Getting a Dental Bridge: What to Expect

Tooth loss is a reality for millions of Americans, as an estimated 178 million are missing at least one tooth, and about 40 million have no teeth at all. And the problem worsens as you age, tooth decay, injury, and gum disease being primary reasons for tooth loss for most Americans. 

Fortunately, there are many options for replacing missing teeth, including dental bridges, which restore oral function and get you smiling again. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or several teeth, let’s look at how dental bridges work and what to expect from the procedure.

Residents in the Mamaroneck, New York, and Stamford, Connecticut, areas looking for treatments for missing teeth, including dental bridges, can count on Dr. Gennadiy Kravets and All Bright Dental. Our team offers focused, individualized care for all ages.

How do dental bridges work?

Missing teeth can create problems with biting and chewing, along with stress on your jaw. Using healthy teeth or prosthetic crowns (also known as abutment teeth) around one or more missing teeth for support, a dental bridge is a structure that anchors prosthetic teeth to fill the gap. 

A dental bridge generally consists of the abutment teeth, the connective structure the prosthetic teeth rest on, and the replacement tooth (pontic).

Your needs can be treated with one of a few types of dental bridges:

• Traditional fixed bridge: The most common type. It includes two crowns to keep the bridge in place and an artificial tooth to bridge the gap.
• Cantilever bridge: With this option, the pontic only connects to one abutment tooth. This is a great option for people who only have teeth on one side of the gap.
• Maryland bridge: This type of bridge is anchored by metal or porcelain supports and attached to the back of teeth on either side of the gap.
• Implant-supported bridge: This bridge uses dental implants as anchors and provides the most stability.

Maryland bridges are the least invasive and also the least secure. Alternatively, implant-supported bridges are the most invasive and most secure because the implant rods are placed in the jaw and need time to heal.

What’s involved in the procedure?

The first visit for a traditional dental bridge starts with preparing the teeth on both sides of the gap. Then an impression is made of your mouth to ensure the proper fitting of your bridge. 

You will receive a temporary bridge to protect your teeth while you wait for the permanent bridge to be made. When the permanent bridge is finished, it is installed during a second visit.

The process varies slightly depending on which type of bridge you choose. The cantilever procedure is similar but only involves one crown, Maryland bridges require less preparation, and implant bridges will take more time as the implant surgery must be performed first.

What can you expect after the procedure?

Soreness and tenderness are typical after the procedure. While the soreness goes away after a few days, the gums may take a few weeks to completely heal. If you’re getting implants and might want to avoid driving right after the procedure.

Dental bridges can last up to 10 years with good oral hygiene and regular cleanings from our team. That means daily flossing, brushing twice a day, and a balanced diet (plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fiber).

Getting a dental bridge can fix your bite, preventing the rest of your teeth from shifting out of place. 

If you’re ready for a dental bridge, make an appointment with Dr. Kravets and All Bright Dental today. Call the office or book your appointment online.