Q: Dental implant bridges? What are they? When and how are they used? — Alex R.
Dental Implant Bridge: When to Use.
A: Implant bridges are just like dental bridges except that they are placed on dental implants. Let’s consider a dental bridge. When there is a missing tooth, two teeth next to the missing area are used as abutments for a bridge. The two abutment teeth must not be next to each other, but one is on the left and the other is on the right side of the missing tooth. The artificial crowns that cover the two abutment teeth are connected together with a fake tooth (a pontic).
Let’s say that you have three consecutively missing teeth in an area of the upper or lower jaw. Instead of placing three implants, one implant for each missing tooth, your dentist can place two implants at the ends of the edentulous area leaving the middle area empty. When crowns are placed over the two implants, they are connected to each other with a pontic (fake tooth) in the middle, just like a dental bridge.
If implants are placed too close to each other, it is difficult for the patient to clean around the implants. With an implant bridge, it is easier for the patient to clean around the implants. It also costs less to have two implants than three implants.
Dental implant bridge and bridge on natural teeth.
Dental Implant Bridge: Limitations
Dental implant bridges can be used in most cases with multiple missing teeth. You need to remember that two implants will take the load of three teeth. Therefore, the implants used must be adequately sized and strong enough to take the increased load. Jaw bone also must be of good quality to withstand the increased load.
Dental Implant Bridge: Cleaning
Cleaning around a dental implant bridge is just as challenging as cleaning around a dental bridge on natural teeth. Use a floss threader to floss around and under the pontic (fake tooth) of a dental implant bridge. Don’t forget to have your dentist check your implants and teeth regularly.
Your dentist will make the decision whether you are a good candidate for a dental implant bridge.
Questions? Ask Dr. Implant.
