Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

Implant Supported Bridges

Beginning with your very first visit with Periodontal and Implants Associates, Inc., our entire dental team is committed to establishing a relationship with you, acknowledging your unique individual needs, and striving effortlessly to provide personalized oral health care to meet your goals.

With a standard traditional dental bridge, the restorative artificial teeth are attached and fused to two dental crowns, which are placed on both sides of the bridge, and then these crowns are placed on the adjoining healthy teeth on each side of the gap to support and secure the bridge in place. An implant supported bridge will not require the support of these two adjoining teeth, leaving them natural. The artificial teeth on the bridge are instead secured by a dental implant. The implant is positioned in your jaw in the gap. If there is not adequate jawbone mass to properly support the dental implant, the jawbone density can be restored with a simple bone grafting prior to the placement of the implant. The bridge’s artificial crowns are attached to the extension or abutment of the implant, which are small connectors to reach the surface of the gum, which is now functioning like an artificial tooth root.

We focus on creating the ultimate stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we will do what is necessary to help you understand your symptoms and your treatment options in a relaxed environment. Call Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at (256) 734-8588 with any questions or to make an appointment to review the benefits of an implant supported bridge.

Are You a Candidate for an Implant Supported Bridge?

Most people are qualified to have a single dental implant at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.. However, because an implant-supported bridge most often requires a second implant, we will first need to confirm that your jawbone integrity is strong enough and that there is adequate bone density. We will conduct a thorough oral exam and capture X-rays before we begin the procedure.

As the proud new owner of a dental implant, you need to embrace the commitment to maintaining quality oral hygiene. An implant supported bridge will be a permanent prosthetic that must be cleaned consistently, just like your natural teeth. Without attachments to the neighboring teeth, you can continue to floss daily, and of course, the artificial crowns will need to be brushed as well. Regular and consistent checkups every six months with Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. are also strongly encouraged.

The Pros and Cons of an
Implant Supported Bridge

The only real negative of an implant-supported bridge is the time it takes for all the steps of treatment to be completed, and the final cost of this procedure will also be more than a traditional bridge. Despite these few negatives, most of the patients at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will share with you that the pros of an implant supported bridge far outweigh these few negatives.

An implant supported bridge does not require any modification to your natural teeth. The two adjoining teeth will not need to undergo any prep or changes to support crowns. The dental implants anchor and support your bridge securely so that it both feels and functions like natural teeth and is also easy to take care of. A dental implant also functions as an artificial tooth root, which naturally stimulates through constant pressures the jawbone to maintain integrity and prevent jawbone atrophy. The life expectancy of an implant supported bridge will be far better than a traditional bridge as well. Also, since we need to put crowns on the two adjoining natural teeth, the restoration looks even more natural.

The Implant Supported Bridge Procedure

An implant-supported bridge will require several steps, which are usually spaced out over the span of about six to nine months. First, once the initial evaluation at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. has identified and confirmed that there is adequate jawbone density, we surgically place the tiny dental implants into the jawbone in the area of tooth loss. Following this simple surgery, the bone tissue needs sufficient time to grow, bond, and fuse with the dental implants in a process called osseointegration.

Once the osseointegration is successfully established, Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. introduces the second stage of treatment. This second quick procedure allows us to attach abutment posts, or extensions, to the tops of the implants. After this treatment, your gums will need just two weeks to heal.

The final step of your implant supported bridge treatment is the actual placement of your custom-designed bridge onto the implants. A specific bonding compound is used to attach the bridge, with the artificial crowns, to the abutment posts. This permanently secures your new dental bridge so that it becomes a natural part of your smile.

Receiving a successful implant supported bridge will require several appointments with Periodontal and Implant Associates. With your daily preventative oral hygiene care at home and your consistent dental checkups every six months, your implant supported bridge can easily last for decades, and you will also be able to enjoy your smile and eat all your favorite foods. Your smile will be healthy and natural, you will have no stability problems with any biting, chewing, or speaking, and the new artificial root of the implant maintains the integrity of your jawbone, so you will not encounter any unnecessary changes in your facial structure.

We Change Lives One Smile at a Time

It is our mission at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to educate and provide every patient with the best periodontal and dental care found in Alabama. The attention to detail by our entire dental team achieves quality and successful dental results with healthy and beautiful smiles for all patients. We collaborate to realize a shared vision of excellence. We are committed to:

  • Listening to those we have the opportunity to serve.
  • Earn the trust and respect of every patient, profession, and community.
  • Exceeding your expectations.
  • Ensure a creative, challenging, and compassionate professional environment.
  • Striving for continuous improvement at all levels.

You can find Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at 315 Second St. SE, Cullman, AL, 35055. Or give us a call today at (256) 734-8588.

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

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