegration. This is the process where the implants fuse with the jawbone, creating a stable base for the bridge restoration. During this time, you may be fitted with a temporary bridge or denture to maintain function and aesthetics.

Preparation For Final Implant Bridge Restoration:

Second Stage Implant Surgery: Once osseointegration is complete, a minor surgical procedure is performed to attach abutments to the implants. Abutments are small connectors that protrude from the gums and will hold the bridge in place. After abutment placement, the gums need time to heal around the abutments.

Soft Tissue Manipulation: At times, and if required, your dentist may perform some ‘soft tissue manipulation’ to perfectly augment the shape of the gums and soft tissues to ensure they mould seamlessly around the final restoration. This step ensures that the final dental implant bridge and the gingival margins (gumline) will look and feel as natural as possible. This phase typically takes approximately two to three weeks.

Impressions: Once the above stages are finalised, your dentist will take detailed impressions/records of your mouth. These records are sent to our dental laboratory, where your custom restoration will be fabricated.

Insert Final Dental Implant Bridge: The final bridge will be fitted in place, and once you and your dentist are satisfied with the fit, feel and appearance, it will be permanently secured to the abutments.

Post-Procedure Care and Maintenance:

• Post-Procedure Instructions: After the final placement, your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for your new implant bridge. This includes advice on brushing, flossing, and maintaining oral hygiene to prevent complications.

Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing process, check the fit and function of the bridge, and ensure the long-term success of your dental implants.