Missing teeth can cause anxiety over the appearance of your smile and often cause difficulty when eating or speaking. Dental bridges replace missing teeth and “bridge” the gap in a patient’s smile. Dr. Robert Gauthier uses the latest materials to create artificial teeth virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. We traditionally bond dental bridges to neighboring teeth to provide a comfortable and long-lasting solution.
Dental implants can also anchor dental bridges. Implant-secured dental bridges provide patients with added stability and promote natural bone regeneration, helping to prevent tooth shifting or additional tooth loss. Bridges are highly effective dental restorations and can give you back the confidence you need.
A removable dental bridge is a cost-effective option for patients looking to restore their smiles on a tighter budget. Don’t let your smile be ruined by unsightly gaps or missing teeth. After a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Gauthier will review treatment options to give you the smile you deserve.
Benefits of an Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
Implant-supported dental bridges have a 35% higher success rate than traditional bridgework, eliminating the need to prepare and reduce adjacent healthy teeth. Anchor teeth take on a lot of stress. They’re more likely to wear down prematurely, chip or crack, or develop tooth decay. Dental crowns take on the stress from the natural teeth. But dental crowns require us to shave down the tooth, eliminating a lot of the natural tooth structure.
Dental implants replace the root system from the missing teeth. This promotes continued bone growth, preventing bone shrinkage and gum recession associated with traditional bridges. With traditional bridges, you may incur further costs. The fit of your bridge will change as the jawbone continues to deteriorate. You’ll need to readjust or replace your bridge so that it continues to work the way it should.
There are no diet restrictions with this type of bridge as well. Implant-supported bridges are durable and stable and will not budge in your mouth. Also, there is no need for time-consuming daily maintenance. You simply brush and floss like usual and visit Apex Dental at least every six months for routine dental care. Dr. Gauthier offers full-service dental implants from the comfort of his Northborough dentist office near you.
Dental Bridge Treatment
Every patient will receive a thorough oral health exam and analysis before treatment. Your Apex dentist will discuss all of your options for replacing missing teeth and help you to determine which missing tooth replacement option will fit your budget and goals and restore your oral health.
Patients who choose a dental bridge to replace missing teeth have the option of a traditional removable bridge or an implant-secured bridge. For an implant-secured dental bridge, Dr. Gauthier will coordinate the surgical phase of their treatment. The dental implants will be surgically placed, and a temporary bridge will be used until the implants fully heal and integrate with the surrounding jawbone.
Approximately 3-6 months after implant surgery, patients will return to our Northborough, MA dentist office to be fit with their final dental bridge restoration. A removable bridge will require the proper preparation of adjacent teeth. We file the anchor teeth to make room for the dental bridge. The two teeth on either side of the bridge hold the bridge in place for a more stable bite.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Read more about dental bridges below:
Can you repair a broken dental bridge?
Yes, if you have a dental bridge that has chipped, broken, or come loose, you should contact Apex Dental as soon as possible. We may be able to repair the dental bridge if the damage has not compromised the structure or provide replacement options. Do not continue using the bridge if damaged because that can cause more issues.
How many teeth can a dental bridge replace in a row?
A traditional dental bridge can replace a single lost tooth or up to three in a row. An implant-supported dental bridge can replace more than three teeth in a row.
Why does my dental bridge hurt?
If your bridge does not fit snuggly, it can cause gum irritation, tooth pain, and more. It’s best to get your bridge adjusted or replaced to ensure it fits seamlessly and does not cause future issues. Visit us at Apex Dental in Northborough for a complete dental exam and specific dental bridge issues.
Request a Dental Exam and Consultation Near You
If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry or other dental solutions offered near you, please call (508) 506-1691 or schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Gauthier online.