At MidTown Dental Care, we provide implant-supported bridges in Wauwatosa as part of our comprehensive dental implant services. Dr. Laura Russell, Dr. AnnMarie Hoyme, Dr. Karla Schmidt, and Dr. Mark Crego provide coordinated implant care from your initial evaluation and advanced imaging through bone grafting when necessary, implant placement, and your final restoration.
For patients missing multiple adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge can restore the appearance of the smile while creating a strong, stable solution for everyday function.
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What Is an Implant-Supported Bridge?
An implant-supported bridge is a dental restoration used to replace multiple missing teeth. Instead of relying on neighboring natural teeth for support, the bridge is anchored by dental implants placed in the jawbone.
The implants serve as artificial tooth roots and provide a stable foundation for the restoration above the gumline.
One important advantage is that you do not necessarily need one dental implant for every missing tooth.
For example, depending on the location of the missing teeth, bone availability, bite forces, and other clinical considerations, strategically positioned implants may be able to support a bridge that replaces several teeth.
Your MidTown Dental Care dentist will determine the appropriate number and position of implants based on your individual needs.
When Is an Implant-Supported Bridge Used?
An implant-supported bridge is generally considered when two or more neighboring teeth are missing.
It may be an option if you:
- Have several missing teeth next to one another
- Have teeth that cannot be saved and need to be removed
- Want a fixed alternative to a removable partial denture.
- Prefer not to use healthy neighboring teeth to support a traditional bridge.
- Have sufficient bone to support dental implants.
- Are willing to complete the implant placement and healing process
- Want a stable, long-term approach to replacing multiple teeth.
Because every patient’s smile is different, determining whether an implant-supported bridge is appropriate requires a comprehensive examination and imaging.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Bridges
Replacing multiple missing teeth can improve much more than the appearance of your smile.
Replace Several Teeth With a Fixed Restoration
An implant-supported bridge remains securely attached to dental implants rather than being removed each day, as with a conventional removable partial denture.
This can provide greater stability for everyday activities such as eating and speaking.
Preserve Healthy Neighboring Teeth
A traditional tooth-supported bridge generally requires the teeth on either side of the missing space to be prepared for crowns.
An implant-supported bridge receives its support from dental implants instead. When the neighboring teeth are healthy, they can remain intact rather than being prepared solely to support the bridge.
Restore Chewing Function
Several missing teeth can make it difficult to chew comfortably and may cause you to favor another part of your mouth.
A stable implant-supported restoration is designed to restore function in the area of the missing teeth.
Support the Jawbone
Natural tooth roots transfer biting forces into the jawbone. When teeth are lost, the bone in those areas can begin to change.
Dental implants are positioned within the jaw and transfer forces to the surrounding bone. This can help maintain bone in areas where implants are placed.
Restore Your Smile
Missing multiple teeth can have a significant effect on your appearance and confidence.
Your implant-supported bridge is designed to restore the missing portion of your smile while working with your remaining natural teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge vs. Traditional Dental Bridge
One of the most common questions we hear is: What is the difference between an implant-supported bridge and a traditional bridge?
The primary difference is what supports the restoration.
A traditional dental bridge generally uses natural teeth on either side of the missing space as anchors. Those teeth are prepared for crowns, and the replacement tooth or teeth are connected between them.
An implant-supported bridge is anchored to dental implants positioned within the jawbone. The implants support the bridge rather than relying on adjacent natural teeth.
Neither treatment is automatically the right choice for every patient.
A traditional bridge may be a good option when the neighboring teeth already require crowns, when implant surgery is not recommended, or when other clinical circumstances make conventional bridge treatment preferable.
An implant-supported bridge may be particularly attractive when the neighboring teeth are healthy, and the patient wants an independent, implant-based restoration.
During your consultation, we can compare the two options based on your oral health, bone structure, remaining teeth, treatment goals, timeline, and budget.
Implant-Supported Bridge vs. Individual Dental Implants
If you are missing three teeth, do you need three dental implants?
Not always.
Replacing every missing tooth with an individual implant and crown may be appropriate in certain situations. In others, fewer strategically positioned implants can support a bridge that replaces several teeth.
The best solution depends on factors including:
- Number of missing teeth
- Location of the missing teeth
- Available jawbone
- Space between remaining teeth
- Bite forces
- Condition of surrounding teeth
- Gum health
- Esthetic considerations
- Overall treatment goals
Our doctors evaluate these factors before recommending the number and position of implants.
