Dental bridges are essentially three or more dental crowns that are attached together and customized to blend in with the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges can be used to restore the appearance and functionality of teeth or to replace missing teeth. If you think a dental bridge may be the restorative treatment that you need, we recommend scheduling a visit with our office. Our team would be happy to create a personalized treatment plan and provide you with a dental bridge or one of our other excellent restorative options.
Is a dental bridge better than an implant?
Dental bridges and implants have their own pros and cons, and the treatment that you ultimately go with will depend on your unique wants and needs. Dental implants are more durable than bridges, but they are also far more invasive and cost more than bridges. Dental bridges don’t require as many appointments, and there is no healing process that patients have to worry about. If you aren’t sure which option is right for you, our team would be happy to assess your smile, listen to your concerns, and make an informed recommendation.
Is it painful to have a dental bridge placed?
Before a dental bridge is placed, the abutment teeth, or the teeth that are going to be covered by the bridge, must be reshaped so that the bridge can fit over them comfortably. Prior to this being done, a local anesthetic will be injected into the gums to completely numb the mouth, which makes the rest of the treatment completely painless. Once the numbness wears off you shouldn’t feel any pain, but it’s never a bad idea to have some over-the-counter pain medication on hand just in case you experience any discomfort.
How long does a dental bridge last?
Dental bridges typically last between 10 and 15 years when they are treated well. While there are no food restrictions that come with having a restoration like a dental bridge, we recommend that patients avoid chewing on things like ice and hard candy or opening packages with their teeth, as that can damage both bridges and natural teeth. During your routine cleanings and exams, we will examine your bridge to ensure that it still looks great and is functioning properly, and if it needs to be modified or replaced, we will let you know.