Dental Implants and Bridges

Dr. Rossetti is an experienced dentist for both the placement of bridges and the restoration of dental implants. He places high-quality, natural-looking, durable crowns onto implant posts. He works with trusted oral surgeons who will do the surgical work necessary. Dr. Rossetti can evaluate you to see whether a bridge or dental implants will work best for you. Call 804-747-0090 or click here to request an appointment online.

Dental Implants: Dental implants are permanent fixtures of titanium posts anchored to the jawbone that are topped with individual replacement teeth or a bridge that screws or cements into the posts.

Bridge: A bridge is a dental restoration that spans an area that has no teeth and is connected to natural teeth at each end. A typical bridge consists of a pontic (a filler tooth) that is attached to two surrounding abutments (crowns). After completion, this bridge structure is then bonded into the mouth.

Advantages of Dental Implants over Bridges

1. They do not rely on other teeth for support, therefore other teeth are not involved in the process.
2. It is a reversible procedure. If needed, the implant can be removed and bone will regenerate.
3. Long-term viability is very good to excellent.
4. Although the initial cost of a bridge is lower than that of an implant, bridges need to be replaced every seven to fifteen years, compared to dental implants which have a life span of up to 25 years.

Advantages of Bridges over Dental Implants

1. Dental Implants can take longer to place. From extraction to healing to implant placement, it can be several months before you get a functional crown.
2. Dental implants involve surgery
3. The initial cost of an implant will be higher than that of a fixed bridge

Before & After

This patient had been in an accident and his smile was restored using a bridge.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

The ideal candidate for a dental implant has good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant. Some people who have lost bone in their jaw still can get implants by having a bone-grafting procedure. People who are currently wearing partial or full dentures can replace these with dental implants, or use implants to stabilize and secure the denture, making it much more comfortable. People who are not good candidates for dental implants include:

• Young patient whose jawbones have not fully developed
• Pregnant women
• Heavy smokers - smoking impedes healing in the mouth and can reduce the likelihood that implants will be successful. However, this doesn't eliminate the possibility of getting dental implants.
• People with existing medical conditions. If you can have routine dental treatment, you can generally have an implant placed.
• Patients who take certain medications such as steroids or drugs that suppress the immune system
• People who severely grind or clench their teeth – these habits can place too much pressure on the implants and increase the risk of failure.

Call Dr. Rossetti for a personal consultation at 804-747-0090 or click here to request an appointment online.