Immediate Bridges: Helping Your Implants Heal

After your implants are placed when receiving the 3 on 6™ treatment, you will likely leave with immediate bridges placed onto your implants. Immediate bridges are both temporary restorations that can be used until your implants are healed and ready to receive the final bridges. Once you receive immediate bridges after implant placement, here are some recommendations for proper care.

Pressure - There is some benefit in some cases to maintaining pressure on the implants once they are placed, and bridges instead of a denture can accomplish this. Small amounts of pressure will help the implants heal quicker to your bone. The downside is that too much pressure from eating hard foods or clenching can cause the implants to fail. People who clench their teeth while sleeping will need to either use a sturdy night guard or may be better off with a denture.

Eating - We recommend only eating soft foods that can basically be swallowed without chewing. Smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, soft fruits, boiled veggies, eggs, pasta, etc. Chewing on hard foods is the most common reason for implant failure during the 3 on 6™ process. You leave the office, you look great, you feel great, the teeth seem strong, so you want to eat a steak. Don’t do it! Your implants will be extremely strong once they integrate into your bone and you’ll be able to eat whatever you want, but wait until you are cleared by your doctor.

Physical Activity - Once your implants have healed, the experience will be similar to natural teeth. This means a significant blow to the jaw could dislodge a tooth, just like it would a natural tooth. Before your implants heal, it won’t take a significant blow to affect the implant. Limit your physical activities to those that don’t have a high risk for contact with your face.

Nutrition - Take your vitamins! Your doctor can recommend a supplement with calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D to help your bone strength. It is easy to spot healthy bone in our x-rays, and there is a noticeable difference in patients that are supplementing their diet with these vitamins and minerals.

Dealing with implant failure - While rare, implant failures can happen. The highest likelihood of failure is during this healing process. If your implant does fail during the healing period, don’t fret! Your 3 on 6™ licensed provider will replace the failed implant for free.

Harmful substances - Harmful substances such as tobacco, nicotine, methamphetamines, or other illicit drug will greatly Increase the likelihood of implant failure. Quit these substances prior to surgery to ensure the highest likelihood of a successful outcome. Maintaining proper blood sugar levels is also important. If you have diabetes then now is the time to get your health in order and get your blood under control.

After receiving your implants the office staff will work with you to ensure you understand all protocols for properly maintaining your immediate bridges and will answer any questions you have. Additionally, the staff is always just a phone call away to take care of any problems or questions.