An implant-supported bridge replaces two or more missing teeth in a row with a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants. It is meant for adults and seniors who want a stable, non-removable option. When several neighboring teeth are gone, everyday moments get harder. Biting into a sandwich, chewing on both sides, or laughing without thinking about a gap all become things you plan around. At Advanced Dentistry of Coral Springs, we plan and restore these bridges in our office on North University Drive so you can get back to eating and speaking comfortably.
A traditional bridge rests on natural teeth that are filed down to hold crowns on either side of the gap. An implant-supported bridge works differently. Dental implants are placed in the jawbone, and a custom bridge is attached to them. In many cases, two implants can support a bridge that spans three or four teeth. This avoids placing a separate implant for every missing tooth, and it leaves healthy neighboring teeth untouched.
Patients come to us for this treatment for different reasons. Some have lost a group of back teeth over the years and find chewing tiring or uneven. Others wear a removable partial denture and are tired of clasps, movement, or taking it out at night. Some have older bridges that have failed because a supporting tooth broke down. Others have had several teeth removed at once and want a fixed replacement rather than something they slide in and out.
Your bridge is designed and restored by Dr. Renan Buitrago, DDS, a prosthodontist, which means a dentist with three additional years of specialty training in replacing and restoring teeth. Dr. Buitrago earned dental degrees from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in 2000 and New York University in 2008. He completed NYU's advanced program in prosthodontics and dental implants. He then finished a three-year prosthodontics residency at New York Hospital Queens, affiliated with Cornell University, and received the Gersten Award. He has owned this Coral Springs practice since 2014.
You see Dr. Buitrago at every visit, from your first exam through the final fitting. Our on-site dental lab lets him refine the shape, bite, and shade of your bridge closely, without relying on distant handoffs. When a case needs input from another specialist, he coordinates the treatment plan so your care stays organized and clear.
Am I a good candidate for an implant-supported bridge?
Many adults and seniors missing several adjacent teeth are candidates, but it depends on your bone, gum health, and overall health. During your exam, Dr. Buitrago reviews these factors and talks with you about whether implants make sense or whether another option fits better.
Situations we often evaluate include:
- Two or more missing teeth side by side, in the front or back of the mouth
- A removable partial denture that feels loose or uncomfortable
- A failing traditional bridge or a weakened supporting tooth
- Teeth that need extraction and will leave a multi-tooth gap
If the jawbone has thinned where teeth were lost, bone grafting may be recommended first to build a stronger foundation. Gum disease should be treated before implants are placed, and we provide scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance here when needed. For patients who feel anxious, we offer oral sedation. Because we also provide crowns, traditional bridges, and partial dentures, we can compare options side by side and recommend what suits your mouth, your health, and your goals.
How do I care for an implant-supported bridge?
You care for an implant-supported bridge much like natural teeth, with daily brushing, cleaning under the bridge, and regular professional visits. Because the bridge is fixed, food can collect between it and the gums. Our hygienist will show you how to use floss threaders, small interdental brushes, or a water flosser to keep that area clean.
Routine cleanings and exams let us check the gums around each implant and confirm your bite stays balanced. If you clench or grind, we may discuss ways to protect the bridge. A well-maintained bridge can let you chew on both sides again and restore the look of a full row of teeth. How long it lasts depends on your home care, your health, and keeping up with checkups.
How can I pay for an implant-supported bridge?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file claims for you, and we also welcome self-pay patients. Coverage for implants varies widely between plans, so our front office team can review your benefits and explain what to expect before treatment begins.
For costs not covered by insurance, we offer CareCredit, 0% and low-interest financing options, and we accept all major credit cards. Treatment is often completed in stages, and we will walk you through each phase so nothing comes as a surprise.
If missing teeth are changing how you eat or smile, we would be glad to meet you. Patients visit us from Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac, and nearby communities. Call our office at 2232 N University Drive, Suite B, Coral Springs, to schedule an exam with Dr. Buitrago. No referral is needed.