Missing just one permanent tooth risks the health of your remaining teeth. Restoring missing teeth can improve the look and function of the bite. One common dental restoration is a dental bridge. A bridge is a prosthetic that restores one or more consecutive missing teeth. We provide dental bridge treatment in Argyle, TX, to fill missing tooth gaps.
Bridges typically use dental crowns, or tooth caps, for support. Dental crowns can cover worn, fractured, and damaged teeth but may also stabilize bridges. However, we recommend dental implants over crowns for improved function and longevity. Dental implants are small titanium anchors that act like replacement tooth roots.
Common Types of Dental Bridges
A bridge consists of abutments and pontics. An abutment supports the dental bridge. Depending on the type of bridge, the abutment may include natural teeth or dental implants. Pontics are artificial teeth that replace lost teeth. We create pontics from tooth-colored materials to ensure the false teeth match the shape and shade of natural teeth.
Dentists use different types of dental bridges to restore lost permanent teeth:
- Traditional Bridge: A conventional bridge comprises false teeth with crowns on either side of the missing tooth gap. The crowns cover prepared natural teeth.
- Cantilever Bridge: This bridge uses a crown on one end of the bridge for support. Dentists recommend this bridge when one natural tooth is on one side of a missing tooth gap.
- Maryland Bridge: This unique bridge uses false teeth with metal “wings” bonded to teeth on either side of the gap. A Maryland bridge is best for teeth in the front of the mouth because they cannot withstand natural biting forces.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: We prefer implant bridges over traditional bridges because they support healthy teeth and gums. Dental implants replace teeth at the root and offer
The Dental Bridge Procedure in Argyle, TX
Our dental office can create traditional or implant-supported dental bridges. Before treatment, we will take dental X-rays and examine your mouth to determine if bridges are the right restoration for you.
Additionally, we will ensure you are in good oral health to prepare for bridge treatment. Our office may recommend treatment for cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems before implant surgery. Tooth or gum infections can compromise your new restoration.
Traditional Fixed Bridge
To begin traditional bridge treatment, we prepare the natural teeth, or abutments, for the dental crowns. We etch into the tooth enamel to remove some of the tooth structure. This preparation process is irreversible. You must be committed to covering these teeth with crowns or another restoration.
Then, we take dental impressions. A lab technician will create the bridge prosthetic from these impressions. We will provide a temporary bridge while you wait for your final bridge. You will return to our office so we can remove the temporary bridge and secure the final bridge.
Implant-Supported Bridge
A traditional bridge is a good option if you have jaw bone loss. However, if you have lost jaw bone and are interested in implants, we will recommend bone grafting. Bone grafting places healthy bone from another part of the mouth to where it is needed.
We recommend a single implant if you have a missing tooth. If you have a row of consecutive missing teeth, we may support your bridge with one or more implants. We will begin implant surgery once we ensure you have healthy jaw bone to support implants. During this surgery, we place titanium implant posts in the jaw bone. After we put the implants, we place a healing cap.
Over three to six months, the posts fuse with the natural jaw bone. Once the implants heal, we will remove the healing caps and attach the bridge.
Dental Bridge FAQs
If you want to learn more about bridges, read answers to these popularly asked questions:
How many teeth can a bridge replace?
A dental bridge can replace one to four consecutive teeth. Because longer bridges require more support, we recommend an implant-supported bridge if you have a row of lost teeth.
How long do dental bridges last?
Traditional dental bridges last five to ten or more years. Implant-supported bridges last longer. On average, implant-supported bridges can last ten to over fifteen years. The dental implants that support the bridge are permanent.
Are dental bridges removable?
Bridges are fixed or removable. We prefer fixed bridges secured by implants because they function like natural teeth. Removable bridges often require unneeded tooth preparation for natural teeth.
What are the benefits of implant-supported bridges?
Implants support the health of surrounding teeth, gums, and jaw bone. If you receive a traditional bridge, the appliance lays on the gums. It does not stimulate the underlying bone. As a result, you can experience facial sagging.
Because dental implants support bridges at the root, they improve biting and chewing function. Implant-supported bridges make eating the foods you love easier with fewer restrictions.
Do dentists use anesthesia during bridge treatment?
Yes, we will provide anesthesia for your comfort before dental bridge treatment. For traditional bridges, anesthesia ensures you do not feel discomfort as we prepare your natural teeth. Anesthesia is also useful when we place dental implants.
How much are dental bridges?
The cost of your bridge will depend on the number of missing teeth and your type of dental bridge. A traditional bridge often costs less than implant-supported bridges. However, implant bridges last longer and provide more stability than traditional bridges.
Many types of dental insurance can cover part of the cost of restorative treatment. Our dental office will estimate the cost of your bridge after an examination and evaluation.
Restore Missing Teeth
Fill the gap left by missing teeth with a dental bridge. Call Argyle Family Dentistry for dental bridge treatment in Argyle, TX, at 940-531-9753 . You can also request a dental appointment with Dr. Hooper or Dr. Jennings on our website.
Please get in touch with us if you have missing teeth but are unsure which restoration fits your needs. We will help you find the best tooth replacement option for your budget, goals, and oral health.