Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

Implant Supported Bridges

With a conventional dental bridge, the restorative teeth are fastened to two dental crowns, which are placed on both sides of the restoration, and then these two crowns are placed on the adjoining healthy teeth to anchor the bridge in place. An implant supported bridge will not need the support of these two neighboring teeth, leaving them untouched and natural. The artificial teeth or crowns are mounted and secured by a dental implant. The implant is positioned in the gap. If there is insufficient jawbone mass support for the dental implant, the jawbone density can be restored with a bone grafting procedure before the placement of the implant. The bridge with the artificial crowns is attached to the dental implants’ extensions or abutments, which are small connectors that link the bridge to the implants, which function like artificial tooth roots.

Your compassionate team at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is wholly committed to providing you, your family, and every patient with comprehensive periodontal care that improves your oral health and daily function. We pride ourselves on offering a safe, comfortable, and relaxing environment to ensure all patients receive the personalized care and treatment that is expected and deserved. You will find us to excel in effective communication, both in listening and sharing examination objectives. With our initiative-taking engagement in the dental industry and the constant innovative technological improvements offered, each exam and corresponding treatment is completely personalized. Call Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at 502-570-5700 with any questions or to make an appointment for an implant supported bridge evaluation.

Are You a Candidate for an Implant Supported Bridge?

Most patients usually qualify to have a single dental implant at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. Since an implant supported bridge usually requires a second implant, we will need to confirm that your jawbone is dense enough and that there is adequate mass. We will conduct a thorough oral examination and capture digital X-rays before we start the procedure.

Having a new dental implant, you must understand the commitment to maintaining quality oral hygiene. An implant supported bridge is a permanent and fixed prosthetic that needs to be cleaned just like your natural teeth. Without the attachments to the adjoining teeth, you can easily floss daily, and the artificial crowns need to be brushed twice daily as well. To complement your efforts, consistent checkups every six months with Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry are also strongly encouraged.

The Pros and Cons of an Implant Supported Bridge

The negative of an implant-supported bridge is the amount of time it takes for the steps of treatment to be completed, and the final cost will be more than that of a traditional bridge. Despite these cons, most of our patients at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry will agree that the pros of an implant supported bridge far outweigh the cons.

The implant supported bridge does not require any modification to your natural teeth. The two adjoining teeth will not undergo any prep or changes to support crowns. The dental implants support and anchor your bridge securely so it feels and functions like your natural teeth and is easy to care for. A dental implant also functions as an artificial tooth root, which stimulates the jawbone to maintain density and prevent jawbone atrophy. The life expectancy of an implant supported bridge is far superior to that of a traditional bridge as well. Since we are not putting crowns on the two adjoining natural teeth, your restoration looks even more natural.

The Implant Supported Bridge Procedure

An implant supported bridge will require several steps, which are often spaced out over the span of about six months. After the initial evaluation at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry has confirmed sufficient jawbone density, we surgically place the tiny dental implants into the jawbone at the area of tooth loss. After this surgery, the bone tissues need adequate time to bond, grow, and fuse with the tiny dental implants in a process called osseointegration.

Once osseointegration has been established, Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry introduces the second step of treatment. With this second procedure, we attach abutment posts, or extensions, to the implants to reach the surface of the gums. After this procedure, the gums need just a few weeks to heal.

The last stage of your implant supported bridge restoration involves the actual placement of your custom-designed bridge onto the implants. A special bonding compound is used to cement the bridge, with the artificial crowns, to the abutment posts. This permanently secures your new dental bridge such that it becomes a natural part of your smile.

Receiving a successful implant supported bridge will require several appointments with Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. With your proper preventative oral hygiene care at home, complemented by regular dental checkups every six months, your implant supported bridge will last for decades, and you will be able to smile and eat all the foods you enjoy. Your smile will be healthy and natural, you will have no stability problems with biting, chewing, or speaking, and the artificial roots of the implants will maintain the integrity of your jawbone, so you will not encounter any unwanted changes in your facial structure.

Your Smile is Our Number One Priority

Our treatment philosophy at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is focused on patient education and the enhancement of your quality of life. We provide gentle, affordable, and painless periodontal care. We prioritize providing each patient with the information they need to make confident, informed decisions regarding their personal oral health treatment. Our experience is foundational in giving you restoratively minded periodontal treatment customized for your unique needs.

Our team specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants. We consider ourselves experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. We have received extensive education and training in these areas. We are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and we are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.

You can find Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at:

107 Frazier Ct., 1D, Georgetown, KY

Or call us today at 502-570-5700