If you have lost more than one tooth, but not enough to require dentures, then a bridge is often prescribed. For a more secure and lifelike option, we could attach your bridge to dental implants instead of abutment teeth. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist talks about the benefits of our dental implant bridges!
Securing New Roots
First, let’s talk about the dental implants. With a traditional option, we will place the crown portions of the prosthetic onto natural teeth on each side of the gap in your smile. Known as abutment teeth, this would require the removal of structure from the teeth. With dental implants, we insert a biocompatible titanium post into the jawbone. The post or post then bond with the jawbone tissue, securing them like natural roots. We then attach the crowns directly to them. This saves tooth structure, and your bridge could last decades instead of just ten years. Digital technology will allow is to plan and guide the process with precision and accuracy.
Crafting Your New Teeth
The bridge itself is created based on digital images we take of your smile. The prosthetic will contain new teeth, and have crowns attached to each end. We often use materials like ceramic to create them, as this material is strong and durable, able to absorb daily bite forces. The material is also translucent like enamel, and can be color-matched to blend with your smile. The finished product is then connected to the implants, which secures it firmly in place. This allows you to eat without complication, smile with confidence, and avoid issues related to tooth loss, such as TMJ disorder, bruxism, misalignment, and more.
Caring for Your New Teeth
To keep your new teeth strong, you should brush and floss around them just as you would natural teeth. Also, clean the spaces between the top of the gums and the bottom of the prosthetic, where food particles could accumulate. An appointment every six months lets us keep a close eye on your smile as a whole, watching out for the stability of your natural and new teeth. We also clean your smile, removing harmful plaque buildup, which could cause factors behind tooth loss like tooth decay and gum disease. If you have any questions about our implant-secured tooth replacements, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT IMPLANT PROSTHETICS?
With a bridge we have a secure and long-lasting option for minor tooth loss. To learn more about our dental implant prosthetics and how to enjoy a complete smile again, 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.