A gap created by a missing tooth can make many aspects of everyday life more challenging. Eating and speaking can become difficult, and many find it embarrassing to smile when an empty space is evident for all to see.
Thankfully, general dentistry treatments like implants and dental bridges mean you don’t have to live with missing teeth. Dr. John Pappas, an award-winning dentist and dental educator, offers these and other services at Arcadia Dental Arts to restore your appearance and improve functionality.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is the most traditional way to replace a missing tooth. It can be a great option when:
- The teeth surrounding the gap may need work in the future or have large fillings.
- The tooth has been missing for a long time which has led to bone loss, creating a less than ideal environment for an implant.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges come in four main varieties:
- Traditional Dental Bridge: This is the most common type, secured by crowns on adjacent teeth. It requires reshaping of the supporting teeth and is best for patients with healthy teeth on both sides.
- Cantilever Dental Bridge: This type is anchored by a single tooth instead of two. It’s suitable for areas with less biting pressure, like the front teeth.
- Maryland Bonded Bridge: This type uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to adjacent teeth. It is minimally invasive and ideal for front teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: This type is secured by dental implants rather than natural teeth. It works best for replacing multiple missing teeth in a row.
A consultation with Dr. Pappas will help you determine the most effective choice for restoring function and aesthetics.
What Happens During My Appointment to Get a Dental Bridge?
Getting a dental bridge usually requires two appointments.
During the first visit, Dr. Pappas will prepare the supporting teeth by reshaping them for dental crowns. Impressions are then taken to create a custom bridge that matches your natural teeth, and a temporary bridge is placed to protect the area.
At the second appointment, the permanent bridge is fitted, adjusted, and securely cemented. Dr. Pappas will check your bite and comfort level, making final adjustments as needed. You'll receive care instructions to ensure longevity. Regular checkups and good oral hygiene help maintain your bridge for years to come.
It takes about two weeks from the time Dr. Pappas prepares your teeth for the bridge for the final restoration to be ready and your natural-looking smile to be intact once again.
Ideal Dental Bridge Candidates
People who are missing one or multiple teeth are good candidates for dental bridges. You are an ideal candidate if you have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure and have good overall oral health. You must also be willing to schedule and attend routine follow-up appointments to monitor your dental bridges.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
With good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and exams, a dental bridge can last up to 15 years. The main reason that crowns and bridges eventually need replacing is due to cavities and decay. So, the better care you take of them the longer they’ll last.
How Do I Care For My Dental Bridge?
Maintaining a consistent and effective oral hygiene routine is the best way to keep your bridge in optimum shape. Choosing a healthy diet is also beneficial not only for the care of your bridges or crowns, but for your entire mouth. Avoid chewing on hard foods or substances like ice as they can damage crowns and bridges just as they can your natural teeth.
Dental Bridge FAQs
How Long Will it Take to Get Used to My Dental Bridge?
As durable and precise as your new dental bridge is, it probably won't feel like your natural teeth right away.
You may feel slightly sore or tender for a few days. Your teeth may be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures than they were before your procedure. These normal side effects of dental bridge treatment should resolve within the first week after your last appointment.
While you're recovering from the procedure itself, it can be beneficial to avoid anything that could irritate the area. Examples include hard foods, crunchy foods, and items that are hot or spicy.
Because your dental bridge contains two crowns and an artificial tooth, it can take some time to adjust. Your new teeth may feel odd to your tongue and cheeks. You may be more prone to accidentally biting these soft tissues, so take your time to eat slowly at first.
Although your bridge may feel odd for up to two weeks, it should not feel loose and it should not be painful to chew. If you notice either of these things, contact the office so we can arrange an appointment to check it for proper fit and shape.
Can I Eat Normally with a Dental Bridge?
You can expect to resume most if not all of your normal habits once you get used to your new restoration. For the most part, you can use your dental bridge exactly as you do your natural teeth, with the exception of biting on hard foods or objects.
You can enjoy most foods, including bagels, steaks, and chips. However, foods like hard nuts and objects like ice or pen caps should be strictly avoided. Biting or chewing these items can degrade or even damage your bridge, requiring the restoration to be replaced sooner than it would need to be otherwise.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Before your dental bridge procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic so you do not feel any kind of pain or discomfort. However, you may experience some discomfort once the procedure is complete. Your dentist can prescribe over-the-counter pain medications to help alleviate any pain and discomfort you feel.
