Are you missing one or more permanent teeth? Do you have a row of missing teeth? A dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth. The bridge connects to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth and is held in place with permanent dental cement. A dental bridge is a restorative dental treatment we provide to new and existing patients in Tampa, FL.
A traditional fixed bridge uses a pontic, abutment, and crowns. The pontic is the false tooth or teeth we create from tooth-colored materials. Abutment teeth are the natural teeth we prepare on either side of the missing tooth gap. Crowns are caps that cover the natural teeth. However, we can use implants instead of natural teeth for support.
What are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
There are many advantages to dental bridge treatment. Dental bridges:
- Prevent facial sagging
- Stop teeth from shifting and overcrowding
- Improve bite function
- Maintain the natural face shape
- Help improve speaking and eating function
Feel free to contact our office if you have one or more lost teeth and need a restoration. We create dental restorations that blend in with the smile to create more functional, aesthetically pleasing smiles.
Traditional vs. Implant-Secured Dentures
A traditional dental bridge uses support from the natural teeth on either side of a missing tooth gap. We must prepare the natural teeth on either side of the tooth gap for crowns. The crown-capped teeth hold a false tooth or teeth in place. Bridge treatment can take several weeks.
A dental implant can replace a single missing tooth, and multiple implants can secure a dental bridge. Implant treatment can take months, because you need time for the jaw bone to grow around the implant post.
While traditional dental bridges take less time than implant bridges, implant bridges last longer because they support false teeth at the root. Dental implants support the gum tissue and jaw bone beneath the gums.
Implant Bridge Treatment
Before dental bridge treatment, we will take X-rays and thoroughly examine the smile. We will also ensure that patients have enough bone beneath their gums if they receive implant bridges. Then, we prepare teeth as needed to take dental impressions. We send these dental impressions to a dental lab that creates the bridge prosthetic.
We place the implant post in the jaw bone if patients receive dental implants. Over three to six months, the implants fuse with the jaw bone to become a permanent mouth part.
After the implants heal, we place an abutment. This piece connects the post to the bridge. It will take more time for your gums to heal. We will attach the completed bridge once the implants or natural teeth are ready.
Restore Missing Teeth Today
Do you want to replace your teeth permanently? Contact Dr. Benedict for a dental bridge today.
Call our office for a dental bridge in Tampa, FL, at 813-733-6981. You may also schedule an appointment with Dr. Benedict and her team on our website. If you have questions about bridge treatment, let us know about your next visit.