What is Implant Supported Bridge?

Dental implants are metal posts or frames which are placed in the jaw bone under the gums by surgery. An implant-supported bridge is just like a regular dental bridge which is supported by implants and not the natural teeth. When an implant-supported bridge is made an implant is placed in the jawbone in place of all missing teeth. Separate crown on top of each implant are not placed, the crowns of all the teeth are connected to each other to form one piece.

When Is This Used

If you have more than one missing tooth an implant-supported bridge can be made. You may be given a implant supported bridge if your dentist is concerned that you might apply excess pressure on individual implants if they are not connected. In an implant supported bridge pressure on individual implant is reduced.

Some considerations before an implant are

• You should be in good health
• You should have healthy gums
• The natural teeth and gums around the implant must be healthy.
• There should be enough bone in the jaw to allow an implant to be placed in.
• You should be ready to take good care of the implanted teeth and surrounding gums. You will have to maintain good oral hygiene by daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist for cleaning.
• Regular follow-up with your dentist is important.

How Does It Work

If your dentist cannot place an implant in a certain place in your mouth because of less bone in the jaw there or there is a concern that it may touch nerve or sinus cavity he or she may make a implant-supported bridge.

An implant-supported bridge has

• A titanium implant placed in the jawbone after surgery.
• An abutment (collar) is placed on the head of each implant which supports good healing of the gums.
• The bridge made of a series of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns

Caring for Your Implant-Supported Bridge

Tips to care for your Implant-Supported bridge

• Clean the area between the gum and the bridge daily with floss or a small brush.
• Regularly visit your dentist in the first year after the implant is placed for checkup and cleaning.

Consult your dentist if you feel the bridge does not fit well or if you have soreness in your mouth or any other problem.

What Will X-Rays Show

The implants in the jaw, the abutments and the bridge are visualized on the X-ray. X-ray will be done when the implant and bridge are being placed to check if the implants, abutments and attachments are in the right places.

Possible Complications

Besides the complications of surgery like bleeding, infection, implant failure there are other risks associated with implant-supported bridge are

• Teeth on the implant can become loose or fracture.
• screws can fracture or loosen, and

What Can You Expect From Your Implant

An implant-supported bridge is better and more stable than a removable partial denture.

Advantages of implants include

• They make chewing and eating more comfortable as compared to the standard dentures.
• They look more natural than the standard crowns, bridges or denture