At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges and his caring team can help you repair your smile with quality dental bridges. From start to finish, you’ll get the patient-centered care that you deserve. So, don’t wait–call our Duncan, OK, dental office now at (580) 255-4880 or request an appointment online here.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, then you might be wondering if dental bridges are right for you. Here, Dr. Bridges will answer five frequently asked questions (FAQs) about dental bridges to help you make the right choice for you.

What are dental bridges?

A dental bridge is an oral prosthetic made from high-quality materials to resemble the appearance and function of natural teeth. Typically, a dental bridge contains one or more false teeth, which are held in place with the help of dental crowns on neighboring teeth. However, some dental bridges maintain their position in the mouth by fastening to sturdy dental implants.

Who is a good candidate for a dental bridge?

Traditionally, an ideal candidate is one who has at least one missing tooth or several missing teeth in a row. But, tooth loss alone is not a sufficient qualifier for candidacy.

Patients must also have good oral health before getting a dental bridge. Otherwise, cavities and gum disease will continue to wreak havoc on the patient’s oral and overall health. 

Nonetheless, most patients with one or more missing teeth in a row are usually ideal candidates for a dental bridge. And because a traditional dental bridge is minimally-invasive, it is a suitable alternative to dental implants.

Are there different types of dental bridges?

Yes, there are many types of dental bridges. But, the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center only offers traditional bridges and implant-supported bridges.

Traditional bridges use dental crowns to hold their place in the mouth. Whereas, implant-supported bridges require surgically implanted titanium posts for stability.

Ultimately, an in-depth consultation with Dr. Bridges will help you choose the right type of dental bridge for you, your health, and your lifestyle.

How long does a dental bridge last?

With the proper care, a dental bridge can last at least a decade. Daily brushing and flossing combined with regular dental checkups and cleanings will help patients keep their appliances for longer.

Does a dental bridge make it harder to eat and speak?

At first, a dental bridge might feel foreign while eating and speaking. However, most patients quickly grow accustomed to their dental bridges after the first few days of wear. 

Generally, patients with a dental bridge report increased ease, comfort, and confidence while eating and speaking.

Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation Today

If you are missing one or more consecutive teeth, then a dental bridge might be right for you. Schedule a comprehensive consultation now to verify your candidacy. New and existing patients can contact our Duncan dental office at (580) 255-4880 or send us a message online here.

The post We Answer Five FAQs about Dental Bridges appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Dental bridges are a type of restorative dentistry that  fills a gap when a tooth has deteriorated or been removed. The false tooth, called a pontic, is held in place by dental crowns that are attached to the healthy teeth on both sides of it.   

So, how long can a dental bridge last? In many ways, that is up to you. It depends on a series of factors including how and how well you care for it, what types of food you eat, and how careful you are to protect it. 

According to a study by the Cleveland Clinic, a properly cared for dental bridge can last from 5- 15 years. Some bridges last a lifetime. 

Here is what you can do to make your dental bridge last as long as possible:  

Proper Cleaning and Care

Bridges may fail if the surrounding teeth decay or deteriorate. This is why it is so important to practice good oral hygiene. While dental bridges are a great option, they require excellent oral care habits to ensure they last as long as possible

People who have dental bridges should: . 

• Brush twice a day: This is standard practice for people of all ages, but is especially important if you have a dental bridge. Use a soft bristled brush and a non-abrasive paste or gel to remove the plaque and food particles. 
• Floss daily: In addition to normal, daily flossing, dental bridge patients must clean between their bridge and gum line. Normally, floss fits right between two teeth, but a bridge is a continuous span so food and bacteria can become trapped underneath. To properly clean between the pontic and gum line, use a dental pick, water pik, or floss threader. Talk with your dentist about how soon you should start flossing after getting a bridge. 
• Regular dental visits: Regular dental cleanings and checkups are essential to oral health for everyone but take on a greater sense of urgency for those with restorative dental work like bridges. Regular cleanings not only help keep your teeth healthy but allow the dentist to take a look at the bridge and identify potential problems early on. This proactive approach can save costly work later. 

Avoid Certain Foods

Being able to enjoy a variety of foods is one advantage of a dental bridge over dentures. That being said, there are foods that should be avoided. 

Hard nuts, popcorn, or hard candies can damage the ceramic coatings on dental bridges. Chewing ice can damage a dental bridge as well. 

You should also avoid stringy, sinewy vegetables and meat that require extensive chewing to get them down. When it comes to beneficial vegetables like broccoli that can be difficult to eat when raw, don’t completely avoid them! Try new methods of cooking (like roasting or steaming) to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs. 

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

Using your teeth for anything other than chewing your food is a bad idea. Do not use teeth to open bottles or tear open packages. Your teeth need to serve you for a lifetime so they should never be used as a tool or a way to carry “one more thing.” This concern is amplified when you have a dental bridge that is susceptible to damage.   

Don’t Hesitate to Contact Your Dentist

Call your dentist if the bridge becomes uncomfortable or you start to have pain or sensitivity when chewing. Additionally, you should contact a dental professional if you notice redness, swelling or bleeding around the bridge. 

Dental Bridge Repair and Replacement  in Duncan, OK

If you want to see if a dental bridge is right for you, Contact Dr. Bridges and the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Click here to schedule an appointment online or call us at (580) 255-4880. 

The post How Long A Dental Bridge Lasts (& How to Make It Last As Long As Possible!) appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Dental Implants vs Traditional Bridge: Which Option Is Right for Me?

Dental implants and traditional bridges have unique restorative benefits. During your consultation at our Duncan dental practice, Dr. Bridges will explain each treatment option in detail. 

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a row of artificial teeth that is connected to your jaw through two dental crowns. The one-piece restoration is crafted from a material that will match the color and luster of your natural teeth. Before your bridge can be placed, two teeth on other either side of the gap in your smile will need to be reduced in size. Dental bridges are typically placed in two visits to our dental office. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium posts that replace lost tooth roots. If you choose to undergo this safe and life-changing procedure, Dr. Bridges will refer you to a trusted oral surgeon. Once your implant has fully healed, Dr. Bridges will place a custom dental crown on your implant. 

Factors to Consider with Both Options

There are several factors to consider when choosing a restoration for missing teeth. If you are looking for a treatment that can be completed within a few weeks, you may be a better candidate for a dental bridge. After your first visit to have two teeth resized, your dental bridge can be manufactured in only a few weeks.

Dental implant placement requires three to six months of healing before your final crown can be placed. Implants are also a more expensive treatment option compared to dental bridges. Although there is a larger investment of time and money, many patients report that implant-retained restoration feel and function like natural teeth. There is also the added benefit of preventing jawbone recession. Implants stimulate jawbone tissue and promote bone growth.

Both treatment options prevent tooth drifting while restoring oral function. Our office also offers implant-retained bridges that combine the benefits of both restorative treatments. After you have undergone either of these procedures, it will be crucial to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, but the titanium posts can only function when surrounded by healthy jawbone tissue. Similarly, a traditional bridge requires that the two supporting teeth remain healthy. Preventing gum disease will play an important role in ensuring that either restoration has a long lifespan. 

Schedule Your Restorative Treatment Today

Still not sure which option will work best for you? Not to worry. Dr. Bridges has many years of experience helping patients find the perfect restoration that meets their budget and needs. If you are tired of having an unsightly gap in your smile, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with our staff online or by calling (580) 255-4880.

The post “Bridge” the Gap in Your Smile appeared first on Chisholm Trail.