Implant-supported bridge
A typical case, in 8 steps over 3 visits. Typically about 1 week for the gums to heal, then 3 to 9 months for the jawbone to fuse to the implants. Every step names its source.
Not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician. Every step names its source.
Implant-supported bridge · Visit 1
Planning
An implant bridge uses two or more implants to hold a fixed bridge that replaces three or more teeth. There needs to be enough healthy jawbone for the implants. If there is not, bone grafts may be needed first.
Source: clevelandclinic.org
Steps in a typical case
Planning
An implant bridge uses two or more implants to hold a fixed bridge that replaces three or more teeth. There needs to be enough healthy jawbone for the implants. If there is not, bone grafts may be needed first.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Numbing or sedation
The surgeon gives anesthesia to numb the gums. If you choose sedation, you get that medicine as well.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Placing the implants
The surgeon cuts the gum to reach the bone, makes a small hole in the jawbone, places each implant and closes the gum with stitches.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Healing
The jawbone fuses to the implants, which is called osseointegration. This typically takes 3 to 9 months, depending on how quickly your body heals.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Impressions
After healing, the dentist attaches small posts called copings to the implants and takes impressions. These go to a lab, which makes the bridge.
Visit 2 · Source 2
Fitting the bridge
The dentist attaches the abutments and the bridge to the implants and checks the fit. This usually takes about an hour and may need a second minor surgery.
Visit 3 · Source 1
Securing it
The bridge is held in place with dental cement or tiny screws.
Visit 3 · Source 2
Caring for it
Brush and floss daily and clean under the bridge with floss threaders or small interdental brushes. Keep up regular dental visits.
Visit 3 · Source 2
Typical trade-offs
| Visits | Typically several visits, including one surgery, and a lab-made bridge at the end. Source 2 |
|---|---|
| Time to final result | Typically about 1 week for the gums to heal, then 3 to 9 months for the jawbone to fuse to the implants. Source 1 |
| How long it lasts | Typically the implants can often last a lifetime with good care, and most bridges last around 15 years. Source 1 |
| Upkeep | Typical upkeep: daily brushing and flossing, cleaning under the bridge with floss threaders or small brushes, and regular dental visits. Source 2 |
Figures for a typical case from the sources below. A dentist can say how a given case differs.
Questions to ask your dentist
- The typical case takes 3 visits. How many would I need, and what happens at each one?
- What are my other options, including waiting, and what happens if I wait?
- How long does it usually last in a case like mine, and what upkeep will it need?
- Will it hurt, and what can I eat or do while it heals?
- What will it cost me, and will my insurance cover it? Ask which billing codes apply (the typical case uses D6010, D6068, D6245).
- How many of these have you done, and who would do mine?
Sources
- Dental implants. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10903-dental-implants. Accessed November 14, 2026.
- Dental bridges. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10921-dental-bridges. Accessed November 14, 2026.
Osler Press procedure library, version 2026.11.0. Billing codes for the typical case: D6010, D6068, D6245.