RESTORE FORM AND FUNCTION TO YOUR SMILE WITH A DENTAL BRIDGE
Dental bridges are used at our Hopewell Junction, NY, practice to replace several missing teeth in a row, and can restore form and function to patients’ smiles. At Quality Dental Care, Dr. Ennabi and our caring and compassionate team want to help patients find their smiles again through our wide range of restorative and cosmetic procedures. For patients missing one or more teeth, a comfortable dental bridge can be tailor-made with quality, durable materials to fit the natural shape of your mouth. This prosthetic consists of a false tooth, flanked by two dental implants or dental crowns.
Understanding Dental Bridges
A dental bridge, just as the name states, bridges the gap between one or more teeth missing in a row. At Quality Dental Care, we offer both traditional bridges and implant-supported bridges made from quality materials that may include porcelain, metal, and ceramics. A traditional bridge is designed with a false tooth (a pontic) and two dental crownsattached on either side. In order to secure the bridge, the dental crowns are permanently placed over healthy remaining teeth.
If you are missing several teeth in a row, a dental bridge can help you enjoy your smile once again.
Traditional bridges are commonly recommended when you are missing one tooth. If you are missing more than one tooth, an implant-supported bridge may be recommended. For each missing tooth, dental implantsare surgically inserted into your jawbone with abutments. The dental crowns are then fused together to form one piece, permanently placed over the abutments. Although implant-supported bridges require a lengthy healing period, they provide long-lasting results and a high level of stability.
Do I Need a Dental Bridge?
If you are experiencing tooth loss from an injury, gum disease, or severe tooth decay, a dental bridge can help restore what has been lost. At Quality Dental Care, our doctors will recommend a dental bridge if you:
- Are missing one or more teeth in a row
- Are committed to caring for your prosthetic
- Have healthy remaining teeth for a traditional bridge
- Have healthy gums and jawbone for an implant-supported bridge
To determine whether you are a candidate, we will perform a dental checkup with x-rays. If you qualify, we will outline a treatment plan, individualized to meet your goals and budget. We understand that cost can be a factor in dental care decisions, and our team can discuss treatment costs and financing with you during your consultation.
Placing Your Custom Restoration
During the placement procedure, for a traditional bridge, Dr. Ennabi will reshape the remaining teeth to prepare for the dental crowns. For implant-supported bridges, dental implants will be surgically inserted into the jawbone. Implant surgery will require about four to six months of healing.
Once the area has healed and your teeth have been prepared, impressions will be taken for your restoration to be custom-made. Once the restoration has been designed and you return for your follow-up appointment, we will check the fit and comfort of your restoration before permanently securing it with dental cement.
Dental Bridge Benefits
If you properly care for your restoration, you can expect results to last at least ten years. A dental bridge will save you money by preventing further dental damage from occurring, such as bruxism (teeth grinding), TMJ disorder, and dental misalignment. In addition, your overall health and quality of life will be improved. You will enjoy:
- Smiling again
- Increased confidence
- Restored dental function (ability to chew and talk normally)
- Restored balance to your bite
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are missing several teeth in a row, a dental bridge can help you enjoy your smile once again. To schedule a consultation with one of our skilled doctors, contact us today.
