Implant-Supported Bridgesin West Sayville, NY

Choose Dr. Sigismondi for the Best Tooth Replacement

At our West Sayville dental office, Dr. Sigismondi has helped countless patients transform their lives with the help of dental implants. With over 40 years of experience in dentistry, he’ll ensure that your smile goals are met with precision and comfort. 

So, what are you waiting for? Schedule your tooth replacement consultation today by calling 631-563-1583.

What Are Implant-Supported Bridges?

Implant-supported bridges are a type of dental prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. Unlike traditional bridges that rely on adjacent teeth for support, implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone.

A fixed implant bridge has four parts:

1. Titanium Posts: The bases of your restoration that are surgically placed into the jawbone and act as a natural tooth root, stimulating the jawbone.
2. Abutment: The small metal connector that’s attached to the implant posts.
3. Porcelain Dental Crown: Dental crowns are customized restorations placed over the abutments to give you a natural-looking smile. 
4. Pontic Teeth: The prosthetic teeth are cemented to the neighboring porcelain dental crowns.

Benefits of an Implant-Supported Bridge

Implant bridges can offer patients various benefits over other tooth replacements, including:

• Stability: Because they’re anchored directly into the jawbone, an implant-supported bridge is extremely stable and feels more like natural teeth.
• Preservation of adjacent teeth: Unlike traditional bridges, implant bridges don’t require the alteration of adjacent teeth for support, helping to preserve their integrity.
• Improved chewing and speech: With their stability, implant bridges allow for better chewing function and can improve speech compared to removable dentures.
• Longevity: With proper care, an implant-supported bridge can last for many years, providing a durable solution for tooth replacement.

Types of Implant Bridges

There are various implant-supported restorations, including:

1. Fixed Implant-Supported Bridge: This type of bridge is permanently attached to dental implants and can’t be removed by the patient. It offers stability and functionality similar to those of natural teeth.
2. Removable Implant-Supported Bridge (Overdenture): Unlike fixed bridges, removable implant bridges can be taken out for cleaning and maintenance. They typically snap onto attachments on the implants, providing stability while allowing for easy removal.
3. Implant-Supported Hybrid Bridge: Also known as a fixed-detachable bridge, this type combines the stability of a fixed bridge with the convenience of being removable by the dentist if necessary. It’s secured to the implants with screws or other retention mechanisms.
4. Implant-Supported Cantilever Bridge: In cases where there’s only one adjacent tooth available for support, a cantilever bridge may be used. This type of bridge extends from the implant-supported crown over the gap, utilizing the adjacent tooth for support.
5. Implant-Supported Maryland Bridge: Similar to traditional Maryland bridges, this type utilizes a framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth for support, but instead of natural teeth, the framework is attached to dental implants.
6. All-on-4/All-on-6 Bridge: These are full-arch implant-supported bridges designed to replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth. They’re supported by a minimal number of implants (typically four or six) strategically placed within the jawbone.

Possible Disadvantages of Implant Bridges

There are always possible disadvantages patients may encounter with any kind of dental treatment. The cons of a dental implant bridge can include:

• More invasive and expensive procedure compared to a traditional dental bridge
• The healing process can take several months
• Risks of implant failure or infection
• Patients need adequate jawbone density and good overall oral health
• It’s not recommended for patients who have active periodontal disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or other medical conditions that may impact healing

Costs of an Implant-Supported Bridge

The cost of an implant-supported bridge can vary from $5,000 to $15,000. Patients can expect the following factors to influence the total cost of their implant bridge treatment:

• Number of Implants: Typically, each missing tooth that needs to be replaced with an implant-supported bridge requires an individual implant. The more implants required, the higher the cost.
• Type of Material Used: The materials used for the bridge can affect the cost. Options include porcelain, zirconia, or a combination of materials. High-quality materials may be more expensive, but they can also offer better aesthetics and durability.
• Geographic Location: The cost of dental procedures varies significantly depending on where you live. Dental services tend to be more expensive in urban areas and regions with a higher cost of living.
• Dentist’s Experience: The experience and expertise of the dentist or oral surgeon performing the procedure can impact the cost. More experienced professionals may charge higher fees.
• Additional Procedures: Sometimes, patients may require additional procedures before or during implant placement, such as bone grafting or sinus lifts. These procedures can add to the overall cost.

Frequently Asked Questions