Horizon Family Dental Care offers many options to replace one or more missing teeth. Our restoration dentistry treatments will restore your oral health and the appearance of your smile. One solution we offer is a dental bridge in Baltimore, MD.
Missing teeth are a chronic oral health issue. Restoring the gap in your smile as soon as possible is critical for your long-term health. A bridge is a great solution that will restore your smile. We offer a few kinds bridges to accommodate the needs of our patients.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic restoration made up of several components. The false teeth, called pontics, are between two dental crowns. As a single fixture, it is designed to span the space left by a missing tooth or several missing teeth in a row. The crowns on each end will anchor the prosthesis in place.
Depending on the type of bridge you get, your dentist will anchor it to adjacent teeth or dental implants. A dental bridge will restore the functionality of your mouth, prevent misalignment, and lower your chance of bite issues.
Types of Dental Bridges
We offer both traditional dental bridges and implant-supported bridges. These two standard options provide unique benefits. Learn more about these tooth replacement solutions:
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge, a fixed dental bridge, is a standard tooth replacement. It can replace one tooth or several missing teeth. Your dentist will customize a dental bridge with a pontic or multiple pontics and dental crowns.
To accommodate the fixture, your dentist must prepare the adjacent teeth. This involves permanently reducing them in size. Then, your dentist will cement the crown portions of the bridge to the prepared teeth. Traditional bridges are a good option when the adjacent teeth are healthy and can support the additional load.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
Using dental implants to replace teeth offers more stability and longevity. An implant-supported dental bridge can replace several missing teeth in a row. The dentist must surgically place at least two dental implants into the jawbone at both sides of the gap. Then, the permanent bridge is secured to the dental implants. They will provide a strong and durable anchor for the bridge.
Implant-supported bridges are particularly beneficial when the adjacent natural teeth are weak or when multiple teeth are missing, as they do not rely on existing teeth for support.
Removable Dental Bridge
A removable dental bridge, also called a partial denture, is reserved as a short-term solution. While the cost may be lower initially, a removable dental bridge does not offer good long-term benefits and frequently requires replacement and repairs. Dentists often use a removable dental bridge as a temporary solution while waiting for the permanent bridge to be fabricated.
Traditional Dental Bridge vs Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
There are several key differences between a traditional bridge and an implant-supported bridge. A dentist will use adjacent teeth to support a traditional bridge, while they will use dental implants to support the implant bridge.
The dentist will need to reduce the teeth in size to accommodate the dental bridge. This will make the teeth more susceptible to decay and place extra strain on them. When you place implants in the jaw, they absorb all the strain, leaving your natural teeth untouched.
Dental implants also prevent bone loss in the jaw. When the implants are in the jaw, they stimulate the bone, allowing for regeneration. The bone will slowly reabsorb with a traditional bridge due to lack of stimulation.
Repairing a Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge will require repair if the supporting crowns become loose or damaged. Your dentist may need to remove the bridge to examine the abutment teeth and fabricate new crowns if necessary. If the bridge cracks or is completely damaged, you may need to have a new one fabricated. In this case, your dentist will remove the old bridge and fit you for a new one.
How to Care for Your Dental Bridge
You need to take good care of your dental bridge to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is very important to maintain your smile. Your dentist can see early signs of damage or other issues and then offer prompt repairs or preventive care. Good at-home oral hygiene habits, including daily brushing and flossing, are also very important. They will help prevent complications that can lead to costly repairs.
Schedule Your Consultation for a Dental Bridge in Baltimore, MD
If you have a few missing teeth in a row, then we can provide you with a dental bridge in Baltimore, MD. To book your appointment, contact our Baltimore dentist office.