What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge, or bridge, is designed to replace missing teeth with a single fixed dental prosthesis that spans between teeth, reinforcing and stabilizing the patient’s bite. Simply put, it’s like replacing a picket on a fence. A bridge improves a patient’s overall ability to speak and chew by better distributing the pressures demanded by those activities. A bridge can also restore the structure of a patient’s face by filling in the empty spaces left by missing teeth.

The benefits are:
• improved self-esteem and confidence,
• improved relationships,
• improved earning capacity,
• a restored smile,
• improved chewing ability,
• and improved speaking ability.

When is a bridge indicated?
Bridges are often recommended to patients missing one or more teeth in a given area to fill in the gaps without using a dental implant. Filling the gaps prevents the remaining teeth from shifting into the empty spaces, which may lead to occlusion problems and further deterioration of the teeth.

Sometimes a patient may be missing more than two teeth in a given area. In this case, a bridge may need the support of a dental implant to better distribute pressures and prevent breakage.

Who typically needs bridge work?
While not exclusive to any group or category, I have found that the most common bridge candidate is over 50 years old. This patient is usually missing one or more teeth in a given area due to trauma, poor oral hygiene, or lifestyle choices such as regular tobacco and/or alcohol use.

It is important to note that a patient with missing teeth may also be experiencing a TMJ disorder. In this case a bridge may be able to correct the imbalance and alleviate any jaw-movement discomfort. To learn more about TMJ, click here.

If you are missing a tooth and are ready to discuss your replacement options, please call me at my office to schedule a consultation: 817-380-3593.

What types of bridges are available?
Today’s patient has a wealth of options available for their bridge solution; three types of dental bridges are available to fit anyone’s needs and budget.

These three types are:

• The Traditional Bridge – The traditional bridge is the most popular choice among patients today. This bridge type crowns the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth by filling the gap with the pontic, or replacement tooth. A crown can also be attached to a dental implant. Tradit ional bridges are most often made from ceramic or porcelain fused to metal.

• The Cantilever Bridge - A cantilever bridge is a special bridge that is used in certain circumstances; usually the bridge is anchored by one side and not both ends like a traditional bridge. Cantilever bridges are typically a three tooth bridge consisting of two side-by-side anchor teeth supporting the pontic. This style bridge is often used to replace back teeth.

• The Maryland Bonded Bridge – Designed for patients missing front teeth, the Maryland bonded bridge is a type of resin-retained bridge. In this style bridge, the pontic attaches to metal bands hidden by tooth-colored composite resin. The bridge is then bonded to adjacent teeth via crowns.

What is the procedure to have a bridge placed?
Having a bridge placed often takes just two appointments at my office.
During the first appointment, we will listen to your concerns and investigate your unique situation to determine which solution is right for you.

Then, during that appointment, the teeth surrounding the missing tooth will be reshaped to allow for a proper surface that the bridge can rest upon. Once reshaped, impressions are made of the area to ensure the best fit for your new bridge. After that, I will install a temporary bridge to protect the teeth and gums while your permanent bridge is being created.

When impressions are taken, they are then sent to my dental laboratory so that the bridge can be perfectly constructed. This process typically takes two weeks.

When your bridge returns from the dental laboratory, you will be scheduled for the second appointment.

At this second appointment, I will replace the temporary bridge with your permanent bridge. The permanent bridge is then checked and adjusted to your bite to ensure the best fit to your mouth.

This bridge will be cemented to your teeth and, depending on care, will last for many years.
Overall, my patients experience very little if any discomfort during the bridge placement process. If you are ready to talk about how a bridge can help you, please call me at 817-380-3593 to schedule your appointment.

What can be expected from my dental bridge?
Depending on the patient’s oral hygiene and lifestyle choices, a patient who regularly takes care of his or her teeth with regular checkups can expect to keep their bridge in place for five to 15 years or even longer.

After the first procedure, a patient may experience some slight discomfort for the first few days following the appointment; this is nothing that some over-the-counter pain relievers can’t solve.

Typically, the second appointment has even less follow-up discomfort, because the teeth have had more time to adjust to their new shape.

What can I do if my dental bridge falls off?
Rarely, a patient may experience his or her bridge slipping off from its cemented post. This can happen for any number of reasons, but it is important to schedule an appointment fast so that the bridge can be cemented back into place.

If you are traveling or are otherwise unable to schedule an immediate appointment, some over-the-counter products exist like Recapit Temporary Crown Cement that will, for the time being, reattach the crown portion of the bridge to the posts. While this is not an ideal situation, it will help you keep the crown in place until you can come in for an appointment.

It is important to take care of your teeth; if you live in the Arlington or Mansfield area and are ready for the regained confidence you will feel from improving your smile, please call my office at 817-380-3593 for more information or to schedule an appointment today.