Dental Implant Crowns & Bridges in Fayetteville, AR

The lifespan of implant crowns and bridges varies from patient to patient. We tell our patients that proper care, good oral health, regular brushing, and regular dental visits all play a role in maintaining their restoration. The implant itself and the crown or bridge are two separate parts, so a crown may need to be replaced even if the implant is healthy. Habits such as grinding your teeth and putting excessive pressure on the restoration can also affect its lifespan. During your visits, we examine the implants, crowns, gums, bite, and surrounding teeth so we can catch any concerns early.

An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants as support for replacement teeth, while a traditional bridge generally relies on neighboring teeth. With traditional bridges, crowns may be placed on healthy teeth beside the gap to hold the bridge in place. Implant-supported bridges can be useful when several consecutive teeth are missing because implants can support the bridge without depending on natural teeth in the same way. Other designs, including cantilever bridges and a Maryland bridge, work differently and may be appropriate in certain situations. We evaluate the location of the missing teeth, the condition of nearby teeth, your jawbone, and your overall oral health before recommending an option.

We determine whether you are a good candidate after examining your mouth and reviewing factors that could affect treatment. Patients generally need healthy gums, adequate bone density, and overall health that allows the mouth to heal after implant surgery. If bone loss has occurred, bone grafts may sometimes be considered before or along with implant treatment to create adequate support. The number and location of missing teeth also matter because replacing one tooth may require a different approach than replacing several teeth in a row. We review these factors with you and recommend treatment based on your specific dental needs rather than using the same approach for every patient.

The cost of implant crowns and bridges depends on several key factors, including how many teeth need to be replaced, the number of implants needed, and whether additional treatment such as tooth extraction or bone grafts is required. Implant treatment may have a higher initial cost than partial dentures or some traditional bridges, but long term function and maintenance are also important considerations. Dental insurance coverage varies, so we recommend checking the details of your plan with your insurance provider. Our team can discuss expected treatment costs and available financing options before you decide how to proceed. We want patients to understand their choices so they can select a treatment that fits their dental needs and budget.

We recommend caring for implant crowns and bridges with daily oral hygiene and regular professional dental care. Daily brushing helps remove plaque from the crowns, gums, and nearby teeth, while additional cleaning methods may be needed to clean underneath a bridge. Keeping the gum tissue around an implant healthy is especially important because inflammation around the implant can affect its long-term support. We can show you how to clean around the restoration and recommend tools based on the location and design of your bridge or crown. With proper care and regular dental visits, you can help protect your implants, restoration, gums, and overall oral health.