Implant-Supported Bridges – Tooth Restoration at Oak Korner Dental

Author : ArcPro Support
Date : August 28, 2023
Category : Dental Bridges

Implant-Supported Bridges – Tooth Restoration at Oak Korner Dental

Tooth replacement in dentistry has advanced significantly over the years. Originating from the first dental implants successfully placed in the 1960s, we now have a range of treatment options available. With Dr. Erwan Jerger, your Oakville dentist, you can get high-quality dental care to address functional and cosmetic concerns. If you have suffered from tooth loss, with two or more teeth lost in a row, an implant-supported bridge might be one of the most-suited options to restore your smile.

Implant-supported bridges are different from traditional bridges. They don’t need to be mounted to healthy teeth and they have functional advantages that make them superior in many cases. Learn about implant-supported bridges today as you prepare for your consultation at Oak Korner Dental, the home of your Oakville dentist.

What is an Implant-Supported Bridge?

An implant-supported bridge is a sophisticated dental restoration that addresses the challenge of tooth loss by utilizing a combination of dental implants and a customized prosthetic bridge. Dental implants are titanium posts surgically integrated into the jawbone. They serve as reliable anchors for the bridge. The prosthetic bridge, typically composed of durable materials such as porcelain or ceramic, is designed to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. Your smile can be restored both in appearance and function.

This innovative approach offers a stable and durable solution for individuals who have lost multiple adjacent teeth or an entire dental arch. The restoration will provide improvements in appearance and the ability to chew and speak.

Asking the question, “What is an implant-supported bridge?”, is just one step in your journey to restore your smile. Understanding the treatment process and the long-term outlook will help you to consider whether this is the right treatment for you.

Are You the Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants and a Bridge Unit?

Dental implants are available to most patients. Typically, only patients that have significant problems with healing and their immune systems would be incompatible with dental implants.

Sufficient bone density is needed to place dental implants, but grafting is available ahead of implant placement if there needs to be a more stable foundation for implants.
If you have overall good oral health aside from having lost some teeth, then you are likely a good candidate for dental implants. Any prohibitive issues like active infection can be treated before getting dental implants and bridges.
You should have multiple missing teeth in a row to be considered for dental implants and bridge restoration. If you have a single tooth missing, a single dental implant or traditional bridge might be recommended instead.
If you’re a smoker, you should be willing to quit to aid in your treatment. Smoking can interfere with healing and can cause long-term dental problems that compromise the long-term success of implants and dental bridges.

What is the Procedure for Having Implants and a Dental Bridge

The procedure for having a dental bridge supported by implants is carried out over three to six months, depending on the healing time and complexity of the treatment. Dr. Erwan Jerger, your Oakville dentist, will discuss the expected timeline after your initial consultation and treatment planning.

The initial consultation and treatment planning can typically be completed over 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the complexity.
Implant placement will be scheduled with Dr. Jerger, your local Oakville dentist. This typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete.
The abutments which will support the bridge unit can be placed around 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery, allowing time for the healing of the soft tissue.
Bridge design and fabrication takes around 2 to 3 weeks, the exact timeline for placement depends and you may receive a temporary unit while your implants heal.
Implants can take between 3 and 6 months to fully heal. Dr. Jerger will determine the best time to place the permanent bridge unit, based on specific factors of your case.

Keep in mind that this timeline follows some general guidelines, but each case is unique. Your needs may be different from the average patient. Dr. Jerger is an experienced Oakville dentist and will be able to provide more accurate figures before and during your treatment. Initial expectations may sometimes change, depending on how your treatment progresses, especially concerning the healing and integration of implants.

It’s critical that you choose a talented Oakville dentist whenever you need care. This is true whether considering a general checkup or a more complex procedure like implant and bridge placement. Dr. Jerger has the experience and the skill to provide detailed care that is suited to your needs.

How Long Does a Bridge Last?

Implants can last for a lifetime when maintained with regularly scheduled visits with Dr. Jerger. Oral hygiene and professional checkups are key to the success of your treatment. The bridge attachment won’t be quite as durable as the implant post but can still last a long time.

Broadly, a dental bridge attached to implants will last between 10 and 20 years. Individual experiences vary, and some patients can maintain the bridge unit for longer than 20 years. Regular checkups will give you a clear idea of the condition of the bridge unit and your overall oral health, Oak Korner Dental will be here to guide you through maintaining your implants and bridges.

Treatment with an implant-supported bridge might just be the ideal option for your unique case. Book your appointment at Oak Korner Dental to learn more and get meticulous treatment planning with professional care.