The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth:

Restoring missing or decayed teeth is crucial for maintaining long-term oral health. Beyond the evident gap in your smile, a missing tooth can trigger more complex issues. Tooth loss can lead to the shifting of adjacent teeth, altering your smile's alignment and even impacting facial aesthetics. Additionally, it can hinder your ability to chew nutrient-rich foods. While other tooth replacement options like removable partial dentures exist, they lack the stability offered by implant-supported bridges. With an implant bridge, you can regain much of your chewing capability, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods.

Understanding Implant-Supported Bridges:

While traditional dental bridges effectively address tooth loss, implant-supported bridges offer distinct advantages. Conventional bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support, requiring these healthy teeth to be reshaped before cementing the bridge in place. In contrast, implant-supported bridges are affixed to dental implants, eliminating the need to alter healthy teeth to replace a missing one.

Number of Implants Utilized:

An implant-supported bridge acts as a permanent replacement for several missing teeth and is securely anchored to dental implants. The quantity of implants used varies based on individual circumstances, but a common configuration comprises two implants supporting three teeth: two "cap" teeth at either end, connected by an additional tooth in the middle.

Preventing Bone Loss:

Dental implants play a vital role in averting the bone loss that typically follows tooth extraction. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone loses the pressure signals from biting force that stimulate bone regeneration. Consequently, the bone may resorb, leading to jawbone shrinkage. Implant-supported bridges counteract this by transmitting bite force through the implants, ensuring the bone remains stimulated. While some bone resorption may still occur under the bridge's center, it is less problematic than the bone loss associated with removable bridges or no bridges at all.

Balancing Cost & Benefit:

A fixed implant-supported bridge strikes a balance between individually replacing each missing tooth with its implant and crown, which can be more costly. However, it tends to be more economical than many removable solutions due to the involved implant surgery. Your choice of treatment for tooth replacement depends on your unique health and financial considerations, a discussion we are pleased to have with you.

Procedure Breakdown:

The process of obtaining an implant-supported bridge involves several stages:

• Implant Placement: Dental implants are first positioned.
• Healing Period: Several months are typically needed for the implants to heal.
• Impression & Mold: Impressions of your mouth are taken to create a mold.
• Custom Crown Creation: Using the mold, a custom crown matching your existing teeth is crafted.
• Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge may be provided while the final one is being prepared.
• Final Placement: The dentist will secure the final bridge in place on the implants.

Conclusion:

Experience a lasting solution with implant-supported bridges in Lake Forest. Restore your smile's health and beauty with this durable option. Enjoy enhanced chewing ability and facial aesthetics. For further inquiries or to schedule your appointment, reach out to us at 949-787-1733