Melbourne area residents ask, “What are implant-supported dental bridges?”

You are probably familiar with traditional dental bridges, which have been used since the early days of dentistry. They are a simple, effective, way to replace missing teeth. However, today’s high-tech dentistry has better options than ever before. Traditional bridges may be good, but for many patients, implant-supported bridges are better.

Dr. Terry Rose, Smile In Style

What are implant-supported bridges?

The most common dental bridge includes a false tooth and two crowns, fused into a single unit. The crowns are placed on existing teeth, positioning the false tooth in the gap. Today, this design is often called “crown and bridge work” to differentiate it from a newer type of bridge.

An implant-supported bridge consists of several false teeth in a single unit. It is customized depending on the number and location of the patient’s missing teeth. The unit is attached to two or more dental implants, which have been surgically placed in the bone.

Benefits of implants

Why should you care how your false teeth are supported? Implants make more of a difference than you might imagine:

  • Unlike traditional bridges, implant-supported restorations do not require any alteration to your natural teeth
  • Many patients find it difficult to clean under the false tooth in a traditional bridge; care of implants is convenient and similar to that of natural teeth
  • Implants simulate the action of natural tooth roots, helping the jawbone stay strong and healthy
  • As implants provide stability comparable to natural teeth, you can eat what you want and smile with confidence
  • With good hygiene and regular dental care, implants can last a lifetime

Are you a candidate?

Implant technology, like many other areas of dentistry, has advanced dramatically in recent years. Even if you were previously told that you weren’t a candidate, you could be now! With many different sizes, shapes, and styles of implants available, we can provide more customized treatment. For example, smaller implants may be used when there is not enough bone tissue for standard-sized ones. Additionally, bone augmentation procedures can help build up bone tissue, providing a strong foundation for implants.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. We will discuss the risks of an implant-supported bridge and/or bone augmentation during your consultation, as well as examine your health to ensure you are a suitable candidate. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call our Sunbury office at 03 8001 6021 or our Moonee Ponds office at 03 8400 4104.

 

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Smile In Style Dental office near Moonee Ponds and Sunbury

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Throughout our site, you will find valuable information about our services that will help you get to know us better. It is our mission to create beautiful white healthy smiles using the latest technologies. Our experienced Dentists and staff aim for lifelong relationships with our patients, providing relevant dental education and continual care throughout life. Here, you can learn more about the various dental conditions that may develop and the ways in which we treat them.
Some of the services you can expect to find at Smile in Style include: Our goal is to work together with you to achieve your healthiest, most attractive smile, whilst ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Chlorella drink prior is given prior to treatment and a mouth rinse post-treatment. Chlorella can help bind and prevent mercury absorption.
  • Physical protective barriers - Masks, protective coverings, eyewear, in-mouth non-latex dental dams, and other steps are taken to prevent physical contact with mercury for the patient and staff.
  • Oral evacuation - Generous amounts of water are used to continuously rinse particulate matter from the mouth while suctioning it away. Combined with protective dental dams, this prevents patients from swallowing dental amalgam particles during treatment. Additionally, the rinsing helps lower the temperature of the filling, reducing the amount of mercury vapour released.
  • External air - A continuous supply of non-contaminated air or oxygen is delivered via a mask or similar apparatus, preventing inhalation of mercury vapour or particles.
  • "Chunk it out" method - Rather than using a drill to grind the filling down, it is carefully removed in the largest possible pieces, minimising friction, vaporisation.
  • High Volume Evacuation Suction is used by the dental assistant to remove amalgam particles in the mouth.
  • High Volume Air suction and Air Purifiers are used in the clinical room that is able to remove mercury vapour from the room.
  • Amalgam separator use - This device collects mercury-contaminated waste before it can enter the sewage system, allowing us to dispose of it safely.