Tooth loss is not isolated to young children shedding their baby teeth and older folk losing their permanents ones. Millions of people in the United States alone lose their teeth every year as a result of disease or injury. If you are one of the many people suffering from missing teeth, you should know that you are not alone and that there is a solution. At Gulfside Dental, we are excited to offer smile restorations with our dental bridge procedure in Naples, FL.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are prosthetic dental devices used to replace or restore a single or multiple missing teeth in a row. Bridges are classified as a “fixed” restoration, meaning that they cannot be removed and are adhered to your teeth until they need to be replaced or get damaged.
Generally speaking, dental bridges have three main components:
- Abutment: The abutment is the base of the bridge which holds the structure in place. Abutments are typically placed atop dental implants.
- Crown: The crown is one of the two visible components of a bridge. They look like normal teeth and can be placed over existing teeth or an implant. Crowns not only replicate the function of a real tooth, but they also hold the pontic in place.
- Pontic: The pontic is the replacement prosthetic tooth held in place by crowns on either side. Pontics reside in the center of the restoration, and they are the reason why this treatment is called a ‘bridge.’
How Do Dental Bridges Work?
There are a couple of methods to installing dental. If you have a single or multiple missing teeth next to each other, but the adjacent teeth on either side of the opening are still in place - those remaining teeth can be shaved down and capped with a crown to hold the bridge in place. This is the procedure for placing traditional dental bridges.
Alternatively, if there are many teeth missing in a row, your dentist might recommend placing dental implants in lieu of using existing permanent teeth to hold the bridge in place. This process is known as implant-assisted bridges.
Are There Other Types of Dental Bridges?
Although traditional and implant-assisted dental bridges are the most common, there are two other types your dentist might recommend:
Cantilever Bridges
These bridges are required when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth. This procedure is uncommon and not recommended for missing teeth towards the back of the mouth as the undue pressure, and lack of stability can reduce the longevity of the bridge.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
Also known as resin-bonded bridges, these prosthetics are supported by a metal or porcelain frame and often include wings on one side of the bridge that is bonded onto existing teeth.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
As with all dental restorations, the lifespan of dental bridges will depend on how you care for them and your level of dental hygiene. If you brush regularly, avoid chewing on hard foods and keep your gums healthy by flossing, your dental bridges can last up to 15 years.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Bridges?
Most people who have lost one or multiple teeth are good candidates for dental bridges. However, it’s important to keep in mind that in some cases, bridges may require dental implants. Although minor, implants do require oral surgery, and if you have any medical condition or take medication that may interfere with the treatment, you could be ineligible for the procedure.
What are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
- Regain your confidence
- Improve your appearance
- Eat and speak normally again
Do You Need Dental Bridges in Naples, FL?
If you have suffered from tooth loss, you can now make the choice to bring back your smile with dental bridges. At Gulfside Dental, we are committed to transforming the way your feel about yourself through dentistry. Give us a call today to learn more about our procedures!