Do you have one or many missing teeth? A dental bridge is a conservative solution that dentists use as a tooth replacement. Dr. Keith Boenning and Dr. Nathan Dancykier can provide you with a dental bridge in our Towson, MD, dental office. A fixed bridge or an implant-secured dental bridges will help restore the aesthetics and function of your smile.
Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry of Towson specialize in helping patients with damaged or missing teeth. Our dentists work with each patient on an individual basis to find the best solution to their dental problems.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a single-piece dental restoration that can replace one tooth or several missing teeth in a row. Your dentist can attach it to either remaining teeth or dental implants located on both sides of the gap.
This dental prosthetic literally bridges the gap between two natural teeth (or teeth implants). This single piece has dental crowns and one or more false teeth (the pontics) all together. Your dentist will secure the crown portion of the bridge to the abutment teeth or the teeth implants.
Types of Dental Bridges
We have several types of dental bridges available for you to choose from depending on your needs. We will create a custom treatment plan for you after evaluating the current state of your oral health and your goals. After our dentist fully examines your mouth, they will suggest one of the following types of dental bridges.
Removable Dental Bridge
A removable dental bridge, or a removable partial denture (RPD), is not an ideal solution for long term use. This type of bridge is typically a temporary solution to replace one or more lost teeth. Dentists can use it on the upper or lower jaw.
You can take a removable dental bridge out of your mouth for easy maintenance and cleaning. Other than the aesthetic benefits, they do not offer many benefits. They are not as durable as a traditional bridge and will require replacement or repair.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional fixed bridge is the most popular type of dental bridges we place. This dental restoration is a common and effective way to restore your lost teeth. Help return function to your smile, and support the alignment of your teeth after tooth loss with a fixed bridge.
A traditional bridge consists of one or more false teeth that dental crowns hold in place. Your dentist will anchor the dental crown portion of the bridge to natural teeth on both sides of the gap. However, your dentist will need to reduce the neighboring teeth in size to accommodate the dental crowns.
Implant Supported Bridge
Your dentist can also use dental implants to hold the bridge in place for a more stable and balanced bite. Implants also combat problems like facial sagging, which will make a patient appear much older. Also, it does not require damaging any surrounding teeth.
However, the process to get an implant supported bridge will take much longer and requires a surgical procedure. Your dentist will insert at least two dental implants into your jawbone. Then they will secure the bridge to those permanent fixtures.
Getting a Dental Bridge in Towson, MD
The first step in any dental procedure is to evaluate the patient’s oral health. If your dentist determines that a dental bridge is the right solution for you, then they will create a personalized treatment plan for you.
To begin treatment, we will prepare the teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap. This involves removing a portion of the enamel to make room for the dental crowns. We will take dental impressions of your teeth to create a temporary restoration and your permanent dental bridge.
In many cases, we will provide you with a temporary bridge while the dental lab technician fabricates the permanent dental bridge. The process to create your custom dental bridge takes about 2 to 3 weeks. You will wear the temporary dental bridge in the mean. Please note that it is not as durable as the final restoration.
Once the dental bridge is complete, we will remove the temporary one and place your new, custom bridge. We will ensure it fits comfortably in the mouth before the dentist bonds it to the anchor teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge Process
The process to receive an implant-supported bridge is a little different. The first step in this process after the consultation and examination is to place the dental implants. Your dentist will surgically insert at least two dental implants into the jawbone on both sides of the gap.
We will leave them to heal and fuse to the surrounding bone. This process takes several months. After a healing period of three to six months, we take dental impressions of your teeth. A dental lab will use them to create a dental bridge that will fit perfectly and blend in naturally.
When complete, we will permanently secure the dental bridge using dental implants. To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, see Dental Implants.
Dental Bridge FAQs
A dental bridge is a great solution for missing teeth. However, you may have many questions about the treatment or aftercare. Read through the answers to our frequently asked questions about dental bridges to learn more. If you have further questions or concerns, contact us.
Who is a good candidate for a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is an excellent option for anyone who has lost one or more teeth because of injury, decay, or gum disease. The most important factor when considering if you are a candidate for a dental bridge is the overall health of your teeth and gums. A dental bridge might work well for your mouth if you have healthy teeth and gums with no signs of periodontal disease or cavities.
Is a dental bridge procedure painful?
No, the dental bridge procedure is not painful. Your dental team uses a local anesthetic to numb the area when removing a portion of the surrounding enamel. You should not feel any pain during the preparation or placement of the bridge.
How do I care for my dental bridge to ensure it lasts as long as possible?
If you care for your dental bridge correctly, it will last many years before needing replacement. Brushing and flossing are essential for cleaning your bridge and natural teeth while preventing plaque buildup. Also, visit our dentist two times a year for regular checkups and professional cleanings.
How long does it take to get a dental bridge?
The process of obtaining a new dental bridge is relatively short. It depends on how long it takes for the laboratory to create the final restoration and get it back to the dental office for bonding. In most situations, patients replace their missing teeth with dental bridges between two appointments approximately two weeks apart.
Do dental bridges fall out easily?
Dental bridges bond onto the adjacent teeth next to the gap. The dentist will use dental cement that is incredibly strong and durable. Regardless, you should avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice. This will reduce the risk of breakage that might require replacement earlier than expected.
Do dental bridges come out at night?
No. Dental bridges are not removable restorations like partial dentures, so they always stay in place. Unlike dentures, your dentist will not need to remove or clean them in a special manner.
Trust Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry of Towson to create a custom teeth replacement solution for you. We can create a custom dental bridge in Towson, MD, that will look natural and blend in perfectly with the rest of your smile.
To book a consultation with Dr. Boenning or Dr. Dancykier, please request an appointment online. You may also call our Towson dental office at 410-324-2294 to speak to our receptionist and schedule your appointment.