What Is A Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are permanent tooth restorations that can restore your smile and the functionality of your teeth. A dental bridge “bridges the gap” between teeth when one or a few are missing. It can replace one or up to four teeth and needs teeth or dental implants adjacent to it to work. Are you having trouble eating your favorite foods? A dental bridge can help. Or perhaps you are self-conscious about your smile because your missing teeth show. A dental bridge can help here, too.

What Is the Best Tooth Replacement Option?

The best tooth replacement option is dental implants.

So why are we talking about dental bridges?

While dental implants are the most secure and healthy for your jawbone, not everyone can get dental implants. To be a candidate for a dental implant, you must have enough jawbone density or be willing to undergo a bone graft and be fit for surgery. If this doesn’t seem appealing to you or your restorative dentist in Anchorage recommends against it, a dental bridge is an excellent choice. Almost anyone is a candidate, and there is no surgery involved.

Who Is A Candidate For A Dental Bridge?

If you are missing one or up to four teeth, you are a candidate for a dental bridge as long as you have adjacent teeth the bridge can connect to. If you lose your tooth or teeth to injury, the chances are good that you can get your bridge right away after your tissue has healed. If you’ve lost teeth to gum disease, cavities, or tooth decay, we’ll need to treat your gums and decay first. With gum disease treatment, you can enjoy a long-lasting dental bridge. Without treatment, your bridge will fail just as your natural teeth did.

After we secure your dental bridge, be sure to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice daily, visiting your Anchorage dentist twice yearly, and avoiding smoking cigarettes. If you follow these guidelines, your dental bridge can last over 10 years!

How Dental Bridges Work

A dental bridge consists of three parts; one crown on each side of the bridge that is permanently connected to two teeth or dental implants and up to four pontics (replacement teeth).

The more teeth between the crowns, the less stable your bridge will be. Your Anchorage dentists, Dr. Kendall and Dr. Fox, may recommend different tooth replacement options depending on where your missing teeth are located and how many are missing.

Your dental bridge process will take only two to four weeks with healthy gums. First, we’ll perform an exam and consultation. We know that dental offices can make people nervous, so our Anchorage dental office is designed for your comfort and relaxation. We also have safe and effective sedation dentistry options to fit your needs. Our unique approach to your comfort and care makes our office stand out from others in the area. At Excellence in Dentistry, you’ll be well cared for and comfortable.

If our dentists find that the best option the repair your smile is a dental bridge, we’ll take impressions and design your dental bridge. You’ll wear a temporary bridge while you wait for your permanent one. The temporary bridge is attractive but not quite as durable. When your bridge comes in, we’ll give you a call and set up an appointment to get it fixed to your teeth. After placing your dental bridge, you’ll have fully functional teeth and a beautiful smile!

mature man with a natural looking smile with a dental bridge

Benefits of Choosing a Dental Bridge

Dental bridges can be an excellent option for many people and offer these benefits.

  • Made of a durable ceramic material
  • It can last ten years or longer with proper dental hygiene
  • It’s natural-looking
  • Permanent
  • It doesn’t require surgery
  • We can place it with less jawbone density than an implant
  • Almost anyone is a candidate
  • Enhances your smile

Drawbacks & When a Dental Bridge Isn’t the Best Choice

There are drawbacks to dental bridges, too. In some cases, they aren’t the best choice.

  • When you are a candidate for a dental implant(s) or all-on-4 dental implants
  • It doesn’t stimulate your jawbone
  • It’s not as secure as a dental implant
  • The more teeth that need replacing, the less secure it will be
  • Can cause damage to existing teeth
  • It may require crowns on a healthy tooth

Replace your Missing Teeth with a Dental Bridge in Anchorage, AK

Do you have one or a few missing teeth that you want to replace and are thinking about a dental bridge? Call Excellence in Dentistry today at (907) 349-0022 or make an appointment online. Our Anchorage reconstructive dentists can determine which tooth replacement option is best for you.