Royal Oak Dental Implant Treatment For a Full Arch
Secured Dental Bridge in the Birmingham, MI area
Replacing a full arch of teeth presents some challenges. Replacing them with a denture or
dental bridge can provide some normal tooth function, but there are
several disadvantages including discomfort from rubbing and slippage, speech distortion and, more importantly, bone
deterioration. Since there are no tooth roots in the bone, the bone will start disappearing. Royal Oak dentist Dr. Larry Duffield offers dental
implants as an option in full arch replacement to Detroit area patients to secure appliances
improving stability, comfort, and dental health.
Benefits of a fixed dental bridge on dental implants
When all teeth are missing or in such condition that they need to be replaced, a fixed dental bridge anchored to dental implants is the best permanent solution.
Before dental implants, there was 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 dental bridge that results in a permanent, stable and high esthetic solution.
- Lets you eat and function like having natural teeth
- A solid, stable solution that will serve you for life
- Preserves your facial appearance and prevents bone loss
Dental Implants with Fixed Dental Bridge Treatment:
The treatment procedure and number of visits to our Birmingham, MI area dental office is largely dependent on the specific conditions. But all in all, 8-10 visits should be enough to have a fixed dental bridge installed. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated.
Course of treatment for a fixed dental bridge anchored to dental implants
The course of treatment described here is one of several options available. Consult Dr. Duffield to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.
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1: Before the procedure
Dr. Duffield determines what needs to be done to prepare for both the dental implants and the fixed dental bridge. He prepares both himself and the patient for the coming treatment procedure. |
2: Installing the dental implants
The first step is installing dental implants to replace the lost tooth roots. In this case, five dental implants are used. Temporary teeth are attached that enable you to eat and function like normal while waiting for the permanent dental bridge to be installed. |
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3: Attaching the dental bridge to the dental implants
The final, permanent dental bridge is securely installed on top of the dental implants. With a full jaw replacement like this, it normally takes 2-3 visits to have the dental bridge completely attached. |
4: End result
Your new teeth should be hard to tell from natural – both for you and others. People who have had a traditional denture before getting a fixed dental bridge often describe this as an overwhelming and very positive experience. |
Alternatives to a fixed dental bridge
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An alternative to a fixed bridge is a removable overdenture, or a denture secured by dental attachments placed in dental implants or tooth roots. The old fashioned denture has many disadvantages and should be avoided if possible. |
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Removable, implant anchored overdenture
A removable full denture that is connected to either a ball or bar attachment, which in turn is anchored on two or more dental implants in the front part of the jaw.
The dental implants help keep the denture in place and provide better function and comfort. Cost is usually the reason why this denture solution is chosen over a fixed dental bridge – although the end result can’t be compared. |
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Removable full denture
A denture that is loosely placed on top of the gum to cover the lost teeth. This alternative has no real advantages – except for its low price and easy installation.
The disadvantages of a removable full denture are many: discomfort in eating, poor esthetics, affected speech, and sore gums from denture movement. Moreover, a full denture placed in the upper jaw severely reduces the sense of taste. |
If you are missing a full set of teeth and would like to explore a fixed dental bridge secured to dental implants as a solution, or even a type of removable full denture as an alternative, call our Detroit - Birmingham, MI area office in Royal Oak, Michigan today to meet with Dr. Larry Duffield. He can walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of each and also determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.