What If I Need A Bridge Or Partial?

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We’ve discussed how we can use them to replace a single tooth, or to secure a full set of dentures. But what about tooth loss that is advanced, but not enough to require a full set of dentures? In these situations, we can actually use dental implants to secure a dental bridge or even a partial denture.

Try Our Quiz in Implant Bridges and Partials

  1. True or False: We can provide implant bridges.
  2. True or False: We can use them to support partial dentures.
  3. True or False: Implant-retained dentures/bridges last longer.

Answer Key

  1. True. A regular dental bridge is a prosthetic that contains one to three new teeth, or pontics, with crowns attached to each end. The natural teeth on each side of the gap in your smile are prepared, removing tooth structure to make room for the crowns. The placed bridge then provides between 10 and 15 years of replacement before changes in your jaw may necessitate an upgrade. However, with implants there is no need for crowns or preparing teeth. Instead, the bridge is supported with implants placed directly into the jawbone.
  2. True. A partial is usually supported by metal clasps that attach to natural teeth. Unlike bridges, a partial can replace multiple lost teeth spread out across an arch. With implants, there is no need for metal clasps. As a result, the prosthetic is fixed in place for greater security.
  3. True. Since they are held in place with dental implants, they also stimulate the growth of jawbone tissue. Typically, tooth loss means the jawbone around the missing teeth dissolves, leading to changes in the jaw’s shape and further tooth loss. Fortunately, implants prevent the loss of jawbone tissue, providing teeth that can last for decade, if not a lifetime.

Interested In Implant Prosthetics?

James Stewart, DDS, and our team can help address advanced tooth loss with implant-retained prosthetics. We serve patients from Livonia, MI, as well as Farmington Hills, Farmington, Plymouth, Northville, Novi, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Garden City, Westland, Redford, and the surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.