Are you missing multiple consecutive teeth? Do you want a comfortable and durable replacement for your missing teeth? Dr. Elizabeth Duling offers dental bridges as a restorative dentistry service to patients in her Owens Cross Roads, AL dental office. Traditional dental bridges use the support of natural teeth to hold prosthetic teeth in place. We can also cap off your natural teeth with crowns as protection. More modern dental bridges, particularly fixed bridges, can be secured with dental implants.
Dental Bridge Treatment
Dental bridges can be removable or fixed. Removable bridges are not as stable or permanent as fixed bridges, which is why they are often temporary. We use this type of bridge before a patients fixed bridge is complete. Alternatively, fixed bridges offer more structural support. If we secure it with dental implants, fixed bridges last longer and are more stable in the mouth. Dental implants replace teeth at the root and support the health of the whole dental structure.
We can provide temporary crowns or a bridge while you wait for your permanent bridge. If you are receiving dental implants for your bridge, we will refer you to a specialist. Our team can create dental crowns as well as the final bridge restoration.
Which Bridge is Right for Me?
Typically, we recommend that you secure a fixed bridge with dental implants. This is the most stable dental bridge possible. When dental implants secure the bridge instead of your natural teeth, you don’t have to worry about wear and tear. Natural anchor teeth are susceptible to increased wear, tooth decay, and other dental problems. Dental implants help you avoid this problem while still looking and feeling like natural teeth in your mouth.
However, not everyone is eligible for dental implants. You have to have a certain amount of healthy bone structure to secure the implants. Dental implants are also a pricey restoration. While they’re well worth the money, we understand that they may not always be in your budget. Removable bridges and bridges secured by natural teeth are the most cost-efficient methods. However, you will need to replace them in the future.
Caring For a Dental Bridge
After your treatment, the mouth will still feel numb. Refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until you are no longer numb. Avoid eating sticky or hard foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. You can brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush and floss gently. The best method is to pull the floss out from the side of any temporary crowns.
It is normal to experience temperature and pressure sensitivity. We may also provide pain medications following your treatments. Please contact our office if you feel persistent pain that lasts for multiple days after your treatment and we will help.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Bridges
How long will my dental bridge last?
The longevity of your bridge totally depends on how well you take care of your oral health. Poor oral hygiene is the number one cause of bridge failure. If you brush and floss daily and visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning, your dental bridge can last up to ten years. Most people have their bridge replaced every five to seven years.
Can my tooth get infected under a dental bridge?
The natural teeth located under the dental crown portion of the bridge can still suffer from dental problems. This includes infections and tooth decay. If you do not properly brush and floss your teeth especially around the bridge, tiny bits of food can get under there and cause these problems.
For patients getting a dental bridge, we often recommend investing in a water flosser. This additional dental tool can remove bacteria from under the bridge and prevent infection and decay from developing.
What is the best way to secure a dental bridge?
For several missing teeth, you can have your bridge cemented to abutment teeth or you can have it secured to dental implants. Dental implants offer better retention and will last forever. Utilizing implant fixtures to secure the bridge will also save your healthy teeth from being grinded down leading to permanent damage. The implants will also help preserve the jawbone. If your dentist cements a bridge to abutment teeth, this cannot prevent bone loss in the jaw.
Contact Our Office for Dental Treatment
Do you need to restore the form and function of your teeth? Learn more about what dental bridges can do for your smile. Request a consultation with Dr. Duling online or call her Owens Cross Roads dental office at 256.202.4186.