A dental bridge is a fixed appliance that dentists use to replace one or several consecutive missing teeth. It is important for your surrounding teeth and jawbone to be healthy to be an ideal candidate for a dental bridge. Tooth bridges are restorative dentistry treatments Fuller Dental provides to Burlington, NC.
One of our experienced Burlington area dentists will examine your teeth to ensure a dental bridge is right for you. A dental bridge can help restore normal chewing and speech. It can also restore and help to maintain the natural shape of your face and jaw.
It is important to find a replacement option for missing teeth as soon as possible. This is to avoid the development of more complex dental issues. When you lose a tooth, you risk developing tooth decay, bone shrinkage, and changes in the fit of your bite.
The Dental Bridge Process
Receiving a dental bridge requires more than one visit to our Burlington, NC dental office. The materials used can vary from porcelain to metal alloy or a ceramic composite material made to match your natural tooth color.
After thoroughly evaluating your mouth, teeth, and gums, we will determine which material will give you the best results. Once you choose the material, one of our skilled dentists at Fuller Dental will prepare the neighboring teeth for your new dental bridge.
The first step is to take impressions of your teeth. Then, we will give you a temporary bridge while a dental lab makes your final dental bridge. When ready, we will attach it to your neighboring teeth, securing your new dental bridge for a comfortable fit. Your new dental bridge can last years with proper oral hygiene and routine dental care.
Implant-secured Dental Bridge
Dental implants can secure a dental bridge where several consecutive teeth are missing. Dental implants use a tiny titanium post that a dentist must surgically implant into the jaw bone.
Over some time, the dental implant will fuse with the jaw bone. This will create a stable and lasting foundation for your dental bridge. A dental bridge secured by dental implants provides more structural support for the jaw and bite and requires less maintenance.
Our Burlington dentist office provides all phases of treatment for your dental implant-secured dental bridge under one roof. Our dentists will handle the pre-treatment planning, surgical implantation of the titanium implant, and bridge attachment.
There is no need to visit another specialist for the surgical implantation portion of the implant process. You can be confident in the consistency of care you will receive. Our team is both highly trained and experienced in implant dentistry.
Benefits of an Implant Secured Dental Bridge:
- No need to degrade healthy adjacent teeth
- They look and function like regular teeth
- Long-lasting
- Durable and stable
- Helps prevent bone loss around the missing teeth
- No need for adhesive, which makes your dental bridge more natural and comfortable
Dental Bridge FAQs
What impact can tooth loss have on my smile?
The gap in your smile can increase the likelihood of misalignment forming, leading to a greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, uneven smiles can strain the jaw joints. This can lead to the onset of a TMJ disorder or even bruxism (teeth grinding).
Will my tooth bridge look natural?
Yes! After we prepare the natural teeth on either side of the gap, we will take detailed impressions. We will then use the impressions to create the prosthetic. A dental lab will incorporate life-like materials to ensure your new teeth blend with your smile.
Is a dental bridge easy to maintain?
Yes, you simply care for it as you would natural teeth. Brush your bridge and floss around and under it. You must clean the space between the top of your gums and the bottom of the bridge. This will help prevent gum infections and other issues.
How long does it take for me to adjust to my bridge?
When you get a dental restoration, it usually feels a bit foreign in your mouth. Usually, patients remark that it feels bulky in their mouths, even if it’s a small, slim restoration. It’s natural to feel like this when you first get your restoration. In about two weeks, you should adjust to the bridge. It starts to feel normal in your mouth, and you’re used to how it feels.
Can I use dental implants to secure my dental bridge permanently?
Yes. Sometimes, we may use multiple dental implants to place a bridge. This technique offers greater security and helps ensure the prosthetic lasts much longer. If you have any questions or concerns about addressing tooth loss, please contact our office today.
Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are ideal for patients missing a consecutive number of missing teeth. You’ll either have enough healthy bone structure to support dental implants to anchor your bridge, or you’ll need healthy teeth on either side of the bridge to support the restoration. If you have conditions like gum disease or remaining tooth fragments, we’ll need to take care of these before proceeding with treatment.
Schedule a worry-free consultation. Call us at (336) 290-7401, or request an appointment online today.