A dental bridge is a great way to replace between one and up to three teeth in a row. However, they typically need replacement every few years. But if we support them with dental implants, this could offer a longer-lasting option, and one that protects jawbone structure. In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgeons talk about implant bridges.
What is a Dental Bridge?
The prosthetic literally bridges the gap between missing teeth in your smile, helping replace a single tooth or up to three in a row. The prosthetic contains new teeth, which we refer to as pontics, with dental crowns to each end. We craft them based on detailed digital images and measurements we take of your smile, ensuring they fit comfortably and preserve your bite balance. The ceramic we craft them from can absorb daily bite forces, and can also be shaded to blend with the rest of your smile seamlessly. Usually, we attach the crowns to the natural teeth on either side of the gap, which requires structure to be removed from the natural teeth. However, these need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. But with dental implants, we have a more lifelike and longer-lasting option!
Placing Your New Roots
Instead of removing structure from your teeth, we insert one or more dental implant posts in the jaw. Made from biocompatible titanium, the posts act as new roots. They bond with the jaw and this stimulates the growth of bone tissue, allowing your new roots to stay in place for decades to come, possibly even an entire lifetime! The placement process will be planned and guided with advanced digital technology.
Supporting a Lifelike Prosthetic
After we insert the new roots and craft the prosthetic, we will attach the crown portions to the implant posts. This secures your new teeth without removing structure for natural teeth, and providing a new smile that blends with the smile and lasts for years to come. Routine care then keeps them strong, including daily brushing and flossing, and checkups and cleanings every six months. If you have any questions about how we tackle tooth loss, or about using dental implants to secure a dental bridge, or even a full or partial denture, then contact our team today. We want to help you or a member of your family enjoy a complete smile once again!
Do You Have Questions About Replacing Missing Teeth?
Our team is ready to help you obtain a complete and beautiful smile once again. To learn more about addressing your lost teeth, then schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.