Fixed Bridge Anchored to Dental Implants

Implant Placement Procedures  

Fixed Bridge Anchored to Dental Implants

When all teeth are missing or in such condition that they need to be replaced, a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants is the best permanent solution.

Before dental implants, there were no fixed solution available for people who lost all their teeth. Today, it is possible to replace a full jaw with dental implants and a fixed bridge that results in a permanent, stable and high esthetic solution.

The treatment procedure and number of visits is largely dependent on the specific conditions. But all in all, 8-10 visits should be enough to have a fixed bridge installed. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated.

STEP-BY-STEP COURSE OF TREATMENT

Examination Visit:

The first step is to visit your dentist for an examination and to discuss your individual solution options.

The first step to your new permanent teeth is an examination of your current situation by your dentist. Then, you and your dentist can determine which solution works best for you.

During your examination, you may be presented with the option to follow a conventional process or a state-of-the-art guided process to place your dental implants

The guided process uses a CT scan, or a model of your jawbone, to plan your entire dental procedure before it begins. Keyhole surgery is used to place the dental implant. This minimally invasive technique reduces the healing time traditionally experienced in the conventional process, as well as eliminates the need for stitches, a significant amount of swelling, and much of the discomfort arising when your dental implants are placed using conventional methods.

Preparation Phase:

The second step is the preparation phase, where your dentist will plan the next steps of the process. Here, your dentist is gaining insight into how your dental implants will be placed.

Conventional process: Under the conventional process, your dentist will take x-rays to see how your jawbone looks. Often an impression will be taken of your current teeth and jawbone.

Guided process: Under the guided process, your dentist will map your jawbone or your jaw and teeth will be scanned using computerized tomography (CT) enabling your dentist to plan your entire dental procedure before getting started. From this planning, a guide is created that will help the dentist to place the dental implants into the optimal positions.

At the same time, a laboratory will begin making your final teeth, so they are ready for placement at the same time your dental implants are placed.

Implant Placement Visit:

This is the step wherein your dentist will place the necessary dental implants in your jaw.

The first step is installing dental implants to replace the lost tooth roots. In this case, five implants are used. Temporary teeth are attached that enable you to eat and function like normal while waiting for the permanent bridge to be installed.

The final bridge is securely installed on top of the implants. With a full jaw replacement like this, it normally takes 2-3 visits to have the bridge completely attached.

Conventional Process: Under the conventional process, you'll undergo the following:

- You'll receive local anesthesia

- Your dentist will place your dental implants

- Your dentist may place temporary teeth to your dental implants, so you can eat during the healing process

Otherwise, you will wear your denture for some additional time

- An impression to fabricate your new final fixed teeth will be made as soon as the clinical situation allows

Guided Process: Under the keyhole method, you'll undergo the following:

- You'll receive local anesthesia

- Using the surgical guide and keyhole surgery, your dentist will then place your dental implants

- Once placed, your dentist will place your (pre-prepared) final permanent dentures

- And you're done!

Enjoying Your New Smile!

Once your final teeth are placed you'll have your beautiful new smile. Your new teeth should be hard to tell from natural – both for you and others. People who have had traditional dentures before getting a fixed bridge often describe this as an overwhelming and very positive experience.

Conventional Process: After your dentist has determined that your gums have sufficiently healed you'll return to have your final permanent dentures placed. Your dentist will ensure that your bite is correct and you're pleased with the results.