Dental Bridges – Two Column
Dental Bridges in Ballantyne
Dentists use dental bridges to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Bridges are utilized to provide the appearance and function of natural teeth when tooth decay or trauma has rendered an existing tooth unworkable.
A traditional bridge is placed using crowns laid over abutment teeth, while a Maryland bridge is implanted by placing metal or porcelain on the back sides of teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Our dentist places dental bridges in Ballantyne, NC to allow teeth and gums to function normally following the loss of a tooth.
Dental Bridges – Three Column
Purpose
Although natural teeth are preferred, a fixed bridge can improve functionality and appearance after being bonded to the surrounding teeth. With proper care, a bridge can successfully replace a tooth or teeth without increasing the likelihood of developing gum disease and without requiring the use of dental implants.
Types of Bridges
There are three common types of bridges: implant-supported bridges, Maryland bridges, and traditional bridges. Implant-supported bridges involve placing a titanium implant in the jaw bone before placing a bridge. Maryland bridges bond bridges to teeth using only a thin strip of metal or a composite material. Traditional bridges use crowns over the abutment teeth to hold the bridge firmly in place.
Aftercare
After a bridge is placed, it is important to keep the area clean. Bridges rest on top of teeth and gums, with the exception of implant-supported bridges, and can trap food and debris without proper oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss the area carefully to make sure that decay does not affect abutment teeth and gum disease does not develop beneath the bridge.
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At Aten & Garofalo Dentistry, we provide restorative dental services in Ballantyne, NC. In addition, we offer general and cosmetic dentistry to help our patients maintain their beautiful, healthy smiles. Whether you have lost a tooth or have had several teeth extracted, we are here for your dental care needs.
We customize dental bridge treatment plans and services based on our patients’ needs, preferences, and budgets. Before forging ahead with a dental bridge, we will answer any questions you may have and provide pros and cons for the procedure.
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What Our Patients Say
Seth J.
Have been going here for a few years and highly recommend! Always excellent service and availability.
Seth J.
9/1/2020
Cathy K.
Everyone at Dr Aten’s is so nice and really work at putting you at ease. They know their jobs and are really good at them. I am always so impressed. Dr Aten is great!!
Cathy K.
9/2/2020
Herb P.
My first visit was wonderful Kayla was great.
Herb P.
09/03/2020
Dental Bridges Faq’s
Frequently Asked Questions
- What exactly is a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are devices used to replace a lost tooth, whether that tooth fell out or was extracted. Bridges are nestled between partial dentures and tooth implants with regard to their invasive nature and provide a permanent and functional alternative to the temporary placement of dentures and the permanent placement of dental implants.
- Are dental bridges a safe way to replace lost teeth?
Dental bridges can be a great solution for anyone who has healthy teeth on either side of a lost tooth (or multiple teeth), and those who do not have the bone tissue necessary to qualify for a dental implant. Placing a bridge is not a surgical procedure and is considered a safe treatment option.
- What are the potential advantages of getting a dental bridge?
Dental bridges do not require invasive methods to be placed. They can also be placed using same-day technology. Dental bridges afford dental patients with the same comfort and use as dental implants without the discomfort and healing period unique to implants.
- What are the typical disadvantages of dental bridges?
Dental bridges must be cared for properly to prevent the possibility of developing gum disease and decay in the teeth on either side of the gap being filled by a bridge. If decay is able to penetrate the teeth beneath the crown or bonding, the bridge may fail. If brushing and flossing are inadequate, gum disease may begin at the gum line directly below the bridge. Bridge placement can also be lengthy and require a temporary bridge before the permanent bridge is placed.
- How much do dental bridges cost?
Dental bridges typically cost between $1500 and $5,000, depending on the size of the bridge in question and the materials being used. If insurance is willing to cover any of the cost, the cost will go down from there.
- Will insurance cover the cost of a dental bridge?
Dental insurance typically covers extensive dental procedures that are considered necessary, though they are usually covered at a lower rate than standard procedures. Different insurance companies provide different levels of coverage. Contact your specific company to determine whether or not the procedure is covered.
- What does the process of dental bridge placement involve?
Dental bridge placement begins with taking a mold of your teeth and the space between them to be filled. That mold will then be used to create a 3D bridge to be placed on the top of abutment teeth. Once the crowns or framework is bonded, bridges are considered permanent. Additional adjustments and changes may need to be made as time goes on.
- Does dental bridge placement hurt?
Although the process may be somewhat uncomfortable, it should not be painful. When crowns are placed, the area is numbed prior to preparing teeth. The same is true of placing a bridge.
- How long does it take to get a dental bridge placed?
The precise type of bridge being used will inform the amount of time required to place the bridge. Some patients are candidates for same-day bridge placement, while others will require two-three visits before the final bridge can be placed.
- How long does it take to heal after getting a bridge?
Dental bridges are not placed using invasive methods, so the recovery period is minimal. Some tenderness can be expected in the days and weeks following the placement of a bridge, but symptoms should not extend past this point.
- How long can I expect my bridge to last?
The precise timeline for bridge failure depends on how effectively a dental patient cares for their bridge. With inadequate care, a bridge may only last a handful of years. With proper care, bridges can last for ten years or more. Proper brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist are all essential to maintain your bridges successfully.
- What materials are used to fabricate dental bridges?
Dental bridges are typically made of metal, porcelain, or composite materials. Bridges may combine these materials to construct different parts of the bridge. Traditional bridges typically use composite or porcelain, while Maryland bridges may use metal to bond the bridge to the back of teeth.
- Can you remove dental bridges?
Bridges are not designed to be removed and cannot be removed by a dental patient. It is possible for a dentist to remove a bridge to repair a faulty placement and to address decay or damage to teeth after the bridge has been placed. Bridges are not dentures, however, and should not be utilized if you are in search of a removable tooth replacement option.
- When can dental bridges be used?
Unlike dentures and implants, bridges cannot be used to replace a large number of missing teeth. Bridges are designed specifically to utilize the teeth on either side of a missing tooth or a series of missing teeth using crowns, implants, or a porcelain or metal framework. If the teeth on either side of a gap are not healthy, the dental patient in question will not be a candidate for a bridge.