Dental Bridges – Denton, TX
Filling in the Empty Spaces in Your Smile
It’s never a good idea to ignore a missing tooth; not only will the space make it difficult to eat and speak normally, but your remaining teeth could start to drift out of place, which leads to alignment problems. At Prime Dentistry, we can fill the gap in your smile with a fixed dental bridge in Denton. If you or a loved one is facing tooth loss, schedule an appointment with us right away so that we can decide whether this type of tooth replacement is right for you.
Why Choose Prime Dentistry for Dental Bridges?
- High-Quality Dental Materials Used
- Patient-Focused, Personalized Approach
- Custom-Made to Address Patients’ Unique Needs
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges – also known as fixed bridges – are literally a way to bridge the gap created by missing teeth. On either end of the bridge is a dental crown. The two crowns support one or more prosthetic teeth (pontics) between them. Pontics can be made from all kinds of materials, such as sturdy gold and alloys or natural-looking porcelain. The bridge will use the teeth adjacent to the space for support. You can typically expect a dental bridge to last about 5 to 15 years if you take good care of it.
Am I a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
We might recommend a dental bridge if you are missing one to three teeth in a row. A good candidate will need to have natural teeth that are still strong and healthy enough for the crowns that the bridge will sit on. Also, if you have gum disease, it needs to be treated first. Gum disease can potentially cause you to lose teeth if it stays untreated. That includes the abutment teeth supporting the crowns; if you lose them, you’ll also lose your dental bridge. We will fully examine your oral health and take all the different factors into account before moving forward with the procedure.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
- A gap in your teeth can leave you feeling self-conscious, but filling it in with a dental bridge can give you the confidence boost you need to show off your pearly whites to the world.
- By replacing missing teeth, you ensure that the forces in your bite are distributed properly so that your remaining teeth aren’t damaged. This will also let you continue to chew and speak properly.
- The bridge will hold your other teeth in place and prevent them from drifting out of position, which could cause severe alignment problems.
How Do I Care for a Dental Bridge?
When taking care of a dental bridge, your main concern is to prevent tooth decay from developing under the crowns. You can do this by:
- Brushing twice a day using fluoride toothpaste that provides extra protection against plaque.
- Flossing underneath your bridge as well as between your natural teeth.
- Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash that contains fluoride.
- Visit Prime Dentistry at least twice a year so that we can make sure your bridge is staying healthy and perform any necessary cleaning.
Dental Bridges FAQs
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
Essentially, no. Once Dr. Ahir bonds it in place, it’s intended to remain there for several years. You shouldn’t be able to, or try to, remove it on your own without professional oversight.
Some providers refer to partial dentures as “removable bridges,” but this is somewhat misleading. Partial dentures are indeed removable but are a different type of replacement. They typically include metallic clasps that clip to healthy teeth in your mouth to be worn all day and then safely taken out at night.
What Are Dental Bridges Made Of?
Historically, dental restorations like bridges, crowns, and fillings were made from gold or metal alloys. However, thanks to more recent advancements in materials, techniques, and technology, today most of this kind of dental work is made from durable, tooth-colored materials that can be customized to match your natural teeth. For instance, porcelain is popular because it’s resilient and reflects light like enamel, but composite resin is another common choice.
That said, if you’re replacing several missing molars or teeth further back in your mouth that are harder to see, you might prefer a metal prosthetic because it’s stronger and can better withstand the force of frequent biting and chewing.
Does Getting a Dental Bridge Hurt?
Many patients are eager to rebuild their grins after losing several teeth in a row but hesitate to get a dental bridge because they’re scared it might hurt. Thankfully, that’s not the case! Our team will apply a local anesthetic to the affected teeth before starting the procedure so that you remain relaxed and comfortable the entire time.
If you’re getting a traditional bridge, Dr. Ahir must remove some enamel from the teeth on either side of the space in your smile so the dental crowns at each end of your prosthetic can be cemented in place. This can cause some sensitivity after the fact, but it typically resolves itself in a few days. Taking ibuprofen or Tylenol is usually safe to address discomfort, but please let us know if it persists or worsens.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
When restoring your grin, it’s only natural to want a long-lasting replacement. Fortunately, dental bridges are known to last anywhere from 5 to 15+ years, though it can depend on a few different factors.
For example, ceramic bridges in the back of your mouth may not last as long as metallic ones due to the frequent pressure applied when you eat. Your at-home oral hygiene routine plays a significant role because developing cavities or gum disease can cause your prosthetics to loosen or fail.
Also, implant bridges may last longer than traditional ones because the titanium post surgically inserted into your jaw can’t get cavities like your natural teeth.
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