Traditional Dental Bridges
With a traditional dental bridge, we will need to remove structure from the teeth on each side of the gap, known as abutment teeth. We then take images and impressions to create a prosthetic, a prosthetic that contains new teeth with crowns on each side, all made from lifelike and durable ceramic. We then attach the one crown portions to the abutment teeth on each side of the gap. This supports the new teeth in place, and the prosthetic usually lasts about 10 to 15 years before a replacement is needed. But what if we have an option that prevents the loss of jawbone structure and lasts much, much longer?
A Dental Implant Option
With the dental implant option, we don’t need to remove structure from teeth on each side of the open space. Instead, we will insert one to two dental implants into the open area and these will act as new roots, bonding with the jawbone. We then attach the crown portion of your new prosthetic to the implant posts directly, so they can support two to three new teeth in a row, all without the need for missing structure.
Long-Term Benefits
The body will recognize the dental implants as natural roots, so this keeps your jawbone intact and prevents the gradual loss of mass and density in the jaw that usually follows tooth loss. Instead of lasting a decade, your new prosthetic could last decades or possibly a lifetime with proper care and attention. This is fixed in place and never slips or requires removal, and is easy to care for, as you brush and floss them like natural teeth. You could enjoy years of full and beautiful smiles with an implant bridge!
If you have any questions about how we handle tooth loss with implant dentistry, or if you have a gap in your smile you want to see addressed, then please reach out to our team today to learn more and get started. You deserve a full smile, with a replacement that looks and functions like natural teeth, and we can help!
Dr. James R. Stewart, D.D.S. Provides Dental Prosthetics
A dental implant bridge could secure new teeth ready to last for decades to come! To find out more about replacing your missing teeth with a long-lasting prosthetic, call Dr. James R. Stewart, D.D.S. in Livonia, MI today at 734-425-4400.