Implant Bridges
Get Beautiful, Lifelike Restorations
Rebuild Your Bite & Smile With Implant Bridges in Virginia Beach
When you're missing several teeth in a row, a secure bridge can help you chew comfortably and smile without hesitation. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons place implant bridges in Virginia Beach so that a minimal number of implants can hold several teeth in a row.
Because the bridge rests on dental implants, your healthy natural teeth stay whole. The implants also stimulate your jawbone, which helps it stay strong. Detailed imaging helps your surgeon plan each implant's position, and robotic guidance helps place them in exact locations. If your bone is thin, a bone graft can prepare the area first. We'll coordinate your new bridge with your general dentist or a local dental lab.
Reach out for a consultation to learn whether an implant bridge fits your needs.
Find Out What an Implant Bridge Does for You
An implant bridge uses two or more dental implants as anchors for a set of connected replacement teeth. The implants sit in your jawbone at each end of the gap, and the bridge attaches on top. This lets you replace several missing teeth without placing an implant for each one.
Treatment starts with an exam and advanced imaging so your surgeon can measure your bone and plan each implant's position. We may recommend a bone graft if the area has thinned over time. Plus, IV sedation is available to help you relax during implant surgery.
After the implants bond with your bone, the final bridge will be placed. Unlike a partial denture, an implant bridge stays securely in place, so there's nothing to remove at night.
Learn more about implant bridges in Virginia Beach by contacting our office today.
Fewer Implants Needed
Just a few implants will anchor several replacement teeth, which can mean less surgery than replacing each tooth separately.
Protected Natural Teeth
Your implant bridge anchors to the implants alone, so healthy teeth beside the gap never need reshaping.
Secure Daily Fit
Your new teeth stay fixed in place, so you can talk and laugh without worrying about slipping.
Stronger Jawbone
Implants stimulate the bone beneath your missing teeth, which helps slow the shrinking that follows tooth loss.
Better Chewing Power
An implant bridge lets you bite into firmer foods with more strength than a removable partial denture allows.
Frequently Asked Questions About Implant Bridges
Q What is an implant bridge?
An implant bridge is a set of connected replacement teeth held in place by two or more dental implants. The implants sit in the jawbone at each end of the gap, and the bridge attaches on top. This option replaces several missing teeth in a row without relying on natural teeth.
Q How many teeth can an implant bridge replace?
An implant bridge usually replaces three or four missing teeth in a row. Two implants often anchor the bridge, one at each end of the gap. Longer bridges may need more implants for added strength. The number of teeth depends on bone health and where the gap sits in the mouth.
Q What is the difference between an implant bridge and a traditional bridge?
An implant bridge attaches to dental implants, while a traditional bridge attaches to natural teeth. A traditional bridge requires filing down healthy teeth on each side of the gap to hold crowns. An implant bridge leaves those teeth untouched. Implants also stimulate the jawbone, which helps slow bone loss over time.
Q How long does an implant bridge last?
An implant bridge can last for several years with good care. The implants themselves typically last longer than the bridge on top, which may need replacing after years of normal wear. Daily cleaning under the bridge and regular dental visits help it stay healthy. Avoiding tobacco also lowers the risk of problems.
Q Does getting an implant bridge hurt?
Getting an implant bridge usually does not hurt during surgery because local anesthesia numbs the area. Many people also choose IV sedation to stay relaxed. Some soreness and swelling are normal for a few days. Ice packs and recommended pain medicine help most people stay comfortable while the implant sites heal.
Q How long does the implant bridge process take?
The implant bridge process typically takes several months from implant surgery to the final bridge. The jawbone needs time to bond with each implant before the bridge attaches. A temporary bridge may be worn during healing. People who need a bone graft first may need extra healing time before implant placement.
Q How do I clean an implant bridge?
Clean an implant bridge by brushing twice a day and cleaning underneath it daily. A water flosser or floss threader helps reach the narrow space between the bridge and gums. Regular dental cleanings keep the gums around each implant healthy. Good daily habits help the bridge last for many years.
Q Can I eat normally with an implant bridge?
Most people can eat normally with an implant bridge once healing is complete. Because the implants anchor the bridge in the jawbone, it handles firmer foods better than a removable partial denture. Soft foods are best during early healing. Avoid chewing ice or very hard objects to protect the bridge.
