Bridges
Walker Family Dentistry
General Dentistry located in Fort Gibson, OK
As you age, it’s highly likely that you’ll have one or more missing or decayed teeth. The board-certified dentists at Walker Family Dentistry in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, provide dental bridges as a treatment solution for missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth with a bridge helps restore your smile and allows you to chew and talk without worry. If you have one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge can improve the function and aesthetics of your smile. Schedule a consultation by phone or online.
Bridges Q & A
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge closes the gap between missing and natural teeth. Typically made of porcelain, a bridge is a false tooth, or pontic, that is attached to abutment teeth on either side of the gap. There are four main types of bridges, including:
Maryland
A Maryland dental bridge uses two of your natural teeth as the abutments to support the artificial tooth. Your dentist bonds the bridge holding the pontic onto the back of your natural teeth using a metal or porcelain support framework.
Implant-supported
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as their support teeth. You can have a bridge made of all implants, or two implant-supported crowns with a pontic in between.
Traditional
Traditional bridges consist of a single false tooth or several teeth that are held in place by dental crowns on either side. This is the most popular type of dental bridge.
Cantilever
A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, only it attaches the pontic to just a single abutment tooth. If you have a natural tooth next to the missing tooth, your dentist can cement a dental crown to that tooth to support the pontic.
When would I need a bridge?
A dental bridge is one way to restore missing or decayed teeth for optimal oral health. A bridge also aesthetically enhances your smile so you can feel more confident when you open your mouth to talk or eat. Like other dental restorations, bridges help to:
- Restore your natural speech
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Allow you to chew properly
- Prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of place
Bridges are a good option for people with missing teeth who don’t want to undergo a surgical dental procedure.
How long do dental bridges last?
With good oral hygiene, your new bridge can last 10 years or more. The dentists at Walker Family Dentistry are highly experienced at correctly fitting your bridge so it’s comfortable and functions optimally. As long as your bridge is expertly fitted and you take good care of your teeth, your bridge should last a long time.
To prevent problems, it’s a good idea to avoid hard, chewy candies that may overload the pressure on your new bridge. The dental team explains how to care for your bridge and improve your oral hygiene routine to extend the life of your bridge.
Are bridges right for you? Call to schedule a consultation or use the online booking system.