handsome young man smiling against plain gray backgroundIf you are missing two or more teeth in a row, you could qualify for an implant-supported dental bridge. Like traditional bridges, these restorations can fill in gaps left behind by missing teeth. At Metropolitan Dental Care, our team explores the benefits of implant-supported dental bridges and explains who is best suited for this type of treatment. If you are considering an implant-supported dental bridge in Lone Tree, read on to learn more.

About Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

Before we explore the benefits of implant-supported dental bridges, we will take a brief look at this type of restoration. Like traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges are comprised of two dental crowns with prosthetic teeth in between. However, while a conventional bridge rests atop adjacent teeth for anchorage, an implant-supported bridge is attached to dental implants.

Therefore, patients considering this option will need to undergo a dental implant surgery before they can receive their restoration. Once the implants are placed, a few months of healing will be required. This will allow the bone tissue to properly integrate with the implant posts for optimal stability.

Benefits of an Implant-Supported Dental Bridge in Lone Tree

An implant-supported dental bridge in Lone Tree can offer a number of advantages over its traditional counterpart. In the sections below, we will explore three of them in more detail.

Preserve Natural Tooth Structure

Because traditional bridges depend on adjacent teeth for support, they require the removal of natural enamel. In contrast, an implant-supported bridge is anchored to dental implants. Therefore, your healthy tooth structure can be left intact, preserving the health of your smile for years to come.

Prevent Bone Loss

Natural teeth roots send regenerative signals to the jawbone. When teeth are removed, the jawbone lacks stimulation. As a result, bone degradation commonly occurs following tooth loss. That is why older individuals who have been missing teeth for a prolonged period of time often have a hollowed, gaunt appearance. Because traditional bridges do not restore missing teeth roots, patients who choose this option have a greater risk for developing bone loss in the future.

Conversely, implant-supported restorations actually replace missing teeth roots and stimulate the jawbone in a similar fashion. Therefore, those who choose implant-supported bridges significantly reduce their risk for bone loss later on.

Cosmetic Enhancements

Implant-supported dental bridges in Lone Tree offer incredible aesthetic results. Today’s advanced dental materials are partially translucent. As a result, they reflect light similarly to natural tooth enamel. In addition, dental bridges not only improve the aesthetics of your smile, they can also restore full function and optimal oral health.

Who is Eligible for an Implant-Supported Dental Bridge?

Patients considering any type of implant-supported restoration must qualify for dental implants. To be considered a viable candidate, you must be free from decay and gum disease. If these issues are present, treatments in restorative dentistry can be recommended first. In addition, individuals should have strong, dense bone tissue to support the implant post. If you have experienced bone loss, a bone grafting procedure can increase your eligibility for this type of treatment.

Learn More about an Implant-Supported Dental Bridge in Lone Tree

The only way to know if you qualify for an implant-supported dental bridge in Lone Tree is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. Metropolitan Dental Care has provided quality dentistry to families in Denver, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, and Highlands Ranch for the past 30 years. To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call us at 303-534-2626.