Implants and Urgent Care
Implant-Supported Bridges
When several teeth in a row are missing, a small number of implants can carry a fixed bridge across the space. The result stays in your mouth and is cleaned in place.
What it is
An implant supported bridge uses implants as the anchors instead of natural teeth. Two or more posts hold a span of replacement teeth, so a larger gap can be closed without a removable appliance.
Because the bridge is fixed, it does not come out at night and it does not rest on the gum for support. Chewing load goes through the implants and into the bone, which is how a natural tooth works.
The design depends on where the gap is and what the bone can support. We plan the number and position of the posts from imaging, not from a template.
Who it is for
- You are missing several teeth next to each other.
- You want a fixed solution rather than a removable one.
- The teeth beside the gap are not strong enough to carry a bridge.
- You already wear a partial denture and want an alternative.
- You want to protect the shape of your jaw and bite.
What to expect
Imaging and planning
We scan the area and decide how many implants the span needs. You see the plan and the reasoning behind it before agreeing to anything.
Placement
The posts are placed under local anaesthetic in a single surgical visit where possible. Aftercare is written down and explained.
Healing and review
We let the bone integrate with the posts and review the site. A temporary option can be discussed for the interim.
Bridge fitted
The bridge is made from a digital scan, tried in, checked for bite and appearance, then secured.
Questions we hear most
Usually not. A bridge can span teeth between two anchors, which is one of the reasons this option is used for larger gaps.
Yes, and we will show you how. Cleaning under a bridge is different from flossing a natural tooth, so we spend time on it at the fitting visit.
Come in and we will look at it. Repairs and remakes are handled here, and we will tell you which one the situation calls for.
Sometimes, depending on bone, budget, and what you want day to day. We explain both honestly rather than steering you toward one.
Talk it through with a dentist before you commit to anything.
Bring your questions to a consultation. We will explain what we see and what the options are, and nothing gets booked until you decide it should.