Implant-supported bridges

/ Implant-supported bridges

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If several adjacent teeth are missing, bridges are most often placed on the adjacent units. Similar structures can also be used in cases of complete edentulism. In this case, implants are used for fixation.

A bridge (similar to a transportable structure) is a one-piece construction consisting of several combined crowns and requiring support. In most cases it is placed when 1-4 teeth are missing, but such a prosthesis can replace even 14 lost units. In this case, the bridge allows you to avoid implanting a large number of implants and save money. But it should be taken into account that the shorter the construction, the stronger it is.

Do not combine the support on artificial roots and real teeth, which can provoke loosening and rejection of the implant.

Indications for installation

It is recommended to put a bridge on the pins in the case of

  • Absence of several adjacent teeth, which allows reducing the number of implanted artificial roots and reducing the cost of treatment;
  • The need to restore marginal teeth;
  • Failure to fit single crowns;
  • Complete or multiple adentia.

It is best to visit a dentist 2-6 months after losing a tooth. If the visit is delayed, atrophic processes are likely to begin in the bone, which will make the procedure much more difficult because it will require osteoplasty, and therefore increase the cost of treatment.

Advantages of the technology

The advantages of implant-supported bridges include:

  • High aesthetics (cannot be distinguished from natural teeth);
  • Strong fixation;
  • Uniform distribution of load during chewing;
  • No damage to living teeth, as there is no need to grind them down;
  • Ability to repair marginal defects - repair severely damaged molars and replace missing ones;
  • Long service life (10-15 years or more).

With the help of an orthopedic device it is possible to fully resume the functionality of the dentoalveolar system: to eliminate speech defects and provide quality chewing of food, which will improve the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and have a restorative effect on the body.

If titanium rods are used as a support, the bridge will be two crowns shorter than if it is fixed on the remaining natural teeth, which will save a little money on dentures.

Disadvantages of the method

The technology has some disadvantages as well:

  • The need to insert pins (foreign bodies), which frightens many people. But there is no need to worry. Modern techniques allow you to perform any manipulation without causing discomfort and with minimal risk;
  • The possibility of bone thinning. But with implants, atrophy will occur much slower than with removable dentures;
  • The cost is higher compared to bridges supported by natural teeth. But you should consider that in this case you can avoid the preparation of dental units, which will prolong their service life.

Features of an implant bridge

Conventional bridges require trauma (preparation) to the supporting teeth, which causes them to deteriorate over time. In addition, they are not suitable for the restoration of marginal defects due to the lack of support.

Using titanium rods avoids the above disadvantages and produces reliable, stable and aesthetically pleasing products.

Implant bridges are also helpful for full adentia, but in this case, the number of implanted rods will have to be increased. The upper dentition will require more supports than the lower dentition because of the low density.

Installation steps

Before placing the bridge, the dentist performs diagnostics to study individual anatomy and identify any contraindications to prevent rejection.

Computed tomography will help examine the bone tissue (determine its volume and quality). If it reveals atrophic processes, bone grafting is performed, or a protocol that does not require osteoplasty is chosen.

The dentist pays great attention to the choice of material for the prosthesis, and then the implant is matched to it. In this way, the maximum possible stability of the prosthesis can be achieved and the risk of rejection can be minimized. The required number of pins is determined individually for each patient, taking into account the anatomy of the jaw and the size of the bridge.

After the implants are placed, the abutments are attached to the implants. Then the jaw is modeled and the wax model and prosthesis are made in a dental laboratory. The finished product is tried on and if there are no complaints, it is fixed in the mouth. If, on the other hand

Care of the structure

An implant-supported bridge is cared for in the same way as a natural tooth. Regular brushing twice a day is mandatory. In addition to a regular toothbrush, it is recommended to use special brushes to remove food debris from under the denture, floss, and irrigator. It is desirable to start brushing on the inside of the tooth row and finish on the outside. You should rinse your mouth after eating. Every six months you should visit the dentist for a preventive check-up.

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