Implant-Retained Bridges

Secure, Natural-Looking
Restorations in Coppell, TX

At James Peterson Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we only use high-quality materials to supply you with a gorgeous and natural-looking smile. Implant-retained bridges are a long-lasting solution to restore missing teeth and help you get back the look and function of your original smile.

Instead of being supported by your existing teeth, like traditional dental bridges, implant-retained bridges are supported by crowns that are attached to your surrounding teeth and one or more implants in your jawbone. The implants are made of titanium and surgically placed into your jaw to support the new teeth. Crowns are then placed on your adjacent teeth to further secure the implant. An implant-supported bridge is an effective option for replacing more than one missing tooth. This procedure uses advanced technology to generate a strong, aesthetically pleasing smile.

Best Candidates for Implant-Retained Bridges

Ideal candidates for an implant bridge are missing more than one tooth due lifestyle choices, genetics, trauma, or another reason. This type of restoration is also an ideal choice for patients who deal with teeth grinding and jaw clenching. You must have healthy gums before receiving an implant. Otherwise, a bone augmentation or graft will need to be performed before the implant procedure can begin. Dr. Peterson will assess your overall oral health to determine if an implant-retained bridge is the best option for you.

What to Expect

There are several steps in the process of receiving an implant-retained bridge:

The implant is surgically placed into your jaw
Several weeks of healing time to allow the implant to fuse to the jawbone
X-rays are taken to confirm that the implant is well integrated
The custom-made bridge is attached to your implant
The necessary crowns are cemented to your surrounding teeth
The bridge is adjusted for proper fit and comfort

Recovery & After Care

After the initial implant surgery, you will have minor discomfort, swelling, and tenderness in the area. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to keep you comfortable. Be careful when eating, drinking, and brushing, until the implant site is properly healed. You should eat softer, colder foods and liquids like soup for a couple of days. Once the area is healed, you can resume your regular brushing and flossing routine. Just be gentle around the implant area, especially while it is still sensitive.

Throughout the procedure, the implant will need to be cleaned properly on a daily basis. After the crowns and the bridge are in place, Dr. Peterson may recommend special tools that will help you achieve a deeper cleaning between the bridge and the gum line. You should also continue to make appointments for cleanings every 6 months so that Dr. Peterson can check the bridge and the implant and make any needed adjustments. With good oral hygiene and regular visits to Dr. Peterson for checkups, your implant-retianed bridge will continue to look and feel great for many, many years.