.Dental bridges are a restorative treatment that uses the support of surrounding teeth to hold prosthetic teeth in place. Bridges can be fixed or removable; Dr. Samantha Leatherwood can use dental implants to secure bridges in her Denton, TX, office. Dental implants offer a more permanent solution to missing teeth and help ensure restorations like bridges are secure and stable. Dental bridges that support dental implants improve bone retention and balance the bite.
DENTAL BRIDGE TREATMENT IN DENTON, TX
Before recommending a dental restoration, Dr. Leatherwood must first determine your candidacy for dental bridge treatment. The best candidates for dental bridges have healthy teeth and gums. However, she will address any existing dental problems before bridge treatment. Once Dr. Leatherwood addresses these problems, she will create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs, goals, and budget.
A dental bridge can either be supported by dental crowns or dental implants. Dr. Leatherwood may prepare the teeth adjacent to the missing teeth if they are supporting a removable bridge. Removable bridges are supported by natural teeth capped off with dental crowns. If dental implants support the dental bridge, Dr. Leatherwood will surgically implant them first.
Dr. Leatherwood will add the bridge later after the tooth implant heals. As with implant-supported dental bridges, removable bridges require some time between the tooth preparation and the final restoration. Dr. Leatherwood will estimate your treatment time, depending on whether you receive dental crowns or implants to secure your bridge.
IMPLANT-SUPPORTED BRIDGE
Two or more consecutive missing teeth can be replaced by an implant-supported dental bridge. Utilizing dental implants will help your fake teeth operate and look like natural teeth. You eliminate the need to degrade healthy adjacent teeth when using implant fixtures to secure a bridge. Additionally, the presence of the fixtures in the bone will prevent it from degrading.
Implant posts provide stimulation for the bone, similar to how natural teeth roots do. Preventing bone loss is important to maintaining the natural shape of your face. People with jawbone loss develop deep wrinkles around the mouth, the chin appears to stick out more, and the mouth is sunken into the face.
Cost and longer treatment time are a downside to using tooth implants. However, using implant fixtures to support your dental bridge is more like an investment in your quality of life. This treatment is the next best thing to having natural teeth.
DENTAL BRIDGE FAQS
HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY DENTAL BRIDGE?
After you receive your dental bridge, you must ensure that you are brushing and flossing around and underneath the dental bridge. This will help prevent the hardware from trapping food residue. We also suggest avoiding excessively crunchy or chewy foods to prevent damage to the dental bridge. Proper care means your bridge will last for many years.
CAN MY TEETH UNDER THE BRIDGE DECAY?
Unfortunately, yes, they can. This is why good oral hygiene habits are necessary if you have a dental bridge. Food and bacteria can get under the bridge and reach the abutment teeth. Our helpful staff will show you how to remove food that sticks and how to brush and floss properly around the bridge. Proper at-home care and regular dental cleanings will help prevent tooth decay when you have a dental bridge.
WHY DOES MY DENTAL BRIDGE HURT?
It is important to contact Dr. Leatherwood as soon as possible if you experience pain around the bridge. This could be a sign of tooth decay under the bridge. It also could mean that Dr. Leatherwood may need to adjust or replace your bridge because it no longer fits properly.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A BRIDGE TO FEEL NORMAL?
It typically takes about two weeks for a patient to feel completely comfortable with their new bridge. During this period, avoid excessively hot or very cold foods. You can also use sensitive tooth toothpaste to ease initial discomfort.
ARE THERE ANY EATING RESTRICTIONS WITH DENTAL BRIDGES?
If you have a dental bridge, you can enjoy the same foods you always have. Technically, there are no restrictions; however, most dentists will advise you not to each sticky or hard foods. These suggestions apply even with natural teeth.
Call Our Dental Office
Restore the look and function of your smile by replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge. Request an appointment with Dr. Leatherwood on our website. You can also call our office at (940) 220-3566. Our office serves patients from Denton, Corinth, and the surrounding areas.