Dr. Jessica Christy and her team at Orchard Hill Dental in Hendersonville provide restorative dental treatment with dental bridges. This treatment option is best for patients with one or more missing teeth, especially consecutive missing teeth.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge can help restore them. Typically, a dental bridge consists of dental crowns and a false tooth. Depending on your needs, a dental bridge can either be secured using dental implants or fixed into place using the adjacent teeth. When applicable, Dr. Christy will recommend an implant-secured bridge because of its durability and comfort.
Dr. Christy is a highly trained restorative dentist. She offers a full range of tooth replacement options for patients missing one or more teeth.
We understand that missing teeth can affect your social life, confidence, and your oral health. We work one on one with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan to address their needs. Our goal is to restore missing teeth, improve your quality of life, and prevent further tooth loss.
Benefits of a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge can offer multiple benefits to patients with missing teeth. This restoration:
- Helps to support any remaining tooth structure
- Restores the ability to bite and chew evenly
- Prevents teeth from shifting
- Maintains a patient’s face shape
Treatment with Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Some bridges are removable, while others are permanently attached to dental implants. Bridges that are secured with implants are much more stable and tend to last longer.
Before starting treatment, Dr. Christy will carefully examine your teeth and gums. She will then work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that is right for your smile.
If you have healthy teeth on either side of the gap, they may be gently reshaped to provide strong support for the bridge. We then take a detailed mold of your teeth to ensure your custom bridge will fit perfectly. Most bridges are made with a strong metal base that is covered by natural-looking porcelain, so they blend in with your smile.
Once your bridge is ready, we will check to make sure it fits comfortably and looks great. When everything is perfect, the bridge is permanently attached using a special dental cement.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Fixed Bridge
A traditional fixed bridge is a common way to replace one or more missing teeth. It’s more of a temporary solution compared to other options. Dr. Christy will help you decide if this type of bridge is the right choice for your situation.
This type of bridge is held in place by the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, which are called “anchor teeth.” To prepare these teeth, we must remove a small amount of enamel so that dental crowns can be placed on them. These crowns will act as supports to hold the false tooth securely in place.
Implant-Secured Bridge
An implant-secured bridge is a more permanent and stable solution for missing teeth. Instead of relying on neighboring teeth, this bridge is supported by dental implants. These implants are small posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone to replace the roots.
This option offers many great benefits. The implants help stimulate your jawbone, which prevents bone loss and the facial sagging that can happen with missing teeth. Most importantly, an implant-secured bridge is very stable. You can eat, speak, and smile with full confidence, without any worry that your bridge will slip or move.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about dental bridges below:
Are dental bridges comfortable?
Once placed and adjusted, dental bridges are generally comfortable and function much like natural teeth. Initially, you may experience some discomfort as your mouth gets used to the new appliance, especially if the bridge is made of metal. Over time, as your mouth adjusts, the bridge should feel natural and blend seamlessly with your other teeth.
Can I eat with a dental bridge?
Yes, you can eat with a dental bridge, but adjusting to the new appliance may take some time. Initially, you may want to avoid eating hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridge or cause discomfort. Once you’ve fully adjusted, you should be able to eat most foods comfortably, though it’s still important to avoid foods that can harm the bridge, such as hard candies or very tough meats.
How long is the dental bridge procedure?
Getting a dental bridge typically requires two visits. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the adjacent teeth by filing them down to fit the crowns. Impressions of your teeth will be taken to create a custom-made bridge. A temporary bridge will be placed while the permanent bridge is being made. At the second visit, the permanent bridge is fitted, adjusted, and cemented.
How long does a dental bridge last?
Dental restorations such as dental bridges require proper care to maintain them and extend their longevity. Proper oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist are essential to ensure good oral health. With proper maintenance, a dental bridge can last up to a decade or even longer. Sometimes, it may need replacement sooner due to wear and tear or decay.
Can a dentist remove dental bridges?
Yes, dentists can remove dental bridges. Depending on the type of bridge, the dentist may need to use a drill or other tools to break down the cement that holds the bridge in place. After removing the dental bridge, your dentist will examine the underlying tooth structure for any damage that may have occurred during removal. If necessary, your dentist can repair or replace the dental bridge after removing the previous one.
How long does it take for a dental bridge to settle?
Typically, a dental bridge will take about two weeks to settle. During this time, the patient may experience discomfort and sensitivity as the gums adjust to the new structure. To help with pain or discomfort, a dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain medications, including readily available options such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Visit Orchard Hill Dental Today
To request a dental bridge consultation with our dentist in Hendersonville, NC, call (828) 247-7001 or schedule an appointment online. Dr. Jessica Christy is a family and restorative dentist that puts your needs above all else. Visit today and see why your neighbors love us so much.