Owings Mills Dental Care provides expert restorative dentistry solutions to patients who are experiencing complex oral health issues. If you are missing a single tooth or several teeth in a row, we may suggest a dental bridge. This dental restoration can restore the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. We can provide you with a custom dental bridge in Owings Mills, MD that will blend in with your surrounding teeth for a natural restoration.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is used to replace single or multiple missing teeth. The dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that uses adjacent teeth for support. This dental restoration can be removable or fixed for added support. A fixed bridge can be supported with a dental implant. The bridge is designed to blend seamlessly with your natural smile for a beautiful result.
Our modern Owings Mills, MD dentist office uses high-quality materials to create natural-looking and functioning dental restorations. We will shape, and color match your new dental bridge to look like your adjacent teeth. Our priority is to give you the best, most natural-looking smile in as few steps as possible.
The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
Missing teeth compromise the health and function of your bite. Patients with missing teeth are more likely to experience tooth shifting, additional tooth loss, and bone recession. Replacing missing teeth as soon as possible benefits not only your oral health but your overall health as well.
We provide restorative treatment options such as dental implants to replace missing teeth. Every patient is unique and requires individualized care. A comprehensive dental consultation will help determine which procedure will provide patients with optimal results.
Types of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge can be fixed for a permanent and reliably stable fit, or removable for easy cleaning or comfort. Your dentist will provide you with all of your restorative treatment options so that you may make an informed decision.
When choosing to replace your teeth with a dental restoration, you must consider all options first. Your dentist will help you consider the pros and cons but always keeps in mind the long-term health benefits. We will do our best to work within your budget and cosmetic goals.
Removable Dental Bridge
Removable bridges are ideal as a short-term solution for replacing missing teeth. A removable bridge can be used to hold space and prevent teeth from shifting while patients prepare to be fitted with a permanent dental implant or a fixed bridge. Removable dental bridges are a cost-effective short-term solution to replacing missing teeth. The adjacent teeth will have a substantial amount of enamel removed to make room for the dental bridge.
Fixed Dental Bridge
If you are looking for a more permanent solution for missing teeth, your dentist may recommend a fixed dental bridge. Your dentist will permanently secure a fixed dental bridge in the mouth using dental crowns. The bridge has two crowns on each end that will anchor to adjacent teeth for support. Your dentist will permanently fix the dental crowns with cement.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
Patients missing several teeth in a row can choose to replace them with an implant-supported bridge. Your dentist will secure the dental bridge to dental implants instead of natural teeth. They will surgically insert dental implants into the jaw on each side of the gap.
If patients desire a dental implant suported bridge, we work closely with Dr. Roham Rafat for the surgical phase of treatment. Dental implant secured bridges do not require the preparation of adjacent healthy teeth. They provide added stability and long-term oral health benefits.
Which Dental Bridge is Best for Me?
While a removable bridge is ideal for short-term solutions, we recommend a fixed bridge for your overall oral health. Dental implants come with a variety of different oral health benefits. They can help regenerate jaw bone growth and are the most stable form of tooth replacement.
When you have an implant-supported bridge, you’re able to eat foods you may not be able to with a removable bridge. You also don’t have to damage your natural teeth to support the bridge. The crown portion of your dental implant will be taking the pressure of supporting the bridge.
The dental bridge procedure will vary depending on the type of bridge the patient chooses to receive.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Dental bridges are a popular restorative dentistry solution for missing teeth. If your dentist has suggested that you get one, it is essential to learn what they are and how they work. This section is designed to answer common questions regarding the procedure, aftercare, and other information about bridges. We hope to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your oral health. If you have additional questions or concerns about a tooth bridge, please contact our dental office.
Will by dental bridge require any special care?
Your new dental bridge will not need special care. You may want to brush your teeth more diligently, and floss regularly to prevent food buildup under the bridge, as well as cavities on the attached teeth that the bridge is anchored on. Flossing under the bridge is very important. Schedule regular bi-yearly dentist appointments.
How will the bridge feel after the procedure?
Your new bridge should feel natural after the procedure. Your bite will feel different at first, but it’s quick and easy to get used to. We recommend sticking with soft foods for a few days while your mouth gets used to the restoration. You may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods, but that is just temporary and will gradually go away. Any other complications should be reported to your dentist as soon as possible to avoid damage to your mouth.
How long does a dental bridge last?
The average lifespan of your dental bridge is about 10 years. Dental bridges can last longer than 10 years with proper dental care, bi-yearly visits to the dentist, and a great oral hygiene routine. Visit the dentist as soon as possible if you notice damage to your bridge or if it is becoming painful or uncomfortable.
How many teeth can a dental bridge replace?
We use dental bridges to replace between one to four missing teeth in a row. However, the more teeth a bridge replaces, the more vital it is for the surrounding teeth to be in good shape. The adjacent teeth will support the entire restoration and take on extra force from chewing. Therefore, the specific number of teeth a bridge can replace will depend on the patient’s oral health, jawbone density, and state of their current teeth.
Are there any downsides to dental bridges?
Traditional dental bridges do have several downsides. To place them, the dentist must alter adjacent healthy teeth to support the dental bridge. This leaves them more vulnerable to tooth decay. If patients do not care for their bridge, the tooth under it will decay, and the restoration will have less longevity. A dental bridge will also need to be replaced after 5-15 years, depending on wear and tear. Additionally, bridges do not prevent bone loss in the jaw where teeth are missing.
Are there eating restrictions with dental bridges?
After your dentist places a dental bridge, you should stick to a soft food diet. Avoid eating sticky or hard food to allow the bridge to adjust and prevent damage. Over time, you can return to a normal diet. However, you should avoid chewing on overly hard foods such as ice or hard candy. Biting into or chewing on such things can cause damage to the restoration. Avoiding them will prolong its lifespan and prevent dislodgement or damage.
Schedule a Consultation for a Dental Bridge in Owings Mills, MD
If you are considering replacing your teeth with a dental bridge in Owings Mills, MD, please contact Owings Mills Dental Care today. You can reach our dentist office by calling 410-782-3021 or you can request an appointment on our website by filling out the form.