Dental bridges fill the span left by one or multiple missing teeth. These dental restorations use abutments and pontics to replace teeth. An abutment acts as support for the bridge restoration. A pontic is a false tooth or teeth supported by the abutment. Bridges provide a strong and stable restoration for consecutive missing teeth. At Hebron Family Dental, we provide dental bridge treatment in our Carrollton, TX office.
Bridges can use support from natural teeth, dental implants, and more. A tooth bridge can help prevent problems caused by missing teeth. If you knocked-out a tooth or lost teeth to infection, our office will find the best tooth replacement customized for you.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
After you lose one or more permanent teeth, you can experience multiple dental problems. Missing teeth can lead to other teeth shifting to fill the gap left by the tooth. This often leads to tooth overcrowding. You can also lose jaw bone, which creates a sunken-in look.
Replacing teeth with dental bridges:
- Maintains your natural face shape
- Prevents drifting teeth
- Creates an even bite
- Restores the appearance of natural teeth
When you lose a natural tooth, contact our dentist office for a consultation. We will help you find the right dental bridge to fit your budget and goals.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are many different types of bridges to choose from:
- Traditional Bridge: A traditional tooth bridge uses support from natural teeth on either side of a missing tooth gap. We cover these natural teeth with crowns to support false teeth.
- Cantilever Bridge: This dental bridge uses support from a crown-capped natural tooth on one side of the missing tooth gap. They are best for tooth gaps near the front of the mouth. The downside of Cantilever bridges is they are less stable than other options.
- Maryland Bridge: A Maryland bridge is a false tooth with metal wings. The metal wings bond to the back of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. We recommend these bridges for a temporary fix, as they can damage natural teeth over time.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Dental implants are titanium screws that we can place in missing tooth sockets to secure a bridge. Implant bridges are some of the longest-lasting bridge options. This is because they replace teeth at the root.
A bridge may be fixed or removable. We prefer bridges fixed by dental crowns or implants. Fixed bridges can last longer and improve bite function for patients with gaps in their smiles.
Dental Bridge Treatment in Carrollton, TX
It will take several office visits to receive a traditional dental bridge. First, we prepare the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap. We reshape these teeth to accommodate the crowns.
Then, we take dental impressions. We send these impressions to a dental lab, where they create the final bridge. Our office will provide a temporary restoration as technicians create your final bridge. We will remove the temporary restoration and place the bridge at the next visit.
Our office can also provide implant-supported bridges. While this treatment may take more time, the results are worth it. To ensure you are a candidate for implants, we will take X-rays. We can recommend bone grafting, gum disease treatment, root canals, or tooth extractions. You must be in good dental health before implant treatment.
An oral surgeon places the implant post in the jawbone to begin implant treatment. It takes three to six months for the post to fuse with the jawbone. Then, once the implant post heals, we attach the abutment. This piece connects the implant to the bridge. After the implant post and abutment heal, we place the bridge.
Caring for a Dental Bridge
When caring for your bridge, ensure that you floss before you brush. For some patients, flossing with a water flosser or interdental brush may be simpler. Our office can also teach you how to floss with thread floss.
When brushing your bridge, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Choose a fluoride toothpaste with non-abrasive materials. Remember to schedule routine appointments in our office. We will examine your bridge and fix any loose or broken bridge parts. Our hygienists will also ensure your bridge, natural teeth, and gums are healthy with routine cleanings.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Learn more about dental bridges in our Carrollton, TX office with answers to these common patient questions:
How long do dental bridges last?
On average, traditional dental bridges last five or more years. However, a bridge can last ten or more years when secured with dental implants. This will depend on how you care for your bridge. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will help your bridge last.
What’s the difference between a partial denture and a dental bridge?
A partial denture restores rows of teeth in different parts of the mouth. Dental bridges only restore one row of consecutively missing teeth. A traditional partial usually consists of a removable prosthetic that snaps onto the remaining natural teeth. Alternatively, a traditional dental bridge uses crown-capped teeth for support.
How many teeth do bridges replace?
A bridge can replace one to four missing teeth. However, the longer the bridge, the less stable it can be. In addition, you must have healthy natural teeth to receive a traditional dental bridge. For this reason, we will often recommend dental implants to help stabilize a bridge.
Why should I choose an implant-supported bridge?
There are many benefits to implant-supported bridges. Compared to traditional bridges, implant bridges:
- Do not need to damage natural healthy teeth for support
- Last longer than five years
- Do not require a rebase
- Offer permanent support (implant posts are permanent)
How long does it take to get used to a dental bridge?
Getting used to a new bridge can take as little as two weeks. Once your final bridge is in place, you will get used to eating and speaking normally. After losing permanent teeth, feeling comfortable with new false teeth can take a while. However, once you’re accustomed to your bridge, it will feel and function like natural teeth.
Who is not a candidate for a dental bridge?
We do not recommend dental bridges for patients with untreated gum disease or cavities. Bridges are also not beneficial for patients with full arches of missing teeth. We will recommend dentures for patients with missing teeth in different areas of the mouth or patients with missing upper or lower tooth arches.
Restore Missing Teeth
Call Hebron Family Dental for a dental bridge in Carrollton, TX, at 972-236-5871 . Feel free to schedule a dental appointment with us online. Please let us know if you need to replace one or more lost teeth. We will work with you to determine which restorative dental treatment suits you best.