Dental Bridges
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-fitted tooth prosthetic that is used to replace missing teeth. This permanent, non-removable tooth replacement looks and functions like a natural tooth. With this restoration, you complete your smile, eliminate holes, and restore your confidence in your appearance.
It usually takes two visits to your dentist to complete a dental bridge restoration. Here’s how the procedure works:
- Examination: Your Bethesda dentist conducts a thorough dental exam to determine whether you are a good candidate for a bridge. If any gum disease is identified or other oral health problems, these will need to be addressed first before any restorations can occur.
- Preparation: If a dental bridge is the right solution for you, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are prepped so the crowns that hold the bridge in place fit snugly and anchor the bridge properly. Impressions of the teeth are also taken and included with dental images in the package that is sent to the dental lab technicians for the creation of the customized bridge.
- Waiting: While you wait for the final bridge to be created, temporary crowns are placed on the prepped teeth to protect them.
- Restoration: When the permanent dental bridge is ready, it is tested to ensure that it fits properly and blends with your natural teeth. The bridge and its clasps are then cemented into place and the accompanying dental crowns are bonded in place to complete the repair.
The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
It may seem like some teeth are more important than others. If you’re missing a front tooth, you obviously want it replaced. If you’re missing a molar, you may not put it as high on the priority list. All teeth, though, are essential to your overall oral health – and dental restorations aren’t just about making you look better, they’re about making sure your smile is healthy.
Replacing missing teeth is essential because when a tooth is absent, its root system is too. Without at least a repair above the gum line, you are susceptible to several serious oral health problems like:
- A weakened jawbone
- Compromised neighboring teeth
- Tissue damaged caused by shifting teeth
- Bite and alignment problems
Only one missing tooth, while it may not seem like a big deal overall, can lead to a wholly unstable mouth. Over time, the absence of a tooth or two will lead to more and more oral health complications.
Cost Factors for Dental Bridges
The cost factors for getting a dental bridge from your Bethesda dentist will vary based on a handful of factors, including:
- How many teeth are being replaced
- Number of porcelain crowns needed
- Location of the restoration
- Materials being used
There are multiple financing options available to manage restorative dentistry that is not covered by insurance. At Bethesda Family Dental, we take CareCredit and offer convenient payment plans to qualifying patients. We do everything we can to make your dental care affordable so you can get the dental restorations you need.
Get a Dental Bridge from Your Bethesda Dentist
If you are missing a tooth, schedule a consultation with Bethesda Family Dental to find out if you’re a good candidate for a dental bridge or other tooth restoration. Your repair, no matter what it is, will be made of high-quality materials that deliver a long-lasting, natural-looking smile.
