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Dr. Steven Lind, DMD
PH. 503-566-7000
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Dental Implants for Supporting Bridges
Dental implants are by far the optimal treatment for missing teeth. Their advantages over alternative treatments are so significant that most patients have no trouble making the decision to go with implants. Please visit our dental implants page for a complete discussion of all the advantages implants have to offer.
Implants may also be used in combination with dental bridges to restore several consecutive missing teeth. The high cost of implants can make an all-implant restoration cost-prohibitive. An experienced cosmetic dentist can make an implant/bridge combination look just as natural as an all-implant restoration at a fraction of the cost.
How dental implants are used to support bridges
A typical dental bridge consists of a dental crown connected to a false tooth connected to another crown. The two crowns are affixed to the natural teeth surrounding the missing tooth. If you have several missing teeth in a row, then there are not enough natural teeth to connect the crowns to and you have no bridge. In this case, implants can be used to support one or several bridges.
The Procedure
During your initial consultation, your dentist will evaluate your dental health and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for implants. Generally speaking, if your jawbone structure is healthy enough to support dental implants, then the rest of the process should go smoothly. If it is determined that your jawbone structure is not sufficient, then your dentist will discuss alternative treatments with you.
Dental implants require several months of healing time before they can be fully utilized. Most of this time consists of waiting for a successful osseointegration process. Osseointegration occurs as the implant screw becomes successfully anchored into the jawbone. This may take anywhere from four to eight months, depending on the health of your existing jawbone tissue.
Once osseointegration has completed, then the bridges can be designed, manufactured, and affixed to the implant, or implants.
If you are missing multiple consecutive teeth, then a combination of dental bridges and implants may be the perfect option for you. A consultation with a qualified, experienced cosmetic dentist is your first step toward your brand new smile. If you live in the Portland or Beaverton area, please contact The Art of Smile Making today to arrange a free consultation.
