DENTAL BRIDGES
If you’re missing a tooth or maybe even a couple, dentures are often not the best option. In this case, dental bridges can help supply the support and strength you need to restore to your missing tooth. At Dr. Douglas F. Smith, DDS, our experienced team can help fit you with a dental bridge for a gap between your teeth. Not only will this help restore use to the missing tooth, but it can help you regain a beautiful smile.
A dental bridge is a type of artificial tooth that can be used to bridge the gap between two teeth if you have a missing tooth. Dental bridges can replace one or multiple missing teeth. To help anchor the bridge in place, crowns are used to connect it to the natural teeth on both sides. Just like crowns, bridges are custom fit for your mouth, giving you a natural and comfortable feel. At our Logan dentist office, fitting and placing a bridge will typically take two appointments so that we can have your crowns and bridge custom-made for your mouth.
A bridge might be necessary if you’ve lost a tooth to gum disease, injury, or even tooth decay. Some people are even born with missing teeth, which can also be a reason for a bridge. Bridges can help you in many ways, including:
Restoring your smile
Preventing your teeth near the gap from shifting and moving out of place
Restoring your ability to chew and eat
Returning strength to the area of your mouth missing the tooth.
Sometimes a missing tooth can also affect your speech. Having a bridge placed can help return your speech to what it was before you lost your tooth.
The lifespan of a dental bridge can greatly depend on a person’s oral hygiene. If you properly take care of your teeth and the bridge, it can last up to 15 years.
Dental bridges are a permanent solution to missing teeth, but this doesn’t mean they won’t require replacement every five to 15 years.
A dental bridge does not always need to be placed in your mouth using crowns, but it does require something to help keep it in place, such as implant-supported bridges.
Proper oral hygiene can make a big difference on how long your dental bridge will last. You should brush your dental bridge twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss underneath it once a day, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Avoid chewing on hard foods and ice, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Not everyone is a good candidate for a dental bridge. Our dental team will evaluate your oral health to determine whether or not a bridge is the right option for you. Factors that may affect your candidacy include the health of your remaining teeth and gums, the location of the missing tooth or teeth, and your overall health and medical history.
The cost of a dental bridge can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the type of bridge, the number of missing teeth, and the materials used, and our dental office can take a look at your specific situation to give you an accurate upfront estimate. If you have dental insurance, at least a portion of the cost of a dental bridge may very well be covered. We can work with you to help you know what to expect financially and how to maximize your insurance benefits.
The start-to-finish process of getting a dental bridge typically takes place over several visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the adjacent teeth are prepared and impressions are taken, and a temporary bridge may be placed while the permanent bridge is being fabricated. At the second visit, your permanent bridge is added and adjusted for the perfect fit. Additional visits may be needed in some cases.
The dental office of Dr. Douglas F. Smith, DDS, has been serving patients of all ages in Logan, Utah, for nearly 30 years. Our team understands that dental work can be stressful or intimidating, so we work to provide a relaxing, fear-free environment where we skip the rush and put our patients first.
COMFORTABLE, CONVENIENT DENTAL BRIDGE
If you’re ready to start the process of getting a dental bridge, trust us at Dr. Douglas F. Smith, DDS for your procedure. Whether you’re missing one tooth or a few, we can help figure out the best type of bridge for you. We also offer Saturday hours to make things more convenient for our patients. Call us today to schedule a dental bridge appointment with our Logan dental office!
