Missing one or more teeth can affect more than just your smile. It can impact your oral health, how you eat, and even your confidence. Fortunately, we have restorative dentistry options that solve all your missing teeth issues. Getting a dental bridge in our Cary, NC dental office can improve how you chew, prevent shifting teeth, and combat facial sagging.
At Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Emily Ann Reece helps patients regain their smiles with custom dental bridges. Learn more about this treatment below, and give us a call when you are ready to take the next step.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It’s a fixed solution, meaning it’s securely placed in your mouth and only a dentist can remove it.
Here’s how it works:
- The bridge is held in place by the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. We call these the abutment teeth.
- To make room for the bridge, the dentist reshapes the abutment teeth and fits them with dental crowns.
- The artificial tooth or teeth, called pontics, are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. The final restoration will blend seamlessly with the rest of your teeth.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
For a stronger, longer-lasting option, we can secure your dental bridge using dental implants. Implant-supported bridges are perfect for replacing several teeth in a row, and they don’t rely on your healthy teeth for support.
Dental implants are small titanium posts that we surgically place into your jawbone. Over a few months, the implants fuse with the bone to create a stable foundation. Once the implants heal, your dentist attaches a custom-made bridge. The bridge is permanent but doesn’t include metal clasps or anything else that will stand out.
Implant-supported bridges offer several benefits:
- Stronger support: Because the bridge is anchored to the jawbone, it’s extremely stable and secure.
- Prevents bone loss: Implants act like natural tooth roots. They keep your jawbone healthy and preventing the bone loss that can happen when teeth are missing.
- Protects healthy teeth: Unlike traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges don’t need reshaping healthy teeth for support.
- Keeps you looking younger: By preserving your jawbone, implants help maintain your facial structure. You won’t develop the sunken look that often comes with missing teeth.
Getting Dental Bridges in Cary, NC
The dental bridge process typically takes two or three visits to our Raleigh dental office. Here’s what you can expect from the dental bridge process:
1. Initial Exam and Tooth Preparation: At your first appointment, Dr. Reece will examine your teeth and take X-rays to make sure a dental bridge is the right solution for you. She’ll then carefully remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth on either side of the gap. This step creates space for the crowns that will hold your bridge in place.
2. Digital Impressions: Next, we’ll take digital impressions of your teeth. Our office sends these precise images to our local dental lab. Technicians will create your bridge from Dr. Reece’s measurements. While your permanent bridge is being made, Dr. Reece may place a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth.
3. Fitting the Permanent Bridge: Once your custom bridge is ready, Dr. Reece will place it in your mouth and make any adjustments to ensure it fits comfortably. The bridge is then securely bonded to your teeth, restoring your smile, bite, and chewing function.
Taking Care of Your Dental Bridge
While waiting for your permanent bridge, we’ll give you a temporary one to protect your teeth. During this time, you’ll want to avoid sticky or hard foods to keep the temporary bridge in place.
Your mouth might feel a little numb after the procedure, so hold off on eating or drinking anything hot until the feeling comes back. When flossing, be gentle and pull the floss out to the side instead of upward to avoid dislodging the temporary bridge.
Once your permanent bridge is in place, it’s normal to feel a bit sensitive to temperature or pressure at first. This should fade after a few weeks.
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Dental Bridge FAQs
Choosing how to replace missing teeth can be overwhelming. A dental bridge is a great choice if you have one or several missing teeth. Read answers to common questions about dental bridges in Cary, NC. If you have more questions, please reach out to our dental staff during regular office hours.
Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are a great option for many patients. They’re quicker to get than full dental implants and don’t require adhesive like dentures. If your bridge is supported by implants, it provides even more stability. But traditional bridges work well too if you’ve been missing teeth for a while and have some bone loss.
Bridges are also a great choice for patients with gum issues like gum disease, where implants might not heal properly. Since bridges don’t require surgery, they can be a safer option in these cases.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With good care, a dental bridge can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more. The lifespan depends on whether it’s supported by natural teeth or implants and how well you take care of it.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes, you can eat most foods with a dental bridge, especially a fixed one. However, there are some things you should be cautious about. Try to avoid very sticky foods or biting into hard foods to keep it in great shape.
How do I clean under my dental bridge?
If you have a fixed bridge, you still want to make sure you’re cleaning it properly. Cleaning under a bridge is important to prevent bacteria and food buildup. A water flosser or a floss threader can help you clean those hard-to-reach areas. At your appointment, we’ll show you exactly how to care for it.
Will getting a dental bridge hurt?
Not at all. The procedure uses local anesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain. You might feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but it’s very manageable. It’s similar to getting a dental filling.
How is a dental bridge different from dentures?
A dental bridge is a fixed solution that’s secured to your teeth or implants. A denture is a removable prosthesis that you will be able to remove to clean and maintain. Bridges usually replace one or a few teeth in a row, whereas dentures are designed for larger areas of missing teeth.
Can a dental bridge cause bad breath?
Yes, a dental bridge can lead to bad breath if you don’t clean it properly. Food particles and bacteria can collect around it. Regular cleaning and following our dentist’s care instructions will keep your bridge fresh and odor-free.
Don’t Wait to Replace Missing Teeth
Replacing missing teeth is essential for your health, your smile, and your confidence. If you’re ready to restore your smile with a dental bridge, Dr. Reece and our team in West Cary are here to help. Call Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 919-646-6294 or schedule an appointment online.