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A Guide to Implant Supported Bridge Dentistry

A woman happy with her implant supported bridge from Wells Family Dental

Table of Contents

 

Key Points

  • While tooth retention rates in the United States have gradually improved in recent years, the prevalence of edentulism (missing one or more permanent teeth) remains a concern.
  • Implant-supported bridges are a durable, long-term solution to missing permanent teeth.
  • Whether implant-supported bridges are the best solution for a patient depends on myriad factors.


According to the National Institutes of Health, edentulism affects more than 5 percent of the population over the age of 15 in the United States.1

This article covers the pros and cons of an implant-supported bridge and some information about the procedure, recovery process, and long-term outlook of this advanced dental technology. It also compares implant-supported bridges to alternative approaches. Keep reading to find out if it might be the right option for you.

What Is an Implant-Supported Bridge?

An implant-supported bridge is a type of dental restoration that replaces one or more

missing teeth. These are distinct from traditional bridges, which consist of crowns that cover existing teeth and support artificial teeth––called pontics––attached to them. The pontics fill in or “bridge” the gaps of missing teeth.

Implant-supported bridges, on the other hand, do not rely on natural teeth for support but are anchored directly into the jawbone. They use surgically implanted titanium posts. Over time, through a process known as osseointegration2, the implant fuses to the jawbone, providing a strong, stable foundation to support the pontics.

Once the dental implants have healed, the surgeon fastens abutments to them. These attach to a custom-made bridge that replaces the missing teeth.

What Are the Advantages of Implant-Supported Bridges?

There are many advantages of implant-supported bridges versus traditional bridges and other tooth-replacement options. Benefits include:

  • Durability and longevity
  • Natural appearance
  • Enhanced comfort and function
  • Improved speech
  • Jawbone preservation

Implant-supported bridges are highly durable. With proper care, they can last much longer than traditional bridges.

One of the biggest benefits of implant-supported bridges is that they look and feel more like natural teeth. This has aesthetic advantages as well as functional ones. It can translate to enhanced comfort, including while chewing, as well as improved speech.

Another advantage of implant-supported bridges is that, through osseointegration,they can help prevent bone loss. In fact, the implant can actually stimulate bone growth. This not only promotes overall oral health but helps preserve jaw and facial structure.

Finally, implant-supported bridges are often the most logical solution when multiple teeth are missing, as they do not rely on adjacent teeth for support. For instance, an implant-supported bridge full arch, also known as a “full mouth implant-supported bridge,” can replace all or many of the teeth on the upper or lower jaw. Also, note that a full arch fixed implant-supported bridge usually requires fewer implant anchors than teeth that need replacing.

Is Getting a Dental Implant-Supported Bridge Painful?

The fear of pain from dental procedures is very real. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, much of this stems from the prospect of being vulnerable and uncertainty about what a dental procedure involves.3 That means their fears dissipate once patients know what to expect.

Getting an implant-supported fixed bridge involves surgery, which can cause some discomfort. However, modern dental techniques and anesthesia can minimize or eliminate the pain altogether. You may experience some minor soreness after the anesthesia wears off––on par with having a tooth pulled.

In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses are sufficient for managing any minor discomfort following the procedure. Your doctor may recommend that you stick to soft foods until healing is complete.

How Long Does an Implant-Supported Bridge Last?

As mentioned, implant-supported bridges can last many years––often 20 or more. The duration is contingent on many different factors, including:

  • Quality of implants
  • Oral hygiene
  • Lifestyle
  • Dental checkups

One of the main factors that can influence the lifespan and performance of bridges is the materials used to make them. For instance, titanium is extremely durable and integrates well with the human body. While metals like zirconia and gold alloys have been used in the past, titanium remains the best option in terms of durability and biocompatibility.4

Titanium is also a popular choice for abutments for the reasons described above. While there are different material options for crowns, ceramic can most closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth and provide strength and durability.

Other factors that can impact a bridge’s lifespan are related to the patient. Oral hygiene is a major one. Regular brushing and flossing alone can help preserve bridges.

Lifestyle choices can also have an impact. Specifically, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect the health of the tissue around the implants and compromise their integrity.

Finally, regular dental checkups will let your dentist monitor the health of your implants. These give them the opportunity to catch minor issues before they become major ones, and make any needed adjustments.

Are There Any Disadvantages to an Implant-Supported Bridge?

While the advantages of implant-supported bridges are considerable, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. These include:

  • Cost
  • Surgical necessity
  • Recovery time
  • Maintenance

First, implant-supported bridges can be much more expensive than traditional bridges. For individuals who lack dental insurance, this could be a significant factor. Also, while insurance policies usually cover the procedure, co-pays, co-insurance, and other out-of-pocket costs may be a consideration, especially if multiple implants are needed.

Implant-based bridges require surgery, which is more invasive than other procedures. It also carries a greater risk of infection and nerve damage, though using a reputable, experienced dentist can minimize these risks.

Likewise, the healing and total time needed to complete an implant-supported bridge can be much longer than other options. It involves multiple office visits with some longer waiting periods between them (for instance, to give ample time for the anchored implants to heal). This can translate to impacts on your lifestyle, such as limitations on your diet, during the process.

Finally, implant-supported bridges require more astute attention and care than other procedures. Again, regular brushing and flossing should be sufficient in most cases, but ensuring the implant area is clean is vital.

What Are the Alternatives to an Implant-Supported Bridge: Dental Bridge vs Implant?

There are a handful of alternatives to implant-based bridges. These include traditional bridges and removable partial dentures.

Traditional bridges are the most common one. As mentioned, they rely on adjacent teeth to support the artificial tooth. This option is less supportive, and the bridge can more easily weaken over time.

However, traditional bridges are less invasive and more economical than implant-supported bridges. The total process is faster, and there is minimal recovery time.

As the name suggests, removable partial dentures are appliances with artificial teeth that are not permanent but can be taken out of the mouth at any time. Much like traditional bridges, they use a clasp that attaches to existing teeth to hold the artificial ones in place.

Partial dentures are also more affordable than implant-based bridges. However, they are much less stable and can be pretty uncomfortable. For these reasons, they are often used as a temporary solution (for instance, while anchor implants are healing).

Find Implanted-Supported Bridges or Other Dental Services Near You

Now that you understand how an implant-supported bridge works and the many advantages it can afford, you can determine if it is the right option for you. An experienced dentist can further explain the pros and cons based on your specific needs, budget, and long-term oral health goals.

At Wells Family Dental Group, our team leverages years of extensive training, experience, and the latest technologies, to provide the highest caliber of dental services in the Raleigh area. We strive to create a comfortable, positive experience for all our patients and work to find solutions that fit their unique oral health goals. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

References

  1. Al-Rafee, Mohammed A., “The Epidemiology of Edentulism and the Associated Factors: A Literature Review,” National Institutes of Health, April 2020, from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7346915/#ref12.
  2. Hoellwarth, Jason Shih, et al., “Osseointegration for Amputtees,” The National Institutes of Health, from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7161721/
  3. Calldine, Hannah; Charlotte C. Currie, and Chris Penlington, “A Survey of Patients’ Concerns About Visiting the Dentist and How Dentists Can Help,” National Institutes of Health, January 2022, from:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9306701/#joor13305-bib-0003.
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