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An implant-supported prosthesis is a dental prosthesis that has one or more artificial teeth attached to dental implants. Dental implants are surgically inserted into your jawbone to provide stability for the prosthesis. They offer significant advantages over their alternatives, such as conventional dental bridges or dentures.

What Is a Dental Prosthesis?

A dental prosthesis is used to replace missing teeth and can be removable or fixed. Common examples include crowns, bridges, and dentures.

When patients are missing one or two teeth, a fixed dental bridge is often recommended to fill the gap. This is usually accomplished by placing crowns on the adjacent healthy teeth to support the false tooth or teeth in between. Without support, the neighboring teeth may shift into the open space and make it difficult to brush effectively. Over time, this can lead to gum disease and tooth decay around the bridge.

A dental implant is used to support a crown, bridge, or denture. An implant is a small titanium screw that is placed directly in the jawbone during oral surgery. While the implant heals over a period of months, the bone fuses with the implant to ensure it stays in place permanently. Once this process is complete, the dentist can attach the abutments and replacement teeth directly to the implants.

Are Implant-Supported Prosthetics Right for You?

If you have lost a full arch of teeth, an implant-supported denture may be right for you. The denture can be attached to small metal bars that are secured to the dental implants. These dentures provide a comfortable fit and function, much like a natural set of teeth. 

Dental implants are also often used to secure partial dentures, as well as individual crowns. Our dentist can help you determine which type of dental prosthesis will be best for you after a thorough examination.

Common implant-supported dental prostheses include:

• Fixed bridges
• Partial dentures
• Full dentures
• All-On-4® Implants

What Are the Benefits of Implant-Supported Prosthetics?

An implant-supported prosthesis can be an affordable solution for replacing most or all of an individual’s teeth. Patients enjoy improved appearance, oral health, and quality of life with implant-supported prosthetics.

The benefits of implant-supported prosthetics include the following:

Improved Appearance

Missing teeth can cause patients to appear older than they actually are. By providing support to the facial structure, implant-supported prosthetics can help patients look younger and more vibrant.

Easier Eating

Dental implants help stabilize prostheses and reduce slipping during eating. The ability to eat normally is important for maintaining good nutrition.

Maintain Oral Health

When teeth are not replaced, the jawbone deteriorates over time. This not only affects the appearance of the face but can also cause oral health issues such as poor bite function, TMJ disorder, and speech impediments. Dental implants prevent deterioration of the jawbone, helping to maintain both oral and overall health.

Improved Comfort

Traditional bridges and dentures often cause discomfort for patients as they shift in the mouth. In the case of implant-supported prosthetics, there is no friction against the gums, so patients experience less irritation and a more comfortable fit.

For more information, contact our Alexandria dental office at (703) 823-2848 or 5130 Duke St, Suite 8, Alexandria, VA 22304, or our Manassas dental office at (703) 479-7654 or 8608 Centreville Rd, Manassas, VA 20110.