Implant Supported Bridges in Stone Mountain, GA

If you're missing multiple teeth, but not enough for full-arch dentures, an Implant supported bridges might be a great option. If you are in or near Stone Mountain, Georgia, let Smoke Rise Dental help you with your missing teeth restoration. An implant-supported bridge is functional, attractive, and will last for many years.

While removable partials and fixed bridges require support from your natural teeth- an implant-supported bridge does not. However, you will still have a radiant smile and be able to chew like you could before the loss of your teeth.

Why Choose Smoke Rise Dental for Implant Supported Bridges?

Dental Implants Placed and Restored Under One Roof

Dentures Made of Comfortable, Lifelike Materials

Technologically Enhanced Treatment Planning

Implant-Supported Bridge Defined

An implant-supported bridge, also referred to as a fixed partial denture, is a permanent restorative solution for missing teeth. This is typically used if the patient has several missing teeth or doesn't have enough healthy teeth to support a traditional dental bridge.

With this tooth restoration procedure, dental implants will be surgically placed into the jawbone and a custom-made bridge will be anchored to them.

What is the Difference between Implant-Supported Bridges and Traditional Dental Bridges?

When you have missing teeth, a dental bridge helps keep the remaining teeth from shifting, which preserves the natural spacing. For a long time, traditional dental bridges were the go-to for replacing missing teeth. However, sometimes an implant-supported bridge is the better option. Below are a few of the differences between the two:

Anchoring

A traditional dental bridge is anchored on each side to a natural tooth, meaning the enamel will need to be filed down so that a crown can be placed over them. Therefore, a patient must have enough healthy teeth to support it. If those teeth are decayed, loose, or the patient has gum disease or bone loss, anchoring the dental bridge to them would cause the bridge to fail prematurely.

On the other hand, an implant-supported bridge does not need to be supported by natural teeth. Instead, Dr. Moeti will install dental implants to support the bridge on each side.

Implant-supported bridges are the go-to for patients who don't have enough healthy teeth to support partial dentures or traditional bridges.

How Many Teeth Can Be Replaced?

A traditional bridge replaces one or two teeth, which creates a durable, aesthetically pleasing restoration.

On the other hand, an implant-supported bridge works best for patients who have several teeth missing because it can include three to five teeth. This is because a dental implant can support more weight than natural teeth. In fact, even full-arch denture plates can be supported with four to six implants.

Life Expectancy

A traditional dental bridge will wear out over the years due to new decay and bacteria and- in some cases, periodontal disease may develop around the anchor teeth, resulting in bone loss and the increased mobility of the teeth. On average, a traditional dental bridge will need to be replaced every 10 years- which means you'll have to replace it two to three times over a few decades. The supporting teeth wear down and eventually, there may not be enough teeth to support it. Therefore, a traditional bridge comes with risks and will cost more over a lifetime than implant-supported restorations or single tooth implants.

On the other hand, an implant-supported bridge will last much longer. In fact, with proper maintenance and cleaning, it can last a lifetime. Even if the bridge does wear out, the implants will not require replacement. Implants are the longest-lasting tooth restoration option because the jawbone fuses around the metal implant, permanently securing it to the jaw and improving the bone quality around them.

Implant-Supported Bridge Advantages

If we discover during the consultation that a traditional bridge is not an option- don't worry, an implant-supported bridge is a wonderful alternative. Some of the advantages of an implant-supported bridge include:

Look, feel, and function a lot like healthy natural teeth
Long lasting solution without compromising the structure of the natural teeth on each side of the gap
Implants and implant-supported bridges preserve the bone density and bone structure in the area
Restore normal eating, smiling, and talking without worry that the restoration will become loose or fall out
Strong structure that can withstand the force associated with normal biting chewing
Less expensive than replacing each missing tooth with a single implant

Steps to Placing Implant-Supported Bridge

If you and the team at Smoke Rise Family, Implants, and Cosmetic Dental decide that an implant-supported bridge is the best solution for your tooth loss, you will undergo two surgeries with a period of recovery between.

First, the dental implants will be surgically inserted into your jawbone. This will create a solid foundation for your bridge. If there's not enough bone density, you may need a bone graft before the implants can be placed.

You will need to allow four to six months for the implants to osseointegrate (fuse), with the jawbone. We may place a temporary bridge and you'll need to schedule regular check-ups to make sure the healing process is going as expected.

Finally, a dental bridge will be created to match the size, shape, and shade of your existing teeth. It will be attached to the implants, and you will have your radiant smile back immediately.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

The very first step to restoring the appearance and functionality of your smile- and regaining your confidence- is to schedule your consultation with Dr. Moeti and the team at Smoke Rise Dental today. When you visit our office in Stone Mountain, Georgia we will be able to evaluate your dental needs and explain your options. Then, we can create a treatment plan that fits your needs and your budget.