An implant-supported bridge is similar to a regular dental bridge, but it is supported by implants and not by natural teeth. In most cases, when an implant-supported bridge is used, one implant is placed in the jawbone for each missing tooth. Then the crowns are connected to each other to form one piece
An implant-supported bridge is similar to a regular dental bridge, but it is supported by implants and not by natural teeth.
Am I a Candidate for Implants?
- The health of the jawbone: Before placing an implant, Dr. Cassar will investigate the jawbones to assess the health and quantity of bone in the area in which the implant will be set. X-rays may be taken to shed light on the density of the bone in that area.
- The patient’s habits: Research shows that smoking negatively affects the long-term success of dental implants. It is assumed that smoking can impair proper healing and may also have a harmful effect on bone density. Another habit, teeth grinding, also referred to as bruxism, can weaken and crack teeth. Bruxism is particularly dangerous to dental implants, but Dr. Cassar offers mouth guards to protect teeth and implants against bruxism.
- The patient’s health: If a patient has an untreated condition that would hamper the success of post-surgical healing, he or she would not be a good candidate for dental implants. A patient’s medications may also contraindicate the placement of dental implants if a medication could interfere with healing or the implant procedure. For example, cancer drugs or medications used to prevent blood clotting would be of concern.
