Implant-supported restorations bridge the gap between multiple missing teeth. An implant-supported bridge consists of false teeth – or pontics – that anchor onto dental implants on either side of the gap. There are two types of fixed dental bridges: traditional fixed bridges and implant-supported bridges. A traditional fixed bridge is placed when the abutment teeth are strong and healthy enough to support it. Unfortunately, not all patients are good candidates for conventional fixed bridges; whether their teeth are weak or lack natural teeth structure, they can benefit from implant-supported bridges.
Implant-Supported Bridges in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
At Radiance Dentistry Dental Implant Center, we believe in empowering our patients by educating them on their oral health needs and dental treatment options. With our help, you can make informed decisions and get the treatment you need to restore your smile and regain confidence.
What is an implant-supported bridge?
The traditional way to replace missing teeth adjacent to each other is to have a traditional tooth-supported bridge. A traditional supported bridge is supported by your natural teeth, which are ground down and crowned to support the replacements. Although fixed traditional bridges are still a possible solution in certain circumstances, they rely on natural teeth or abutment teeth that are strong and healthy enough to support traditional bridges. Also, removing any healthy tooth structure increases the risk of infection and decay in these teeth.
An implant-supported bridge can be a more reliable treatment choice when a traditional bridge is not the best solution. This is especially true when natural teeth are no longer present or are not healthy or strong enough to support a bridge.
What is the procedure for getting an implant-supported bridge?
Dr. Mounir Iskandar will insert dental implants into your jawbone to fit an implant-supported bridge. These implants fuse with the surrounding bone until they become strong enough to support your new bridge. Like an ordinary bridge supported by natural teeth, an implant-supported bridge consists of crowns that fit over dental implants and are attached to replacement or artificial teeth. Each of these artificial teeth is called a pontic.
What are the benefits of implant-supported bridges?
There are several clear benefits to choosing an implant-supported bridge over more traditional ways of replacing missing teeth. Radiance Dentistry, Dental Implant Center, is conveniently located in Irving, which is ideal for Dallas-Fort Worth patients.
These benefits include:
- Instead of supporting the bridge with your natural teeth, the bridge is supported by dental implants. You can enjoy all the benefits of having a healthy, fully restored smile and strong, stable teeth. Your natural teeth can remain intact as they will not need to be shaped for crowns.
- Fewer teeth are required to support an implant bridge than a traditional bridge, which helps to reduce the cost.
- Dental implants protect your jawbone against bone loss, as artificially replacing your tooth root stimulates the jaw and renews old bone cells.
- An implant-supported bridge will fully restore your smile, providing the perfect support for your cheeks and lips and restoring your facial dimensions.
How do you know if you are a good candidate for an implant-supported bridge?
In most cases, the answer is yes – you are likely eligible for an implant-supported bridge. Your missing teeth should be consecutively located, and your jaw needs to have a certain amount of healthy bone.
Dr. Mounir Iskandar must know your medical history before placing an implant bridge. He will take detailed digital dental x-rays and a cone beam CT scan that produces 3-D images of your jaw. There is no need to worry if you do not have sufficient bone for an implant-supported bridge, as sophisticated bone grafting procedures or a sinus lift can restore bone strength. All these treatments can be completed in our state-of-the-art dental office in Irving, TX, near Dallas.
If you want to learn more about an implant-supported bridge and how treatment could help you, contact Radiance Dentistry today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Iskandar. He can explain this advanced dental implant treatment in greater detail based on your current dental and medical health. Radiance Dentistry, Dental Implant Center also offers several financing options to help with the cost of dental implants.
Will an implant-supported bridge look and feel natural?
The high degree of care and precision employed during this treatment will ensure you can enjoy teeth that are immediately comfortable and fully functional. To do this, Dr. Mounir Iskandar will carefully plan your implant surgery using advanced diagnostics and his skill and knowledge from thousands of surgeries. This is vital when fitting an implant-supported bridge; the dental implants must be optimally inserted at the right angle and location to ensure perfect results.
Radiance Dentistry, Dental Implant Center uses the same high degree of care when custom-making your bridge. Dr. Iskandar collaborates closely with our dental laboratory, XircOn Dental Designers, to ensure perfect aesthetics. Our dental lab only uses the highest materials for XircOn Ultra and Ultimate. These materials can replicate the liveliness and translucency of natural teeth, so your new implant-supported bridge will blend in beautifully with your existing teeth. Your new implant-supported bridge may be screwed or cemented in place.
How does one care for an implant-supported bridge?
Bridges are semi-permanent prosthetic devices that a prosthodontist positions onto existing teeth or implants. Dental bridges can cover gaps or missing teeth. Typically, we cement bridges to natural teeth or use the support of dental implants in the missing tooth gap. Radiance Dentistry, Dental Implant Center, is happy to help you learn how to care for your bridges properly.
To maintain a long-term solution, caring for an implant-supported bridge is paramount. As with your natural teeth, bridges can become loose or even fall out if neglected. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice per day. A Water Pik – or water flosser – is also a suitable solution to help remove bacteria and food particles from hard-to-reach areas. Avoid chewing sticky, chewy, or hard foods. See your prosthodontist and hygienist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups.
At Radiance Dentistry, Dental Implant Center, we have extensive experience placing implant-supported bridges in Irving. Our team – led by founder Dr. Mounir Iskandar – is dedicated to helping every patient get the healthy and bright smile they deserve.
A Safe & Effective Solution for Replacing Missing Teeth in Dallas
Learn more about implant-supported bridges in Irving by calling Radiance Dentistry, Dental Implant Center at (972) 866-7976. Our office is convenient to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We encourage you to schedule an initial consultation in our office. Dr. Iskandar can assess your smile and review your oral health history during your consultation.