Dental Bridge – Forest, VA
Closing the Gaps in Your Smile
Like millions of other Americans right now, you’re dealing with an ongoing dental problem. You may have a few pearly whites that are either missing or damaged. What do you do? For many patients, the solution is as easy as picking up the phone and calling Crossroads Family Dentistry about a dental bridge in Forest. There, our team can use a specially-designed porcelain restoration to renew your beautiful and healthy smile, often over the course of just two simple appointments. Read on or give us a call today if you wish to learn more!
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What Is a Dental Bridge?
Instead of treating a tooth that is already there, a bridge is used to help bring missing teeth back. For this, two crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of the gap in a patient’s smile, and these are attached to prosthetic teeth (or tooth) to close it. Bridges can be made to be fixed or removable, and they can even be supported by dental implants to deliver a better result.
In any case, our team only works with the finest local dental labs to fabricate your restorations ensuring they are beautiful, natural-looking, and built to last. If you’re tired of dealing with missing teeth, give us a call today, and you’ll have your original smile back before you know it!
Types of Dental Bridges
The first thing you’ll want to do if you’re struggling with tooth loss is to schedule an initial consultation with our team at Crossroads Family Dentistry. By visiting us, we’ll review your dental history and discuss your smile goals to help determine which kind of dental bridge would be best for you.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional bridge consists of two dental crowns that are anchored to two supporting teeth on either side of the gap. This will allow your restoration to rest against your gums for support. This option does require preparing some of your healthy teeth by removing a tiny amount of the enamel. Once the bridge is cemented in place, you’ll be able to fully enjoy your renewed smile.
Implant Bridge
While similar to traditional dental bridges, this option involves surgically embedding metal implants into your jawbone. Not only will this preserve any adjacent natural teeth, but your restoration will also help maintain a more youthful facial structure. On top of that, your dental implants can last several decades to a lifetime with proper care!
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
Here are several advantages of a dental bridge that makes it one of the most sought-after tooth-replacement options:
- Can rebuild one or multiple missing teeth.
- Maintains the position of your other remaining teeth.
- Makes oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, etc.) easier in the long run.
- Blends seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
- Can last 15+ years with proper care and routine dental visits.
- Can preserve a strong jawbone (if you opt for an implant bridge).
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Dental Bridge FAQs
Do you have gaps in your smile? Dental bridges are a great option for replacing missing teeth, but you may still have some unanswered questions about the restoration, so we’re here to help. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about dental bridges in Forest. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, give us a call. We’d be happy to talk to you more about the process and get you started with an initial consultation.
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
No, dental bridges are designed to remain in your mouth for many years after being placed. You shouldn’t be able to take a dental bridge out of your own – only a dental professional can. Some healthcare providers call partial dentures “removable bridges,” but this isn’t entirely accurate. Partials are similar to bridges, but one of the key differences is that partials can be removed by the patient at any time, but dental bridges cannot.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Before your teeth are prepared to support the bridge, your mouth will be numbed by a local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel a thing. After the preparation and placement of your dental bridge, the underlying teeth will likely feel sensitive for a few days. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If discomfort persists or worsens, give us a call. Because dental bridges keep your remaining teeth from shifting out of place, they can prevent discomfort later on.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
Depending on the needs of the patient, a dental bridge can replace anywhere from one to four missing teeth in a row. In most cases, bridges are used to replace just one or two teeth. The longer the bridge extends, the less stable it becomes, especially if the natural teeth supporting the bridge aren’t strong and healthy. Ultimately, it becomes riskier to replace three or more teeth with a dental bridge. Implant bridges can lower this risk, as implants are just as strong and secure as natural teeth.
Do Dental Bridges Feel Natural?
Within just a few days of receiving your permanent dental bridge, it should start to feel increasingly natural. Bridges are made from durable materials that can stand up to everyday chewing forces just as easily as tooth enamel, so eating with a bridge shouldn’t feel strange. Each bridge is customized based on impressions taken of the tooth, so it shouldn’t feel awkward or even noticeable.