Missing teeth, whether one or several, can have an effect on overall dental health. It can cause changes in both looks and the balance of your bite. Missing teeth can cause the jawbone to shrink and allow remaining teeth to shift, changing your bite, and often causing a more aged look.
Repair your tooth damage with dental bridges in Lexington, KY, today. Dr. Morgan Chambers can replace missing teeth with a dental bridge and restore function and aesthetics to your smile. A dentist can either fix dental bridges permanently in place, or provide removable ones. Dr. Chambers will custom-fit your dental restoration so it’s comfortable, lasts, and looks the most natural.
About Dental Bridges
A dental bridge can replace one or several missing teeth. Traditional bridges should be a last resort because they need healthy teeth on either side of the gap as support. The dentist cements a traditional bridge onto adjacent healthy teeth on either side of the gap to provide support for crowns or prosthetic teeth. They’ll fill in the space where one or more natural teeth are missing.
An anchor on either side of the gap supports the bridgework to hold the false tooth in place. You have the option to use your natural teeth or dental implants to support the bridge. When you choose to use natural teeth to support the bridgework, Dr. Chambers will typically place a dental crown to provide additional support.
Dental bridges can consist of a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, and gold alloys. The material is determined by the patient’s needs and the dentist’s preference.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
Traditional Dental Bridge Procedure
The dental bridge procedure is a way to replace missing teeth that you lost because of tooth decay, tooth extraction, or injury. The procedure involves replacing the missing teeth with artificial teeth that attach to real teeth on either side.
A dental bridge can either be removable or fixed in place. A removable dental bridge is supported by dental crowns. Fixed bridges, or implant-supported bridges, use dental implants for support. Whenever possible, Dr. Chambers will recommend a fixed dental bridge as a long-term option to replace a missing tooth or teeth.
Dr. Chambers will work with patients to create a treatment plan that’s specific to their needs, dental health, and cosmetic goals. The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation to examine the health of the teeth, gums, jaw joints, and other structures. Dr. Chambers will use this exam to create a through treatment plan with the data she collects. Then, she’ll take a dental impression of your mouth. She’ll send the impression to a lab.
A dental laboratory will make the dental bridge to Dr. Chambers’ specifications and send it to us. Dr. Chambers works with several high-quality dental labs located in the U.S. You may have a temporary bridge to wear in the meantime while we wait for the final prosthetic. In approximately 2 to 3 weeks from your initial visit, you’ll return to our Lexington dental office to place the final prosthetic.
Dr. Chambers will make sure that your new bridge fits properly, is comfortable, and looks beautiful before you leave our office.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Read answers to frequently asked questions about bridges in our Lexington, KY office here.
What are the different types of dental bridges?
Traditional, Cantilever, Maryland, and implant bridges are the four common types of dental bridges. Traditional bridges use two crowns on the teeth next to the gap, with a false tooth in between to fill the space.
Cantilever bridges are used when there’s only one tooth next to the gap. A crown is placed on one side to hold the false tooth in place. Maryland bridges have a metal or porcelain framework that bonds to the back of the teeth next to the gap, instead of using crowns. Implant-supported bridge uses implants instead of crowns or a framework.
How many teeth can be replaced with a bridge?
We can replace several teeth with a dental bridge. A traditional removable bridge can replace up to 2 missing teeth. A fixed implant-supported bridge can replace up to six missing teeth.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
The cost of a dental bridge will depend on the number and location of the missing teeth as well as the type of bridge and materials chosen. Dr. Chambers works with nearly all dental insurance providers and will file necessary billing and paperwork on your behalf.
Can you repair broken bridgework?
Although dental bridges are built to last a long time, problems can still arise. If you have a dental bridge that has chipped, broken or come loose, you should contact Dr. Chambers right away. Depending on the extent of damage, we may be able to cement the bridge or replace it altogether.
How do I take care of my dental bridge?
You should brush and floss your dental bridge just like you do to your real teeth. Dr. Chambers will show you a special technique to floss under and around artificial tooth or teeth. It’s also important to visit Dr. Chambers at least twice a year for routine examinations.
Do I need to replace a dental bridge eventually?
Dental bridges aren’t permanent, so you’ll need to replace your bridge over time. If you have a removable bridge, you’ll need to replace it more often than if you have an implant-supported bridge. The implants themselves will stay in place. After many years, you’ll need to replace your bridge.
Replace Missing Teeth at Complete Dentistry for All Ages
Call Complete Dentistry For All Ages today for dental bridge treatment at 859-251-3809. You can also request a dental appointment online.