The goal is not simply to place as many implants as possible. It is to create a well-planned restoration that provides appropriate support, function, cleansability, and appearance.
What Is the Implant-Supported Bridge Process?
Because implant-supported bridges involve both implant surgery and restorative dentistry, treatment generally occurs in stages.
At MidTown Dental Care, these stages can be coordinated within a single practice.
1. Consultation and Examination
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation.
We examine your teeth, gums, missing-tooth area, bite, and overall oral health. We will also discuss your medical history, concerns, and goals for replacing your missing teeth.
2. Advanced 3D Imaging
Detailed imaging allows our doctors to evaluate the underlying jawbone and surrounding anatomy.
This is particularly important when planning multiple-tooth replacement because the implants must be positioned to provide appropriate support for the final bridge.
3. Personalized Treatment Planning
We determine the number and intended location of the implants and plan the restoration they will eventually support.
Thinking about the final bridge from the beginning allows the surgical and restorative phases of treatment to work together.
4. Extractions or Bone Grafting When Needed
If damaged teeth are still present, extractions may be necessary.
Some patients also require bone grafting if there is insufficient healthy bone at the planned implant sites. This can be more common when teeth have been missing for an extended period.
MidTown Dental Care provides bone grafting as part of our comprehensive implant services when it is appropriate for the treatment plan.
5. Dental Implant Placement
The planned implants are surgically positioned within the jawbone.
MidTown Dental Care also offers Yomi robot-assisted dental implant technology, which provides real-time guidance based on the digital implant plan while the dentist remains in control of the procedure.
6. Healing and Integration
After placement, the implants need time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone.
Healing time varies based on your health, bone quality, number of implants, implant location, and whether additional procedures were performed.
7. Final Implant-Supported Bridge
Once the implants have achieved adequate stability, we can proceed with your final bridge.
The restoration is designed to replace your missing teeth and restore the appearance and function of your smile.
Advanced Yomi Technology for Implant-Supported Bridges
Planning implant position is especially important when implants will work together to support a bridge.
MidTown Dental Care uses Yomi robot-assisted technology as part of our advanced approach to dental implant surgery.
Detailed digital planning allows the dentist to determine the intended implant position before surgery. During placement, Yomi provides real-time guidance and haptic feedback to help the dentist follow the planned location, angle, and depth.
The technology does not perform implant surgery independently. Your dentist performs and controls the procedure while Yomi acts as an advanced guidance system.
Patients who want to learn more about the technology can visit our Yomi Robot-Assisted Dental Implants page.
Comprehensive Implant Care With an Experienced Team
Dental implant treatment requires careful coordination between the surgical placement of the implants and the restoration they will ultimately support.
At MidTown Dental Care, our team includes Dr. Laura Russell, Dr. AnnMarie Hoyme, Dr. Karla Schmidt, and Dr. Mark Crego. Our doctors combine decades of dental experience with modern imaging and implant technology to create individualized treatment plans for patients with missing teeth.
Dr. Russell has more than 20 years of experience in dentistry and has helped incorporate advanced technologies into MidTown Dental Care. Dr. Hoyme brings more than 15 years of experience and completed a general practice residency following dental school. Dr. Schmidt is a graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry and completed a general practice residency at Loyola University in Chicago. Dr. Crego brings more than 40 years of dental experience and has a particular interest in dental implant placement and crown-and-bridge dentistry.
Most importantly, MidTown Dental Care can coordinate your treatment from implant placement through your final restoration, including bone grafting when needed.
Restoring Confidence With Dental Implants
Dental implant treatment is ultimately about more than filling an empty space.
Patient Sharese Neal recently shared a five-star Google review after receiving an implant at MidTown Dental Care. She praised the dental surgeon and staff, as well as the clean environment and timely appointments. After completing her implant treatment, she shared that she was finally able to smile with confidence again.
For patients who have lived with several missing teeth, restoring that sense of confidence can be just as meaningful as restoring the ability to chew comfortably.
How Much Does an Implant-Supported Bridge Cost?
The cost of an implant-supported bridge varies because the treatment is customized to the patient.
Factors that can affect your total treatment cost include:
- Number of missing teeth
- Number of implants required
- Location of the missing teeth
- Need for tooth extractions.
