Missing teeth can cause a domino effect on dental health: the lost tooth root begins to disintegrate, allowing bone to shrink and remaining teeth to change position. An experienced restorative and cosmetic dentist in Columbia, Dr. Ray Becker, offers dental bridges for tooth replacement near you.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restorative dentistry procedure that is used to “bridge” a gap between teeth. The bridgework is a series of prosthetic teeth linked together and supported by an anchor on either side of the gap. The Anchor that is supported on each side is by a natural tooth strengthened by a dental crown or a dental implant.
In some cases, Dr. Becker will recommend using dental implants to secure your dental bridge due to the long-term benefits to both daily quality of life and oral health.
How Does a Dental Bridge Work?
A bridge can be supported in three ways:
- With a dental implant
- With neighboring natural teeth
- A combination of the two mentioned above
When the natural teeth are used to support the bridgework, a dental crown is typically placed to provide additional support and stability. A dental bridge can require up to three dental crowns.
Two of the crowns will be placed over healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Dentist refer to healthy teeth as abutment teeth. The two crowned abutment teeth become supports for a third crown placed in between them; that third crown is referred to as a Pontic.
If more than one tooth is missing, more crowns will be needed to bridge the gap between the abutment teeth.
The number of abutment teeth necessary to replace missing teeth is influenced by the number of missing teeth, the size, and length of the abutment tooth roots, the amount of bone support each abutment tooth has. It also depends on where in the mouth the missing tooth is located. For example, if you have three missing teeth, four abutment teeth may be necessary, thereby creating a seven-tooth bridge.
Engineering and designing of the bridge require an understanding of how to replace teeth, as well as the biology of the supporting gum and bone tissue.
Same-Day Crowns for Your Bridge
Dr. Becker was the first dentist in Maryland to use CEREC technology. With CEREC, he can create the crowns for your bridge in a single visit, saving you time and eliminating the need for temporary crowns.
Types of Dental Bridges
Many bridges are available to replace your lost teeth. At Howard County Smiles, we’ll recommend the best type of bridge for your needs.
Removable Dental Bridge
A removable dental bridge is a short-term solution to maintain tooth position while preparing for a fixed dental bridge or dental implant. Dr. Becker does not recommend removable dental bridges as a long-term solution because they do not promote optimal health, esthetics, or function.
Fixed Dental Bridge
Also called a partial denture. A fixed-dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that connects to two dental crowns which covers the teeth on either side of the gap. A disadvantage of this type of restoration is the stress it places on the natural teeth. If neighboring teeth are in good health, this type of dental bridge could place unnecessary stress on them, leading to premature wear or cavity formation.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
A fixed dental bridge supported by dental implants, rather than by natural teeth, provides the most lifelike replacement for missing teeth. Columbia, MD dentist near you, Dr. Becker, has extensive training and experience with dental implant procedures.
Implant-supported dental bridges have a 35% higher success rate compared to traditional bridgework and they eliminate the need to degrade adjacent teeth. Additionally, dental implants promote continued bone growth, preventing both bone shrinkage and gum recession associated with traditional bridges and dentures.
If you choose to use dental implants to secure your bridge, our dentist will coordinate a treatment plan to place the implants and fabricate and place the bridge. This will involve surgical implantation of the titanium post and the placement of a temporary bridge. After a 3 to 6 month healing period, you will return to our Columbia, MD area dentist office for the permanent placement of your custom bridge.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants
If you have missing teeth, you are probably choosing between dental implants or a dental bridge.
We offer both options for replacing missing teeth and can help you determine which is best for you. While dental implants offer the most lifelike replacement for missing teeth, they are not for everyone. Things that could disqualify you as a candidate for implants include bone health, age, and location of missing teeth. Still, Dr. Becker can perform pretreatments like gum disease or bone grafting to ensure you can get an implant bridge.
The cost of both restorations is another major difference between implants and bridges. In most cases, dental implants will cost considerably more upfront. However, they are also less likely to need costly maintenance or repairs that will accumulate over the years. Implants may be less expensive in the long term.
The time it takes to get your traditional dental bridge is fairly quick when compared to getting dental implants. When you get an implant-supported bridge, Dr. Becker will surgically place implants in your jawbone. The dental implants will need about three to six months to heal before the final dental bridge can be permanently attached to them. Finally, Dr. Becker will connect a bridge to the abutment teeth in the following weeks.
What Your Columbia and Ellicott City Neighbors Are Saying
“Most recently he put in a permanent bridge.. it saved me a lot of time and money putting that in. The crowns are made of porcelain and he does them in one visit which is a real plus.”
Dental Bridge FAQs
Learn more with answers to common questions about dental bridge treatment in Columbia, MD:
Is the dental bridge process painful?
The process of getting a dental bridge is not as painful as you think. It is similar to getting a dental filling. The dentist will prepare your anchor teeth (abutment teeth) and measure your mouth for a precise fit. Next, our dentist will use local anesthesia to numb your mouth to prevent you from feeling pain and discomfort.
How do you clean an implant bridge?
To clean your bridge, use a soft-bristled toothbrush just like you would with natural teeth. Pay extra attention to where the bridge meets your gums.
Since an implant bridge is fixed in place, you can’t use regular floss. Instead, use a special floss threader or a water flosser to clean underneath the bridge and remove food particles and plaque. You can also use an interdental brush to fit between the bridge and your gums to clean hard-to-reach spots.
How long does a dental bridge last?
A dental bridge can last for about 30 years with excellent oral healthcare and routine visits to the dentist. It can last longer if maintained properly. There is no “required” maintenance for a dental bridge, but if given a little extra care, your bridge will last a while.
What if my old dental bridge hurts my teeth?
If your old bridge is causing you mouth or tooth pain, then it’s time to get a new modern dental bridge. Your mouth changes over time: teeth shift, gums recede, and infections occur. These changes can directly affect how your bridge fits.
Can I whiten a discolored dental bridge?
No. A dental bridge already contains stain-resistant material and also won’t react to traditional teeth whitening procedures. Your best option is to replace the bridge with a new one.
Can dental bridges fall out?
Dental bridges should not fall out because dental crowns or dental implants secure them. You will only lose a dental bridge if you develop an infection. Properly cleaning your bridge and natural teeth will prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease that can cause your bridge to loosen or fall out.
Will a dental bridge change my face shape?
Yes, a dental bridge can change your face shape. You can experience facial sagging or a “sunken-in” look if you are missing permanent teeth. Restorations like dental bridges can positively affect your facial structure. Dental bridges that use dental implants, in particular, restore structure and health in the jaw bone.
Can I get implants if I have a bridge?
Yes, you can get dental implants even if you have a bridge, but it depends on your situation. If your bridge is old or damaged, or if the teeth supporting it aren’t healthy, we may remove it first. Implants can be a good option because they don’t rely on other teeth for support. However, Dr. Becker will need to check your gums and jawbone to make sure they’re strong enough for implants.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation Today
If you have missing teeth, we offer dental bridges in our Columbia, MD, office. Schedule an appointment today at Howard County Smiles. We will discuss your oral health, concerns, and budget to see which missing teeth option is right for you.
