Dental Bridge in Queens, NY
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Dental Bridges: Replacing a Missing Tooth Without Surgery
A dental bridge is different from a crown. Instead of capping a tooth that's still there, a bridge replaces a tooth that's already gone. It works by anchoring a false tooth, called a pontic, to crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Those neighboring teeth hold the bridge in place. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, close to 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. It's a common problem, and there's more than one solution.
There are a few different ways to build a bridge. A traditional bridge uses crowns on both teeth next to the gap. A cantilever bridge anchors to a crown on only one side. This can work when there's a healthy tooth on just one side of the space. A Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge skips full crowns altogether. Instead, it bonds thin metal or ceramic wings to the back of the neighboring teeth. This is a more conservative option, often used for a front tooth, that preserves more of the adjacent teeth's structure. A dental bridge vs. implant is a conversation worth having with your family dentist. An implant replaces the tooth's root directly, rather than relying on neighboring teeth. But it needs enough bone and gum health, and a longer treatment timeline. Your dentist at CitiDental of Woodhaven also practices cosmetic dentistry. So appearance gets factored in alongside function when recommending the right option for your dental health.
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The Impact of Tooth Loss
Tooth loss can lead to serious problems if you don't replace the missing teeth. The teeth left in your mouth around the gap can start to tilt or shift over time, according to the American Dental Association. Your teeth on the opposite side of your mouth can also move up or down, leaning toward the empty space. These shifts change your bite. That then shows up in your smile and your teeth alignment.
All these changes add stress to your jaw joints and teeth. This can lead to more problems and pain. Your speech may be affected too. Your risk of tooth decay and gum disease goes up. So the benefits of replacing lost teeth far outweigh your dental bridge cost.
Dental Bridge vs. Implant Debate
Implants are placed in your jaw through a surgical procedure. They're made of titanium, and they act as the tooth's root. A crown then fits over the implant. Your gums and bones need to be healthy enough to get implants, though. If you go too long with a missing tooth, you may end up needing a bone graft, or gum graft to give the implant a stable base.
Usually, you won’t need an implant when you get a dental bridge. The dental bridge cost is typically lower than an implant cost too. If you're asking how long a dental bridge lasts, compared with a dental bridge vs. implants, implants are always the longest-lasting solution.
Three Types of Dental Bridges
Not all bridges are built the same way. According to the ADA's MouthHealthy resource, the type your dentist recommends depends on which teeth are missing and the condition of the teeth around the gap:
- Traditional bridge. A crown on each of the two teeth bordering the gap holds a false tooth (or teeth) in between. This is the most common type.
- Cantilever bridge. Anchored with a crown on only one side of the gap. Used when there's a healthy tooth on just one side of the missing space.
- Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge. Skips full crowns. Instead, thin wings get bonded to the back of the neighboring teeth. This is more conservative, and often used for front teeth.
Crowns and false teeth alike can be made from ceramic, porcelain, or other crown materials, shade-matched to blend with your natural teeth. Unlike removable dentures, a bridge is fixed in place and stays in your mouth. As long as you avoid an accident that damages it, a bridge can serve you well for many years.
The Dental Bridge Process
First, your family dentist gives you a complete oral checkup. Once your bones are found healthy enough, we remove some enamel from the teeth on each side of the empty space. Those teeth become the abutment teeth, which hold the crowns that support the bridge. We take an impression to make sure the bridge, artificial teeth, and crowns fit your mouth properly.
You may get a temporary bridge while your new teeth are made. Then we glue the permanent dental bridge to the abutment teeth and shape it to fit. This may take a few visits to make sure you're comfortable. Wondering how long a dental bridge lasts? You won’t have to think about replacing it for decades. It’s still important to practice good daily oral care, though, to keep your gums healthy enough to support the bridge.
Aftercare for Your Bridge
Follow your dentist’s instructions closely. Floss and brush twice a day. Use a threader to floss between the false tooth and the crowns. Your dentist shows you how to floss with a threader to clean around the bridge.
Keep up with regular checkups with your CitiDental of Woodhaven team. At first, you may need to stick to soft food while your gums heal. Avoid sticky food and sugar, too. Remember, there’s less protective enamel on the abutment teeth. Eventually, you can eat and drink everything you like.
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