Missing teeth make the most basic tasks difficult and even impossible if enough are missing. While some replacement prosthetics like dentures or traditional dental bridges can replace teeth, it’s only a band-aid solution. While it will prevent teeth from shifting and make eating easier, they won’t last forever. That’s where an implant-supported dental bridge in Pasadena comes in.
By choosing an option supported by implant, you achieve a truly long-term solution. Here’s how the process works!
The Consultation
During your initial meeting, your dentists will examine your mouth and confirm that your oral health is in good condition. Patients need to have healthy gums before receiving any type of dental implant. They’ll also take 3D X-rays (CT scan) to confirm that enough bone is present for the implant to adhere to. If not, a bone graft can be performed to increase the bone’s volume. The process for receiving bone takes about four months to complete.
Once your treatment plan has been fleshed out, you can begin the first stage of your surgery.
The First Surgery – Implant Placement
During this stage, your dentist will open the tissue where your teeth are missing and place the implants into your jawbone. You’ll be given plenty of anesthetic during treatment, so don’t worry about feeling much during this phase or future surgeries. You’ll be treated by a trusted specialist who’s placed many implants before, so they’ll make sure your bridge looks natural. For extra assurance, they may also use a surgical guide to place the implants as precisely as possible.
Once placed, you’ll have the area sealed and allowed to heal, which can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months depending on where it was placed.
The Second Surgery – The Healing Cap
After the implant has integrated with your natural bone, the second surgery will be scheduled. This surgery is much simpler than the initial surgery and only requires opening the gum tissue to expose the implant and place a healing cap. This ensures that your gum tissue heals around the implant correctly. They’ll also place a collar, which is a round piece of metal designed to hold gums away from the top of the implant.
Once the gum tissue heals, you can start thinking about your restorations.
The Restorative Phase
If you choose to use a screw-retained bridge, which many patients do, your dentist will remove the healing cap and place a permanent abutment. This is a screw that connects your restoration and implant together.
With the abutment in place, an impression will be taken so the restoration aligns perfectly with your existing teeth. You’ll wear a temporary bridge while your permanent bridge is being made. The temporary bridge is made from softer material, so it can withstand daily chewing as your permanent bridge is made. If the bridge doesn’t fit exactly right, you’ll come back to have a new one fitted until it does. This step is incredibly important to ensure the implant’s metal framework can properly support the restoration.
Once it’s correctly fitted, your smile is ready to show off!
About the Author
Dr. Kimber Holmes earned her DDS degree from the University of Texas. Her and her team can create a dental bridge that not only restores your ability to eat your favorite foods, but restore your smile for many years. To learn more about tooth replacement in Pasadena, contact her through her website.