A traditional dental bridge helps replace missing teeth and lasts about 10 to 15 years on average. But with the 98% success rate of dental implants, we could offer an option that lasts decades, or potentially even a lifetime! In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist is talking about the benefits of a dental bridges secured with multiple dental implants!
The Bridge
The dental bridge could be used to replace between one and three missing teeth. The prosthetic contains one or more new teeth, known as pontics, with crowns attached to each end. They will be designed to look natural and provide a durable chewing surface as well. With materials like ceramic, they are color-matched to blend with your smile. With a traditional option, we would remove structure from natural abutment teeth on either side of the gap. When the prosthetic is ready, the crowns would be placed onto the teeth. However, this means removing structure from natural teeth, and the prosthetic itself would need replacement every ten years due to changes in the shape of the jaw ridge. Fortunately, we have an alternative with implant-secured bridges.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small, screw-like device that is inserted into the jawbone. They will be made from biocompatible titanium, bonding with the bone tissue to act as a new root. This also stimulates the growth of bone tissue to prevent changes to the jaw ridge, allowing your new roots to last for decades to come, and preventing further tooth loss or negative changes to your facial structure! We then attach the prosthetic to these posts with abutments.
Keeping Your Smile Whole
Following placement, you should take steps to keep your smile whole, as your new teeth are still vulnerable to issues like gum disease. You should always brush and floss daily to remove stray food particles, and also cut back on sugary and starchy foods and drinks. You need to see us every six months as well for a checkup and cleaning visit. A checkup means we watch for signs of trouble and offer solutions, and a cleaning removes all plaque and tartar to prevent periodontal issues and other problems that could impact your new smile. If you have any questions about our dental prosthetics, then contact our team today. We want to help you enjoy a whole, healthy, and attractive smile!
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT IMPLANT BRIDGES?
Our team wants to help you maintain a full smile with a custom prosthetic, one secured with advanced implant dentistry. To learn more about addressing missing teeth with implant technology, then call James Stewart, DDS, dental implant office in Livonia, MI, at (734) 425-4400. We also serve the residents of Farmington, Plymouth, Dearborn Heights, and all surrounding communities.
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