- Need for bone grafting.
- Complexity of implant placement
- Type of final bridge
- Dental insurance benefits
- Individual oral health needs
An implant-supported bridge may have a different initial cost than a traditional bridge because implant surgery is part of the treatment.
However, the initial price is only one factor to consider when comparing your options. The condition of neighboring teeth, long-term maintenance, bone support, and your overall treatment goals are also important.
After completing your evaluation, our team will provide a personalized treatment plan and explain the associated costs.
Financing Implant-Supported Bridge Treatment
MidTown Dental Care offers several options to help make dental treatment more manageable.
Financing options include CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit, along with in-house financing for certain procedures.
We also accept many traditional dental insurance plans and are preferred providers for most PPO plans. Dental insurance coverage for implant treatment varies, so our team can help you understand applicable benefits and review available payment options.
Missing Several Teeth? Let’s Talk About Your Options.
Schedule a consultation at MidTown Dental Care to compare implant-supported bridges and other tooth-replacement solutions.
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Implant-Supported Bridge FAQs
How many implants are needed for an implant-supported bridge?
The number of implants depends on how many teeth are missing, where they are located, available bone, bite forces, and the design of the final restoration. You do not necessarily need one implant for every missing tooth. Your dentist will determine the appropriate number during treatment planning.
Can two dental implants replace three missing teeth?
In some situations, two appropriately positioned implants may support a bridge that replaces three teeth. Whether this approach is appropriate depends on the location of the teeth, bone availability, bite forces, implant position, and other clinical factors.
Is an implant-supported bridge better than a traditional bridge?
Neither option is universally better. An implant-supported bridge is supported by implants and generally does not require healthy neighboring teeth to be prepared as anchors. A traditional bridge may be preferable when neighboring teeth already need crowns, or implant treatment is not recommended.
How long does an implant-supported bridge last?
Dental implants and implant-supported restorations are designed for long-term use, but longevity varies. Oral hygiene, gum health, bite forces, smoking, general health, and regular professional care can all influence long-term success. The bridge itself may eventually require maintenance or replacement due to normal wear.
Is an implant-supported bridge removable?
Implant-supported bridges are generally designed as fixed restorations rather than something the patient removes each day. Your dentist can explain the specific restoration recommended for your situation.
Do I need bone grafting for an implant-supported bridge?
Not every patient needs bone grafting. If there is insufficient healthy bone in an area where an implant needs to be placed, grafting may be recommended to improve support. Advanced imaging helps us evaluate bone before treatment.
How do I clean under an implant-supported bridge?
Implant-supported bridges require daily cleaning around the implants and underneath the restoration. Depending on the design, floss threaders, interdental brushes, water flossers, or other cleaning aids may be recommended. Regular professional dental care is also important.
Can I get an implant-supported bridge if my teeth have been missing for years?
Possibly. Having missing teeth for a long time does not automatically prevent implant treatment. However, the bone can change after tooth loss, so additional procedures, such as bone grafting, may be necessary. A clinical examination and imaging are needed to determine candidacy.
How long does it take to get an implant-supported bridge?
Treatment length varies. The process includes implant planning and placement, a healing period, and the completion of the final restoration. Extractions, bone grafting, and individual healing can extend the timeline. We can provide a more personalized estimate after your evaluation.
Who is a good candidate for an implant-supported bridge?
Candidates generally need appropriate oral and overall health, healthy gums, sufficient bone or the ability to undergo grafting, and a commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene. Your medical history, medications, smoking status, and other factors will also be considered.
Replace Multiple Missing Teeth With a Stable Solution
You do not have to settle for gaps in your smile or assume that a removable restoration is your only option.
An implant-supported bridge can replace several missing teeth using dental implants for support, helping restore function and appearance without depending on healthy neighboring teeth as anchors.
At MidTown Dental Care, Dr. Laura Russell, Dr. AnnMarie Hoyme, Dr. Karla Schmidt, and Dr. Mark Crego provide comprehensive implant care in one convenient location. From advanced imaging and bone grafting when necessary to implant placement and your final restoration, our team can coordinate each stage of your care.
If you are considering an implant-supported bridge in Wauwatosa, schedule a consultation with MidTown Dental Care at 8726 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53226. We’ll evaluate your smile, discuss your options, and create a personalized plan for replacing your missing teeth.
