To fill in the space left by a single tooth or several missing teeth in a row, we can place a dental bridge in your mouth to “bridge” the gap. A bridge restores your appearance and prevents your remaining teeth from drifting out of place. Dental bridge treatment in our Garland, TX office can restore the look and function of your teeth. Tooth bridges are restorative dentistry treatments that can renew the form and function of missing teeth.
A bridge typically uses abutments and pontics. The abutments act as support for the pontics, or false teeth. Two crowns at either end of the dental bridge will use your natural teeth as anchors so the restoration stays firmly in place. The number of prosthetic teeth the bridge contains depends on the extent of your tooth loss. We may also recommend using implants instead of natural teeth to support your bridge.
Why You Should Replace Missing Teeth
Losing one or more permanent teeth can make a big difference in your confidence and oral health. Waiting to replace missing teeth can result in these problems:
- Jaw bone loss
- Facial sagging
- Dental drift
- Trouble biting and chewing
- Further tooth loss
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
Restoring missing teeth with a professionally made restoration can prevent these problems. Contact our office if you have noticed issues due to your lost teeth. We will examine your smile to find the best restorative option for you.
Types of Dental Bridges
We will help you determine which bridge is right for your number of missing teeth, budget, and health concerns. There are many types of dental bridges to choose from, including:
- Traditional Bridge: The most common type of bridge is a traditional dental bridge. A traditional bridge uses support from natural teeth on either side of a missing tooth gap. The natural teeth need crowns to keep the bridge stable.
- Cantilever Bridge: Unlike a traditional bridge, a Cantilever bridge uses support from only one side of the missing tooth gap. The downside to this bridge is its increased risk of cracking or breaking, especially in the front of the mouth. This bridge is more prone to damage because it only has support from one side.
- Maryland Bridge: Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, a Maryland bridge is a false tooth that uses metal wings bonded to natural teeth. These bridges benefit patients with missing teeth due to genetics or dental trauma. Maryland bridges are best for single missing teeth and may not last as long as other bridges.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Dental implants are titanium posts that can replace the need for natural teeth for support. Instead of natural teeth, implants support bridges by replacing teeth at the root.
Our office uses traditional and implant bridges because they are the longest-lasting options for replacing one or more lost teeth. Compared to other bridges, traditional and implant-supported bridges offer more benefits for your future oral health.
Traditional Bridges vs. Implant Bridges
Traditional bridges are great for patients who want to replace one or more consecutive missing teeth. We recommend dental bridges if you have missing teeth and healthy enough natural teeth to support crowns. Because bridges fill the gap left by missing teeth, they prevent shifting teeth and overcrowding. Traditional bridges are also less than dental implants and do not require lengthy treatment.
For patients who want a longer-lasting restoration, we recommend a bridge supported by implants. In some cases, we may only need one dental implant. Our office also recommends implants to preserve natural, healthy teeth. Traditional bridges use crown-capped teeth for support. However, preparing teeth for dental crowns is unneeded if you receive dental implants.
Dental implants may cost more than traditional bridges but offer permanent results. Once implant posts fuse with the jaw bone, they stay in place like natural tooth roots. Implants do not require preparing healthy teeth. Dental implants also help support the health of the jaw to prevent problems like facial sagging.
Dental Bridge Treatment in Garland, TX
Before bridge treatment, we will take X-rays to look for dental problems and determine how to place the bridge. Once you are healthy enough for a bridge, we will begin treatment. To secure a traditional bridge, we must prepare teeth on either side of the tooth gap. This preparation removes part of the tooth enamel. While this is harmless if you have decayed or injured teeth, it isn’t needed for healthy teeth.
Then, we will take impressions for the crowns and bridge. We send these impressions to a dental lab. We will place a temporary restoration while the lab creates the final bridge. Once complete, you will return to our office, where we will cement the bridge in place.
Getting an Implant-Supported Bridge
If you want an implant bridge, we will ensure you are in good oral health. Our office often recommends pretreatments, including gum disease and dental cavity treatments. You must have enough jaw bone for treatment if you want dental implants. We can refer you to an oral surgeon for bone grafting treatment.
Once you are prepared for implant treatment, we will work with a surgeon to place the implant posts. The surgeon will place the posts in the jaw bone and place a healing cap over the posts.
We will take dental impressions to send to a lab to create the bridge. Over three to six months, the jaw bone will grow around the implant posts. Once your implants heal, the surgeon will place the abutments. These pieces will connect the implants to the final bridge. Once your gums heal, we will place the permanent bridge.
Call Our Office Today
Do you have one or more missing teeth? Restore your smile with a dental bridge. Schedule a dental appointment at Cornerstone Family Dentistry to learn more about bridges. You may also call our office for an appointment at 972-848-7749.
Please let us know if you have questions about dental bridge treatment in our Garland, TX office. We’re here to help you get the right treatment for your restorative needs.