Are you missing consecutive teeth? Do your lost teeth make it difficult to eat and speak? Ask our dentists about dental bridge treatment in Lansdale, PA. The professional dental team at Brookwood Dental Associates is dedicated to providing high-quality restorative dentistry solutions to replace missing teeth.
Restorative treatments like dental bridges revitalize the appearance and function of the smile. With dental restorations, patients can speak, bite, and chew easily. Our dentists are passionate about helping patients enjoy a new, comfortable smile.
Traditional Vs. Implant-Secured Bridges
Traditionally, dental bridges teeth adjacent to a missing tooth gap support dental bridges. These anchor teeth take on a lot of stress because of the pressure of supporting the bridge. They wear down faster and are more likely to develop tooth decay. We recommend using dental crowns on each of these teeth to put less stress on your natural tooth. Even with dental crowns, though, we have to remove natural tooth structure to make room to place them.
Traditional bridges don’t fully restore your bite function. You won’t be able to eat all the foods you want because the bridge can’t handle them. You need to readjust or replace traditional bridges with time. Your jawbone continues to deteriorate, compromising the fit of the bridge. Ill-fitting bridges are hard to use and may cause more harm than good. Traditional bridges are a faster restoration and cost less than implant-supported bridges.
We recommend bridges supported by implants whenever possible. Dental implants provide many benefits for your oral health. Implant-secured bridges don’t need to be adjusted or replaced because the implant posts prevent your jawbone from deteriorating further. Therefore, the fit of your bridge doesn’t change. Implants also give you back almost 100% of your bite function. You don’t have to worry about choosing certain foods or your restoration falling out in public.
It takes longer to get an implant-supported bridge because placing the implant posts is a surgical procedure. You have to wait until everything is healed before getting your permanent restoration. They cost more, too. But you won’t incur more surprise costs in the future because you won’t need to get your restoration replaced or adjusted. Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement options.
Dental Bridge Treatment
We will ensure you are in good oral health before you receive a bridge. Then, we will take dental impressions, which are used to make the bridge prosthetic. We will also ensure that patients receiving implant-secured bridges have enough bone tissue in the mouth.
Implants require bone tissue to stabilize dental restorations. We will place several implants to support a dental bridge. The implants will fuse to the jawbone over 3 to 6 months. Once the implants have healed, we will attach the bridge.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Learn more about dental bridge treatment in our Lansdale, PA dental office:
What are the common types of dental bridges?
The common types of dental bridges are traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bridges, and implant-supported bridges.
Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a false tooth in between. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the missing tooth. Maryland bridges consist of a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Implant-supported bridges are supported by dental implants instead of crowns or frameworks.
How long does adjusting to a dental bridge take?
When you get a dental restoration, you have to adjust to it. It’s no longer your natural teeth; you may have gotten accustomed to not having teeth in certain areas. A dental bridge is going to feel odd in your mouth. It’ll feel more and more normal as the days go by. We estimate it takes around two weeks to fully adjust to your new dental bridge.
How can I clean under and around a dental bridge?
You remove a removable bridge from your mouth for cleaning, but you’ll have to work around it if it’s fixed. We can recommend tools so that you clean your restoration properly. A floss threader, interdental brush, or water pick are the best options for cleaning your bridge thoroughly.
You can brush your teeth as you normally would for the rest of it. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Abrasive products and stiff bristles can scratch and damage your restoration.
Does getting a dental bridge hurt?
There isn’t pain, but you will experience discomfort as you adjust to the bridge. We thoroughly numb the area we’re working on with a local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel the bridge placement process. Afterward, you’ll feel some discomfort and soreness. Usually, this concentrates in the area where your teeth are missing that the bridge is spanning. This new restoration irritates the gums until your mouth adjusts fully.
When can I eat after getting a dental bridge?
Though the cement cures quickly, wait about an hour before you eat anything with your new fixed bridge. This is when it’s most vulnerable to moving and shifting. Avoid anything that’s sticky or chewy for the first 48 hours. You can then introduce more food variety, but start small. Anything too hard or chewy can still dislodge your bridge.
Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?
There’s a good chance you’re a good candidate for a dental bridge. Implant-supported bridges require a healthy bone structure for implants to be successful. You must also be healthy to ensure the implant surgery goes well.
Do I need a bridge or denture?
Whether you need a bridge or a denture depends on how many teeth are missing and your dental needs. A dental bridge restores one or a few teeth that are missing in a row.
Dentures can replace several missing teeth or even all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures replace a few missing teeth, while full dentures replace an entire row. Our dentist can help you choose the best option based on the number of missing teeth, your budget, and what feels most comfortable for you.
How long will my dental bridge last?
A traditional dental bridge lasts for around 5-7 years. An implant-supported bridge can last much longer because the jawbone doesn’t continue to shift and change. Both kinds of restoration will last longer if you take good care of them.
Restore Missing Teeth Today
Do you want to replace your missing teeth? Are you looking for a way to create a full and healthy smile? Contact our office for a new dental bridge in Lansdale, PA, at 267-651-7247. You can also schedule a dental appointment with us on our website.
Let us know if you have any questions about a dental bridge for your smile. We will always be glad to help.