How Do I know if I am a Candidate for Implant Supported Bridges?
Posted on 2/8/2021 by Dr. David Wanserski
Dentures are an excellent choice for patients who are struggling with tooth loss. Whether the tooth loss is a single tooth or widespread, dentures offer an inexpensive option which has multiple applications. A bridge is a partial denture which spans an open section where teeth used to be. It is usually attached to two healthy teeth on either side of the vacant space. In some cases, it can cause the two teeth on either side of the space to wear faster because of the additional stress and strain on them. They can also be attached to dental implants. This is more invasive and a bit more expensive than traditional dentures.
Who is a Candidate?
While implants are recommended as a more secure way to wear dentures, they are not for everybody. They are more expensive and not everyone qualifies. There are specific risk factors which can eliminate patients as a good fit for the implant placement. The first factor is the age of the patient. This may seem odd or even prejudicial, but it is a fact that when we age, our bones become weaker and hold onto less mass than when we were younger. Bones naturally begin to deteriorate and ossify. Anyone who has had radiation treatment could have low bone mass as could anyone going through menopause. Both of those conditions typically mean the patient has much less bone mass than required. Those people who also smoke cigars, cigarettes, or pipes as well as those who smokeless tobacco products are not considered good candidates either. In order to get dental implants placed correctly, there needs to be a minimum amount of bone mass in order to properly support the implant and to be reliable. If that is a problem, then we will recommend bone grafts that will be required to restore the lost bone mass so the implant placement can continue. At your next visit, we can determine if you are a candidate.
Dental Blog | Wausau, WI | Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry Dr. David Wanserski, DDS, from Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry, has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Learn more. Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry, 550 N. 17th Ave. Wausau, WI 54401 • (715) 848-2435 • wanserskidental.com • 3/8/2025 • Related Phrases: dental implants Wausau WI •
Dentures are an excellent choice for patients who are struggling with tooth loss. Whether the tooth loss is a single tooth or widespread, dentures offer an inexpensive option which has multiple applications. A bridge is a partial denture which spans an open section where teeth used to be. It is usually attached to two healthy teeth on either side of the vacant space. In some cases, it can cause the two teeth on either side of the space to wear faster because of the additional stress and strain on them. They can also be attached to dental implants. This is more invasive and a bit more expensive than traditional dentures.