Dental Bridges—Marshall, TX
Bridge the Gap in Your Grin
No one wants to be missing a tooth, but thanks to modern restorative dentistry you always have several smile solutions. When you are missing one or a few consecutive teeth but your teeth on either side of the gap are healthy, a dental bridge definitely merits consideration. At Marshall Denture Clinic, count on Dr. Parker to bridge the gap in your grin to restore its appearance and balance, plus this new addition will prevent dental drift and reduce your risk of gum disease. Contact your restorative dentist in Marshall to schedule a consultation!
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are designed to help patients who are missing one tooth or several teeth in a consecutive row. An alternative to partial dentures, this tried-and-true tooth-replacement solution uses dental crowns or dental implants to secure the pontics (free-standing replacement teeth) in place. Since the materials used are available in a wide range of lifelike shades, modern dental bridges fill the gap in your smile seamlessly. Plus, they are incredibly durable, ensuring your bite doesn’t suffer either!
Types of Dental Bridges
The first step to regaining your primetime grin is a consultation with Dr. Parker. He’ll conduct an oral examination, ask about your goals, and review your medical history. Based on his findings, one of the following treatment options will be recommended:
Traditional Bridge
A traditional dental bridge can replace a single missing tooth or several teeth in a row. This restorative treatment requires you to have a natural, stable adjacent tooth in front of and behind the space that you’re wanting to fill in. Essentially, we’re “bridging the gap” by making a single unit of three or more teeth.
Implant Bridge
As the name implies, an implant bridge uses dental implants as opposed to crowns. The implants are placed on either side of the gap in your smile, and after they’ve fused with the jawbone, we’ll be able to attach the dental bridge to the implants to replace two or more missing teeth. Considered the strongest and most stable system, an implant-supported bridge requires surgery to embed the implants into the jawbone. Your time invested in this option will pay off in the quality of the result!
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
When you replace your missing teeth with a dental bridge in Marshall, you can expect to enjoy an array of benefits including:
- Maintained alignment of your existing teeth
- Improved oral health
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
- Jawbone preservation with implant bridges
- Long-lasting results (15 years with traditional & 35+ with implant-supported)
- Natural-looking smile
Dental Bridges FAQs
If you’re missing one or more consecutive teeth, you may be looking for ways to replace them. With dental bridges in Marshall, you can enjoy a complete and fully functioning smile once again! Of course, you probably have several questions in mind before committing to this method of tooth replacement. At Marshall Denture Clinic, we want you to be as well-informed as possible, which is why we’ve decided to answer some frequently asked questions below. Should you not find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to our office for personal assistance.
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
No! Dental bridges are meant to stay in your mouth for several years after they’re placed. You should never be able to take them out on your own – only a dental professional can do that. There are some healthcare providers that call partial dentures “removable bridges”, but that’s not very accurate. While partials are similar to bridges, one significant difference is that they can be removed at any time.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Many patients are hesitant to get a dental bridge in Marshall because they’re worried it’ll be painful. However, it shouldn’t hurt. Before starting the process, your dentist will numb the teeth you’re working on with a topical anesthetic. If you’re feeling severely nervous or anxious, you may benefit from dental sedation. Following the placement of your bridge, your mouth might feel slightly sore or sensitive for a few days. You can alleviate these symptoms by taking over-the-counter pain medication or using a cold compress.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
The average dental bridge can last anywhere between five and 15 years. Of course, the exact amount of time can vary depending on the material the bridge is made from. Generally, those made from metal have a longer lifespan than metal-free ones. You must also keep in mind that factors like diet, oral hygiene, and poor habits (i.e., smoking, nail-biting, teeth grinding) can negatively affect their longevity. If your bridge is supported by implants, it will likely last a lot longer than a traditional bridge. With proper maintenance, your implant posts can stay firmly in place for decades.
Do Dental Bridges Look Natural?
Absolutely! Dental bridges made from ceramic, zirconia, or porcelain can be color-matched to your natural teeth. These materials closely mimic the enamel, even down to the way light bounces off of them. Once in place, no one will be able to tell you have a dental bridge! They also stay firmly in place, which means you don’t have to worry about your prosthetic falling out as you might with a denture.