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
The cost of a dental bridge varies from patient to patient. There are a few factors that determine the final price.
These factors include the following:
- The type of bridge being installed
- The materials used to create the bridge
- The location of your dentist
- The rates of your dentist
On average, you can spend somewhere between a few hundred dollars and several thousand dollars, depending on the situation. You will need to consult Dr. Pappas for a more accurate estimate.
Will Dental Bridges Look Natural?
Dental technology is not what it used to be back in the day. These days, modern dental bridges are designed to resemble and function like natural teeth. You will work with Dr. Pappas to choose the perfect size, shape, and shade of your bridges so they can blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Are There Any Risks to Getting Dental Bridges?
Although having dental bridges installed is a typically safe dental procedure, there are a few risks patients need to be aware of.
These risks include the following:
- Sustaining damage to the surrounding teeth
- Gum disease
- Dislodgement of the bridge
- Tooth decay
- Tooth sensitivity
- Infection
In very rare cases, dental bridges can potentially impact your speech, namely during the adjustment period. However, most people who have dental bridges adapt to them relatively quickly and can speak as they normally would.
Is It Possible to Get Dental Bridges With an Ongoing Oral Health Issue?
In most cases, it is recommended to take care of any and all underlying oral health issues before getting dental bridges. The reason for this is that getting them with gum disease or tooth decay can increase the risk of complications. It is, however, possible to get a dental bridge while having an oral health problem, but you will need to consult with Dr. Pappas for more information.
Can a Dental Bridge Help Prevent Bone Loss in the Jaw?
A dental bridge helps maintain the function and appearance of your smile. However, it does not directly prevent bone loss in the jaw.
Bone loss in the jaw occurs when a tooth is lost, and chewing forces no longer stimulate the underlying bone. This process, known as bone resorption, causes the jawbone to shrink over time.
Dental bridges rest on the gums and are supported by adjacent teeth. They do not stimulate the jawbone underneath the missing tooth. Bone loss can still occur beneath the pontic (artificial tooth) without direct stimulation.
How Does a Dental Bridge Affect My Bite and Jaw Alignment?
A dental bridge helps maintain bite structure and jaw alignment after tooth loss. Bridges offer the following benefits.
- They Prevent Teeth from Shifting: When a tooth is missing, neighboring teeth often shift into the space. A dental bridge fills the gap, keeping surrounding teeth properly positioned.
- They Promote Proper Jaw Alignment: Tooth loss can lead to bite collapse. Over time, this can cause jaw discomfort, joint pain, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. A bridge helps maintain the original spacing and teeth alignment.
- They Restore Chewing Function and Even Pressure Distribution: Missing teeth can lead to uneven chewing pressure, causing excessive wear on certain teeth and contributing to jaw misalignment. A well-fitted dental bridge evenly distributes chewing force.
- They Support the Facial Structure: Tooth loss can cause jawbone resorption, which can lead to a sunken facial appearance over time. A bridge preserves the shape of your bite and supports the natural structure of your face.
What Happens if My Dental Bridge Breaks or Gets Damaged?
If your dental bridge breaks or becomes damaged, act quickly to prevent further complications. Here are the steps you should take:
- Avoid chewing on the damaged side to prevent further breakage.
- Save any broken pieces of the bridge, as your dentist may be able to repair them.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clear debris and soothe irritation.
- Apply dental wax or temporary dental cement if sharp edges are causing discomfort.
- Visit Dr. Pappas as soon as possible. He will examine the bridge and supporting teeth to determine whether it can be repaired or must be replaced.
Why Choose Arcadia Dental Arts?
At Arcadia Dental Arts, patients receive top-notch, personalized care led by Dr. Pappas, a multi-time "Top Dentist" honoree by Phoenix Magazine. As a Spear Study Club leader, he mentors and collaborates with top dental professionals, ensuring cutting-edge treatment approaches. Additionally, as a Faculty Club Member at the Spear Institute, Dr. Pappas is part of an elite group dedicated to advanced restorative dentistry.
With state-of-the-art technology and a commitment to exceeding education and training standards, Dr. Pappas and his team provide exceptional, customized dental care that optimizes oral health, enhances smiles, and helps every patient look and feel their best.
Schedule A Dental Bridge Consultation in Phoenix
If you're missing teeth, a dental bridge could be right for you. To determine candidacy, contact Arcadia Dental Arts today by calling 602.957.9643 or by filling out our online contact form. We proudly serve Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding communities.