At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges offers dental bridges as a method to replace consecutively missing teeth.
Complete Your Smile with a Dental Bridge
Missing teeth can negatively affect your chewing function and your confidence. A dental bridge can be used to replace a row of one or more missing teeth, literally bridging the gap in your smile. Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK places bridges for patients who want an affordable and predictable teeth replacement option.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is comprised of artificial teeth, which are connected to two dental crowns. This one-piece restoration is typically crafted from aesthetic dental materials such as composite or ceramic, although there are metal options as well.
In order to secure the bridge in place, the teeth on either side of the gap are shaped and reduced in size. The crown portions of the bridge are then cemented onto the natural teeth, filling in the spaces in your smile.
Am I a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
If you are missing consecutive teeth, a dental bridge may be an optimal replacement option for you. Before having a bridge placed, Dr. Bridges will need to make sure there is no extensive decay or periodontal disease present. He will perform an examination and take necessary x-rays to determine your candidacy.
Bridges are minimally-invasive and low-risk. For this reason, they are an excellent choice for patients who are poor candidates for dental implants due to health risks.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of bridges available in dentistry today. Dr. Bridges will work with you to determine what kind of treatment will best address your needs. The two most common types of bridges placed at Chisholm Trail Smile Center include:
- Traditional: Resting on your natural teeth, traditional bridges are an excellent choice when replacing one to three missing teeth in a row. Your new restoration can be color-matched to your natural teeth for an aesthetically-pleasing result.
- Implant-Supported: Rather than resting on your natural teeth, implant-supported bridges are anchored by dental implants. Although costlier than the traditional variety, implant-supported bridges do not require the reduction of your natural teeth. Because dental implants stimulate the jawbone, there is a much lower risk for bone loss. If you choose an implant-supported bridge, Dr. Bridges will refer you to a dependable surgeon for the placement of your implants. Once they have healed, you will see us for your final restoration.
Dental Bridge Treatment Process
During your initial consultation, Dr. Bridges will talk with you about your goals. If it is determined that a dental bridge is the right option for you, here is what to expect during the treatment process:
- Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, local anesthesia will be administered to numb your teeth and gums.
- Preparation: If you are receiving a traditional bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap will be reduced in preparation for your restoration. If you opt for an implant-supported bridge, special connectors (abutments) will be attached to your healed dental implants.
- Impressions: In order for your new prosthesis to be crafted, a mold of your teeth will be made. This will be sent to our trusted dental lab so they can begin the fabrication of your new teeth.
- Temporary Bridge: While you are waiting for your new restoration to arrive, Dr. Bridges will place a temporary bridge to help protect your teeth and support the gum tissue.
- Fabrication: A highly-trained technician will design and craft your final bridge, polishing the surface to a natural-looking shine.
- Placement: Once we receive your case from the lab, we will schedule you for an appointment to place your new bridge. Carefully assessing the fit, Dr. Bridges will make any necessary adjustments, making sure your bite is functioning normally. Once everything is just right, Dr. Bridges will cement the restoration in place.
Schedule a Consultation
At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges offers dental bridges as a method to replace consecutively missing teeth.