Implant Bridges Look and Feel Like Your Natural Teeth
As a Rochester, NY prosthodontist, Dr. Isaac Kuyunov is a dental implant dentist who offers his patients a more permanent solution to traditional dental bridges. An implant-supported bridge provides a more stable, natural feel and typically lasts decades or a lifetime, compared to the 10–15 year lifespan of a traditional bridge.
What is an implant-supported dental bridge?
An implant-supported bridge is a dental bridge that is supported by two or more implants, often replacing three or more teeth. When a few teeth are missing, it is often not necessary to replace every tooth with an implant crown. Rather, a few implants placed at strategic positions can hold a group of teeth. For example, if a person is missing four upper anterior teeth, those four teeth can be provided as a single-unit bridge resting on only two implants. An implant-supported bridge functions and looks like natural teeth.
There are different ways of replacing a group of missing teeth. A bridge retained by implants is just one option. Contact us to learn if an implant-supported bridge is the right solution for you.
What are the benefits of an implant-supported bridge?
- Preserves Bone Structure: One of the most important benefits of an implant-retained bridge is bone loss prevention. When a tooth is missing, the bone that once housed the tooth undergoes changes and shrinkage.
- Maintains Position and Architecture of Surrounding Teeth: Implant-supported bridges preserve the architecture and position of surrounding teeth. When a tooth is missing, all other teeth may start to shift due to the created missing space. Teeth may shift into the missing space. This can create unhealthy biting function. Tilted teeth can also create gum disease due to the unhygienic orientation of teeth after tooth movement.
- Maintains the Integrity of Surrounding Teeth: Neighboring teeth are not altered with an implant-supported bridge, as opposed to a conventional dental bridge. A non-implant supported dental bridge is supported by neighboring teeth which must be filed and thinned to retain the bridge. With an implant-retained bridge, no other teeth are altered—thus retaining the integrity of surrounding teeth.
- Long-Lasting Solution: Implant bridges are highly durable and designed to stay in place until they need to be repaired or replaced. Because they are attached to dental implants, they are only removable by a dentist. Implant-supported bridges can last a long time with proper oral hygiene practices.
- Improves Function and Nutrition: When you replace missing teeth and natural chewing function is improved, it allows you to broaden the variety of foods you can eat—thus leading to better nutrition and overall improved health.
- Improves Esthetics: When teeth are missing, many people are less likely to smile. Replacing missing teeth with an implant-supported bridge will provide you with a close-to-natural looking appearance, allowing you to smile with confidence.
If you are looking to replace missing teeth and are considering an implant-supported dental bridge in Rochester, NY, visit Dr. Isaac Kuyunov, prosthodontist.
Who is a good candidate for an implant-supported bridge?
A good candidate for an implant-supported dental bridge has missing teeth and good oral and overall health, with adequate jawbone density. Those who may want to consider an implant-supported bridge include:
- Missing Teeth: People who are missing a few teeth and whose majority of remaining teeth are healthy.
- Healthy Gums: A good candidate is free from active or untreated periodontal disease.
- Good Overall Health: Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, could keep a patient from healing properly and increase the risk of implant failure.
- Strong Jawbone: You have adequate jawbone density to receive dental implants.
- Commitment to Practicing Good Oral Hygiene: A good candidate for an implant-supported bridge is willing to maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, and keep up with routine dental checkups.
Considering an implant-supported dental bridge in Rochester, NY?
If you are interested in getting an implant-supported dental bridge in Rochester, NY, call us today at (585) 522-1922 or click the link below to schedule an appointment.