Implant Supported Bridges
Implant supported bridges close a gap between teeth like traditional bridges. Instead of being supported by dental crowns or a framework placed on the adjacent teeth, implant supported bridges attach to tiny titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone. These posts act as replacement roots. The number of posts placed will depend on the size and length of the bridge.
The entire team at Dr. Crystal Dental radiates compassion and enthusiasm. Every member embraces your individual comfort and dental needs. We seek balance in our practice, our procedures, and your health. You will find your entire dental experience with us comforting from start to finish. We balance exceptional, personalized dental care with state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Call us today at 440-974-4449 to schedule your appointment for an evaluation regarding the benefits of an implant supported bridge for you. You can conveniently find us at 7223 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio, 44060.
With a traditional dental bridge, the artificial tooth or teeth are fused to two dental crowns, one each side of the artificial teeth, and then these crowns are placed on those adjoining healthy teeth to secure and support the bridge in place. If dental crowns are not used a metal framework will attach to the abutment teeth for support. An implant supported bridge will not need the support of these two abutment teeth. The artificial teeth are instead mounted to a stabilized dental implant. The dental implant is surgically placed in your jawbone in the gap. If there is not enough jawbone to adequately support the dental implant, a bone grafting procedure before the actual implant procedure will provide the necessary density. The restorative crowns are then attached to abutments or extensions, which are small connectors that affix the bridge to the dental implant.
Dr. Crystal
Dr. Crystal is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University, School of Dental Medicine and went on to receive training at one of the most prestigious dental residencies in the nation, The Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital Advanced Education in General Dentistry in San Antonio, TX.
Inform & Educate
We empower you to make wise, well-informed decisions for your oral health through patient education and individual consultation. We do this through the modern technology we offer. Our digital x-rays are equipped with special cavity-detecting software, and we also utilize an intraoral camera to show you what we see in your mouth. We also make sure to stay up-to-date on your medical history, current medications and any other factors that might affect your dental health and treatment.
Insurance & Billing
We are an insurance-friendly office, so please call us about your plan. We will do our best to assist you in maximizing your benefits. At your first visit to our Mentor dental practice, we will ask you for your current insurance information. We may ask you to confirm this information at subsequent visits so we can stay up-to-date and fully informed to serve you. As a courtesy to you, we file all claim forms electronically, provide postage for special claims, and we track claims for you.
Are You a Candidate for an Implant Supported Bridge?
Most patients are qualified to have a single dental implant at Dr. Crystal Dental. An implant-supported bridge though usually requires a second implant, so we need to make sure that your jaw is strong enough and that there is adequate bone density. We will conduct an examination and take digital X-rays before we can proceed with the procedure.
Also, you must understand the implant supported bridge will need extra oral hygiene. An implant supported bridge is a permanent appliance that needs to be cleaned just like your natural teeth. Without the supporting attachments to the two neighboring teeth, you can easily floss every day, and the artificial crowns will need to be brushed as well. Regular exams and checkups every six months with Dr. Crystal Dental are strongly encouraged as well.
Benefits of Implant Supported Bridges
Some of the benefits of replacing missing teeth with an implant supported bridges include:
- Improved oral health – With the natural like root stimulation from the titanium implant post, you can count on your dental implants to help you maintain your natural and healthy gum tissue volume and jawbone density, which means your smile will continue to be healthy and functional for many years to come.
- No hassle – You will not experience or encounter any disruptions in the appearance and functionality of your healthy smile or how you care for your teeth daily. You can continue to brush and floss as usual, enjoy your favorite foods, and smile and talk with complete confidence.
- Long lasting – After final placement, your implant supported bridge has the potential to last a lifetime. This is substantially longer than traditional bridges and dentures, which usually need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years.
An implant supported bridge leaves your adjoining teeth in their natural condition. The two neighboring teeth do not need to undergo any prep work to support the new artificial crowns. The dental implants, acting as artificial roots, will hold your bridge securely so that it feels and functions just like your natural teeth. This artificial tooth root stimulates the jaw to maintain density and prevent jawbone atrophy.
The Implant Supported Bridge Procedure
An implant-supported bridge solution will require several steps of treatment, which could take from six to nine months for completion. After the initial evaluation at Dr. Crystal Dental has confirmed that we have the necessary bone density to work with, we will surgically place the dental implants into the spot in the jawbone of tooth loss. After this surgery, the bone tissues need sufficient time to bond, grow, and fuse with the implants in a process called osseointegration.
After the osseointegration process is completed, the second step will be to attach abutments, or small extensions, to the implants. After this second step of treatment, the gums will again need about two weeks to heal.
The final stage of your implant supported bridge restoration is the placement of your custom designed bridge to these implant extensions. A special dental adhesive will be used to bond the dental bridge, with the artificial crowns, to the abutment posts. This secures your new implant supported bridge so that it becomes a natural and permanent part of your smile.
With continued preventative oral hygiene care at-home and scheduling your regular dental exams and checkups every six months with Dr. Crystal Dental, your implant supported bridge will last for decades, and you can smile and eat the foods you enjoy. Your healthy and natural smile will be restored, you will have no stability issues with biting, chewing, and speaking, and the artificial root maintains the health of the jawbone so you will not experience any unnecessary sagging with your facial structure.
Comprehensive Dentistry
Comprehensive dentistry with Dr. Crystal Schneider, involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the teeth, gums and jaw. She believes that preventive care is the most important aspect of comprehensive dentistry. Dr. Schneider aims to identify and treat problems while they’re still small, which can save you time, money and more extensive dental treatment.
Cosmetic Dentistry
An attractive smile can boost your confidence, help you make better first impressions on others, and improve your personal and professional life. We provide several cosmetic dental treatments that can subtly enhance your smile, and there are many other more dramatic treatments, often called “smile makeovers,” that can give you the smile of your dreams.
Specialized Dentistry
Missing teeth can take the joy out of the everyday things we love, from smiling and talking with confidence to eating our favorite foods. All of these things can become easier again with specialized dental care. Dr. Schneider offers advanced treatments that will not just restore your smile to its former health – they’ll make it look and feel even better than before!
Our Devotion to Family Dentistry is Unparalleled
Our attention to detail is second to none. Either when it comes to your personalized dental care or the array of amenities in the relaxing comfort of our office. The entire team at Dr. Crystal Dental goes the extra mile in providing communication and consultation, realizing that we collectively are committed to developing long lasting relationships with every patient. We find gratification in life changing healthy smiles. Call us now at 440-974-4449 to make an appointment to discuss the benefits of an implant supported bridge for you. Our office is located at 7223 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio, 44060.