Restore Your Smile with Implant-Supported Bridges
If you’re missing multiple teeth, traditional dentures or traditional dental bridges may not provide the stability and comfort you desire. At the San Luis Obispo, CA, practice of Dr. Carrrie Ramirez, we offer implant-supported bridges as a long-lasting solution for restoring your smile. Learn more about the benefits of getting an implant-supported bridge from our Slo dentists by dialing (805) 549-8483 or reading the helpful guide below. 
What Are Implant-Supported Bridges?
Implant-supported bridges, also called implant-fixed bridges and implant bridges, combine dental implants with a fixed bridge to replace missing teeth. Titanium implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots supporting the bridge restoration. Unlike traditional dental bridges, implant-supported bridges do not require grinding down healthy adjacent teeth for support.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Bridges
Improved Chewing Ability and Speech Clarity
With the stability and functionality provided by implant-supported bridges, you can enjoy enhanced chewing ability, allowing you to comfortably eat your favorite foods. Additionally, the secure fit of the bridge provided by the multiple dental implants ensures better speech clarity, enabling you to communicate confidently.
Enhanced Stability and Secure Fit
Implant-supported bridges offer unmatched stability compared to traditional bridges or full and partial dentures. The dental implants fuse with your jawbone, providing a secure foundation for the final bridge itself, and preventing slippage or discomfort.
Natural-Looking Appearance
Crafted to mimic the appearance chewing function of natural teeth, implant-supported bridges blend seamlessly with your smile. The result is a natural-looking solution to tooth loss that looks and feels like your own natural teeth, enhancing your overall facial aesthetics.
Long-lasting Durability and Low Maintenance
Implant-supported bridges can withstand the demands of daily use. With proper care, the dental implants used to support the implant bridge can last for many years, often a lifetime. Additionally, maintenance requirements for an implant bridge are minimal, making them a convenient and cost-effective solution for tooth replacement.
Preservation of Jawbone Health
Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, implant-supported dental bridges help preserve jawbone health by stimulating natural bone growth. This prevents bone loss, which can occur over time with missing teeth, maintaining the integrity of other teeth and your facial structure.
Improved Oral Hygiene and Easier Cleaning
Implant-supported bridges are easy to clean and maintain. Unlike removable dentures, an implant-supported bridge doesn’t require cleaning solutions or adhesives. Simply brush and floss as you would with natural teeth, promoting better oral hygiene and reducing the risk of gum disease.
Who Qualifies for Implant-Supported Bridges?
Implant-supported bridges may be an ideal solution for individuals who:
- Have multiple missing teeth in the same area of the mouth
- Have sufficient jawbone density and gum tissue to support dental implants
- Can undergo bone grafting or gum grafting to increase the likelihood of implant success
- Practice good oral hygiene habits and are committed to maintaining their dental health
- Do not have any underlying medical conditions that could interfere with healing or osseointegration
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking during the treatment process
The Implant-Supported Bridge Process
Consultation
Your journey to a restored smile and an implant-supported dental bridge begins with a comprehensive consultation at our San Luis Obispo dental practice. Your SLO dentist will thoroughly evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for implant-supported bridges. Your consultation is a great time to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have.
Design
Based on your needs and preferences, our team will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific case. This will involve determining the number of dental implants needed, the precise placement needed for the dental implants, and the design of your implant-supported dental bridge for optimal aesthetics, natural appearance, and function.
Preparation
Before the implant placement process can begin, you’ll undergo any necessary preparatory procedures. This may include bone grafting if there is insufficient jawbone density, gum grafting if the amount of soft tissue at the future implant site is lacking, or the extraction of any damaged natural teeth in the area.
Installation
We’ll apply a local anesthetic to ensure you stay comfortable and free of any pain during the procedure. During the implant surgery, our skilled SLO dentists will carefully place the dental implants into your jawbone at precise locations. Once the dental implants have successfully integrated with the surrounding bone (a process known as osseointegration), the final implant-supported bridge will be securely attached to the dental implants, restoring your smile.
Implant-Supported Bridge Aftercare
Some aftercare tips following an implant dental bridge placement include:
- Follow your SLO dentist’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and successful integration of the dental implants.
- Practice oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and using any recommended rinses or cleaning aids to keep your implant dental bridge lasting as long as possible.
- Attend all follow-up dental exams and professional cleanings for maintenance, monitoring, and adjustments to your implant-supported bridge.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage your dental bridge during the initial healing period.
- Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products, as they can impair healing and increase the risk of implant failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care and maintenance, the implants used for the dental bridge can last for 25 years to a lifetime, while implant-supported restorations can often last 10 to 15 years due to regular wear and tear. The exact longevity of your tooth replacement restoration depends on factors like your oral hygiene habits, underlying health conditions, and the quality of the dental work.
During the implant surgery, you’ll be under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Some minor discomfort or swelling may occur after the implant-supported bridge procedure, but this can be managed with prescribed pain medication and following post-operative instructions from your dentist or oral surgeon.
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for dental implant-supported bridges, but the extent of coverage can vary. Your dental team will work with you to understand your benefits and explore financing options if an implant-supported dental bridge is needed.
The entire fixed implant-supported bridge process, from initial consultation to implant posts final restoration, can take a minimum of several months to complete. The implant integration phase alone can take three to nine months, but this ensures a secure foundation for your new smile.
Call Us & Restore Your Smile With Implant Supported Bridges
If you’re ready to regain your confidence and enjoy a beautiful, functional smile, schedule your consultation for implant-supported bridges today. Our San Luis Obispo dental team provides exceptional care and personalized missing tooth solutions to patients from San Luis Obispo and the surrounding areas, such as Santa Margarita, Arroyo Grande, and Pismo Beach, CA. Take the first step towards a transformed smile with implant bridges by calling (805) 549-8483 or visiting our website.
