Dental Implant Bridges

DENTAL IMPLANT BRIDGES

Dental implant bridges are a replacement option for when more than one tooth in a row is missing. In appearance, they nicely blend in with your other teeth, while feeling and functioning just like your other teeth as well. This state-of-the-art procedure is helping millions of people restore their ability to eat comfortably, smile confidently and maintain the overall integrity of their mouth’s bone structure and facial contours.

The implants are titanium posts – compatible with the human body – which are placed into the jaw bone where teeth are missing, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. These posts are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.

Because a surgical procedure is involved, if you are interested in a dental bridge implant, you’ll want to first consult with Dr. Hartzell. If you are in good general health this treatment may be an option for you. We will refer you to either a periodontist or an oral surgeon for an evaluation. Rest assured that we will work very closely with you and the surgeon to make your procedure a success.

Dental Bridge Implant Procedure

There are generally five phases to getting a dental implant bridge:

• 1

  Through a surgical procedure, the implants are placed into the jawbone. 

• 2

  The healing process is the next phase. Here, the bones grow around the implants in a process called osseointegration, which literally means “combines with the bone”. This is what makes the implants so strong. This healing process normally takes 4-6 months. 

• 3

  Once the bone has healed around the implants, the periodontist or oral surgeon will uncover the implant and place healing cuffs. The healing cuffs will shape the gum tissue above the implant in preparation for the bridge.

• 4

  Approximately 2 weeks after the healing cuffs are placed, Dr. Hartzell will take impressions to have your new bridge made by a professional dental lab. Fabrication of the implant bridge takes about 2-3 weeks. 

• 5

  Once your permanent bridge is back from the lab, Dr Hartzell will place the abutments and bridge, secure it, and you are ready to go – with new confidence to eat, speak, live and laugh.