Traditional and Implant-supported Dental Bridges Can Replace Missing Teeth and Renew Your Smile
If you have between one and three consecutive missing teeth, you may benefit from a dental bridge. Dr. C. Mike Meek and Dr. David J. Tasch offer both traditional and implant-supported dental bridges at their Austin, TX, practice. A traditional bridge will attach to your natural teeth with crowns. An implant-supported bridge will attach to titanium implants for the ultimate in strength and stability. At 38th Street Dental, we use the latest restorative materials. Therefore, no matter what type of bridge you receive, the restoration will have a beautifully lifelike color and sparkle.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are larger restorations, made up of several attached crowns. They are designed to fill in the gap left by one or more missing teeth. In this way, a bridge can restore both your appearance and your dental function. At 38th Street Dental, we are particularly proud of our implant-supported bridges. Because dental implants will replace your tooth roots, the attached bridge will not slip out of place. Neighboring teeth do not need to be reduced or reshaped for placement of a dental implant bridge, and implants will prevent bone loss. In turn, this type of bridge can save you a significant amount of money, since you will not typically need to have it replaced or adjusted three or four times across your life like a tooth supported bridge.
At 38th Street Dental, we are particularly proud of our implant-supported bridges. Because dental implants will replace your tooth roots, the attached bridge will not slip out of place.
How Dental Bridges Work
The two abutment teeth are gently reshaped to accommodate the dental bridge
Placing Your Dental Bridge
To place a traditional bridge, Dr. Meek or Dr. Tasch will reshape the abutment teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. He will numb your teeth and gums in advance, so you should experience very little discomfort. However, if you are still feeling nervous, we can provide additional sedation to help you relax. By trimming off some of your dental tissue, your dentist can create a more secure base for your bridge. Then he will take impressions so that our lab can craft a restoration that is virtually identical to your teeth. We will provide a temporary bridge while you are waiting, and when it is finished, your dentist will attach the permanent restoration.
If you opt for an implant-supported bridge, we will refer you to an oral surgeon for implant placement. Often, we will have you visit a practitioner right next door, making your care very convenient. This specialist will place two or more implant posts in your jaw and in many cases, a temporary bridge can be placed day of surgery. As they integrate with your jawbone over time, they will replace your dental roots. Then Dr. Meek or Dr. Tasch will attach your permanent restoration when healing is completed. To ensure a strong bridge with a realistic appearance, our lab will usually create a zirconia framework. Then the synthetic teeth themselves will be crafted from porcelain or IPS e.max®.
Are You a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
Your dentist will conduct a complete evaluation to determine your candidacy for a bridge and to determine which type is right for you. First, he will consider the number of teeth that you are missing. If you have lost more than three teeth, a partial denture will be more appropriate for you. Then your practitioner will evaluate the abutment teeth since they must be strong enough to support the restoration. If you have fillings or current decay in these teeth, a traditional bridge may not be the right choice for you.
To establish your candidacy for an implant-supported bridge, your dentist will consider your jawbone health. A strong, dense bone will give the implant posts plenty of support. Dr. Meek or Dr. Tasch will work closely with your oral surgeon to create an effective and one-of-a-kind treatment plan.
Contact Us to Learn More
It is important to replace missing teeth to maintain oral health and dental function. To find out which type of bridge is in your best interest, contact 38th Street Dental today.
