Dental bridge on implants: Everything you need to know
Dental implants and bridges are the most common options to replace one or several missing tooth. These two solutions can be combined, which we refer to as a dental bridge on implants.
What is a dental bridge on implants?
A dental bridge is set of interconnected crowns used to replace missing teeth and fill a gap in the mouth. A traditional bridge is paced on adjacent teeth, also called abutment teeth, in order to support it.
However, when the natural roots of the teeth cannot serve as a pillar for the bridge, either because they have been extracted or they are too damaged, we place the bridge on implants.
Also known as implant-supported dental bridge, it is a fixed prosthesis that can rebuild teeth and fill an unwanted gap.
Depending on the patient’s dental situation, different types of bridges can be made. It ranges from a simple bridge of 3 crowns on 2 dental implants to a full bridge on 6 implants.
What are the advantages of an implant-supported bridge?
Getting a dental bridge on implants offers a lot of advantages, as listed below:
- A long-term solution
- A fixed and aesthetic solution
- A rehabilitation of the masticatory function
- A result as close to natural as possible
- A comfortable gain in the mouth
Dental bridge on implants is a permanent and durable solution that provides a particularly natural aesthetic result. Easy to care for, it allows you to find an excellent comfort in the mouth, both in terms of mastication and speaking abilities.
With an implant-supported bridge, you can go back to a varied diet and won’t be afraid to bite an apple anymore!
On the other hand, you must also know that when the teeth are missing, the jaw tends to melt progressively. In this case, the placement of implants as part of a dental bridge helps to preserve the bone capital and avoid the risk of facial sagging.
The procedure
It is a procedure that requires several appointments. During the first one, the dentist will do some preliminary oral examination and an X-ray, in order to know the number of missing teeth and if there is a need of a sinus lift or a bone graft.
Following the oral examinations, the dentist will perform the implant placement at the same time. The healing period then starts, and usually takes around 3 to 6 months for the bone and gums around the implant to heal completely.
Once the healing period is done, the dentist will take impressions of the mouth in order to make a mold. The impressions are used to create a customized crown, corresponding to the natural color and size of the patient’s teeth.
During the last appointment, the dentist will put in place the final crowns as part of the bridge. The dentist then make sure it is correctly in place, right to the patient’s gum and natural teeth color. Afterward sealing paste will be used to permanently seal your bridge.
Who can get a dental bridge on implants?
Patients with missing teeth that do not have healthy teeth around the gap created by the missing teeth are the most eligible ones for this type of treatment.
Dental bridge on implants cost in 2022
A dental bridge to replace one missing tooth can cost up to 2 796 € (£2,400) in the UK and 1 950 € (£1,729) in France. In order to replace 3 missing teeth in a row, the patient needs an implant-supported dental bridge, which cost around 4 078 € (£3,500) in the UK and 4 650 € (£4,123) in France.
In Spain, the cost of living is lower, which makes dental treatment more affordable. However, you still receive a high level of care.
At the EL CEDRO Barcelona clinic, a dental bridge to replace one tooth cost up to 1 110 € (£993). A dental bridge on implants starts at 2 950 € (£2,640) in our clinic.
Find out more about dental bridge cost.
Dental bridge on implants after care
An implant-supported bridge can last up to 20 years, in order to guarantee its life span it is very important to take care of it as you would take care of your natural teeth. Here are some after care instructions that will help maintain and extend the life of a dental bridge :
| To do | To avoid |
| – Use ice packs on the surgical area, apply ice 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off – Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgical area – Drink plenty of fluids (water, juice) – Eat soft, easy to swallow food. | – Don’t use a drinking straw – Don’t smoke – Avoid alcohol – Avoid physical activity – Don’t eat raw and hot food – Avoid covering your face |
What can’t you eat with a dental bridge on implants ?
Foods and drinks to avoid
- Sticky foods such as gum, caramel, and chewy candy can potentially damage the dental bridge. It is advisable to avoid them, especially during the first days, when the bridge is new and has not completely bonded to adjacent teeth.
- Hard foods such as nuts can really damage the bridge.
- Wine, Coffee, and Cola can stain the dental bridge. In order to maintain an aesthetic white dental bridge, it’s recommended to avoid these types of drinks.
