When one or more teeth are missing, a dental bridge is one of the first solutions that come to mind. This restoration replaces missing teeth by anchoring artificial ones, called pontics, between dental crowns that fit over healthy teeth on either side of the gap. However, traditional bridges need to be replaced over time as your natural teeth shift in your mouth, and crowning healthy teeth involves permanently altering their structure. Fortunately, at Brent Bradford, DDS, Dr. Bradford offers another solution! Using dental implants, he can secure a dental bridge in your mouth without altering your natural teeth. These implants anchor to your jaw, providing a stable, lasting solution for tooth loss. But many patients wonder, is it more painful to get a dental bridge supported by implants?
When it comes to oral surgeries, Dr. Bradford understands the hesitation that many patients feel. But with gentle techniques, patient-centered solutions, and compassionate care, he can provide patients like you with a relaxing, comfortable, and effective dental bridge procedure.
The Implant Bridge Process
Before beginning your implant bridge procedure, you will need to schedule a free implant consultation with Dr. Bradford. During this appointment, he will examine your smile and take a 3D digital X-ray to assess your bone quality. If you have enough bone to support dental implants, he’ll then craft a custom treatment plan for your smile.
Unfortunately, many patients don’t have enough bone structure to support a conventional implant. But at Brent Bradford, DDS, Dr. Bradford also offers mini dental implants! These small titanium posts fit in minimal bone, and use a minimally invasive procedure that is gentler on patients.
At your procedural appointment, Dr. Bradford will use a local anesthetic to numb your smile. Then, he will make a small pilot hole in your jaw and place a mini dental implant inside your bone. Once inside, it immediately begins stabilizing.
After all of your implants are in place, Dr. Bradford will take impressions of your smile to send to a dental lab, where technicians craft a custom bridge that blends in with your smile. While you wait for your final restoration, he’ll provide you with a temporary solution to maintain aesthetics and function.
Once about three weeks have passed, and your custom bridge is ready, Dr. Bradford will remove the temporary teeth and securely cement your permanent bridge into place.
Is It Painful To Get a Dental Bridge?
Implant bridges are a permanent solution to tooth loss, as dental implants can last a lifetime with the proper care. But many patients still wonder, is it more painful to get an implant-supported dental bridge than a traditional bridge?
Thankfully, the answer is typically no! For both procedures, Dr. Bradford uses a local anesthetic to numb your smile. And while traditional bridges don’t require implant placement, they do need to alter your natural teeth to support crowns. The crowning process is comfortable with the numbing agent, but it may leave your teeth sore for a few days post-procedure.
Similarly, placing mini dental implants is a comfortable, minimally invasive process. With a numbing agent, patients usually feel no pain during the procedure. And, afterwards, patients find that healing from a mini dental implant placement is comfortable!
If you do experience any discomfort, it’s usually mild and easily managed with over-the-counter medications.
Get an Implant-Supported Dental Bridge in Syracuse, NY
A dental bridge is a great way to replace one or more missing teeth. But with traditional bridges, patients may lack the strength and stability that natural teeth provide. With dental implant-supported bridges, they can enjoy a stable smile that will last for years to come. With innovative technology and compassionate care, getting a dental bridge doesn’t have to be painful. Dr. Bradford takes his time to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, and most patients feel little to no pain after mini implant placement.
Book a free implant consultation today to determine if an implant bridge is the right solution for you.
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