Dental Bridge – What You Need To Know!

Dental bridges are used when one tooth is damaged and cannot be restored. Typically, this happens because of decay, trauma, or an injury. If you have one missing tooth, a dental bridge can provide you with the same esthetic appearance as if you had your original teeth intact. Read on to learn more about dental bridges and how they could help you smile again.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a replacement dental structure that connects two missing teeth. A dental bridge can replace one or more teeth in an area where both teeth are missing. A bridge is often used as an alternative to a dental implant, which is a more complicated procedure. A bridge is usually less expensive than a dental implant, and it can allow you to eat certain foods that you might not be able to chew with the replacement teeth. If you have lost some teeth and need to eat certain foods or beverages, a bridge can give you the same appearance and functionality as your original teeth. 

A dental bridge is commonly used when one or more teeth are missing, damaged, or decayed. A dental bridge may be used in place of a single tooth or as a temporary measure while dentures are being made. If you have multiple missing teeth and want to eat certain foods or beverages, a bridge may be an option for you. You may have one or more missing teeth, one or more teeth that are damaged or decayed, or just one missing tooth.

Types of Dental Bridges

• A crown – A crown is the most common type of dental bridge. It is placed on top of the teeth that are still healthy and attached to the gum. A gumline recontouring process is necessary to provide a proper fit. A gumline recontouring is a process that reshapes the gums around the bridge to make it look like it is part of your natural teeth. A gumline recontouring process may take a few appointments, and it is usually more expensive than a crown. 
• A dental implant – A dental implant is a titanium screw that is surgically implanted into the bone of the person’s bone. Then a dental crown is attached to the implant to hold it in place. A dental implant is an option when a person has a missing tooth or teeth that are too damaged to be restored. A dental implant is a long-term solution, and it holds up better than a bridge over time. 
• A dental guttate pierce – A dental guttate pierce is a small implant that is placed in the gum tissue. It is used to connect two teeth that are very short or damaged. A dental guttate pierce is less expensive than a dental implant and provides a quick response.

How does a Dental Bridge work?

A dental bridge is a replacement tooth that is connected to the adjacent healthy teeth using removable dental crowns. Dental bridges are almost always used in conjunction with crowns. When a tooth is missing, the dentist will take impressions of the healthy teeth and create a bridge that has the appearance of your natural teeth. The bridge is attached to the healthy teeth using crowns. Once the bridge is in place, the damaged tooth is extracted. 

While dental bridges are often used in conjunction with crowns, some people use a bridge with no crowns at all. A dental bridge is a durable option that only requires routine cleaning and a simple retainer to maintain its functionality. The major advantage of a dental bridge is that it can provide aesthetics and functionality similar to natural teeth. Because a bridge is attached to your healthy teeth rather than being attached to the root of a tooth, it will not require extraction.

Advantages of a Dental Bridge

• It’s Affordable – The cost of dental implants and dental bridges is typically comparable, and they are both a less expensive alternative to dental implants. Many insurance companies will cover the cost of dental bridges, compared to only a few percent of dental implants.
• It’s Durable – A dental bridge is attached to your healthy teeth, so it does not require extraction. However, a dental bridge should be placed just as close to the gum as possible to prevent any issues with eating and speaking. 
• It Can Last A Lifetime – Most dental bridges can last for decades, and they are durable long-lasting solutions. 
• It Can Be Aesthetically Appealing – Dental bridges are almost always used for cosmetic reasons. They can be used to replace one or more teeth, and they can look almost identical to your natural teeth. 
• It Can Be Functional – A dental bridge should provide the same aesthetics and functionality as your original teeth.

Disadvantages of a Dental Bridge

• It Is A Long-Term Solution – A dental bridge is a long-term solution. It is attached to your healthy teeth, and it will not require extraction. A dental implant is a long-term solution, and a dental implant provides better bone stability than a bridge.
• It Requires Regular Cleaning – A dental bridge requires regular cleaning and retainer care, just like a crown does. A dental bridge will usually require a retainer to prevent it from moving around in your mouth and damaging your teeth.
• It May Cause Tooth Discoloration – A dental bridge will often cause some tooth discoloration at the site of the bridge and at the gum line. This is usually from blood accumulation and should fade over time.

How to Find the Right Dentist for Your Dental Bridge

A dental bridge can be a long-term solution, so it is important to find a dentist who is experienced with dental bridges, most of them are dentists that offer restorative dental care services. Also, make sure the dentist is willing and able to do the procedure. Finally, ask about the success rates for dental bridges and how often complications arise. 

Final Words – To dental bridges or not to dental bridges?

The decision to do a dental bridge or a dental implant is a big one and should be considered carefully. Make sure you consult with a dentist that specialized in restorative dental care services in Kearney, cause they are very experienced in dental bridges and other restorative kinds of procedures. Dentists who have completed many dental bridges are likely to be experienced with the procedure and will have fewer complications than a less experienced practitioner. Dental bridges are a durable, long-term solution that can provide aesthetics and functionality similar to natural teeth. They have some disadvantages, such as tooth discoloration, but they are still an affordable and effective solution when one tooth is missing.