Dental Bridges

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge serves as a method to fill in the gaps where teeth are missing. It involves creating a false tooth with a crown on either side, which we then place over the teeth on either side of the gap, thereby ‘bridging’ the area. Dental bridges benefit your smile by providing long-lasting support and restoring your ability to speak and chew normally. 

What to Expect During the Procedure

For those on the verge of undergoing this procedure, it’s natural to wonder about the steps involved. The dental bridge process is relatively straightforward. It involves several appointments with Dr. Latino. 

The first appointment entails preparing the abutment teeth for the dental crowns. This involves reshaping the teeth to fit the crowns. We then take molds of your teeth and use them as a model for the bridge, which a dental lab crafts. 

Local Anesthesia and Numbness

During the procedure, we administer local anesthesia to ensure you do not feel any pain. We’ll numb the teeth and gums, significantly muting any sensations related to the reshaping process.

Temporary Discomfort and Sensitivity

It’s common to experience some soreness in the gums and mild sensitivity in the teeth adjacent to the bridge site. This is due to the repositioning and may feel like a mild ache. Over-the-counter pain medication can effectively manage this temporary discomfort.

Adjusting to the New Dental Bridge

Patients may initially notice the presence of the bridge, but this feeling is usually quick to fade. The tongue and mouth adapt remarkably well, and the bridge feels like a regular part of your dental structure.

Tips for Managing Any Discomfort

Practicing good oral hygiene and using a soft-bristled toothbrush can prevent any irritation. If you experience sharp pain or the discomfort does not subside over time, consult our team immediately.

Long-Term Comfort

The long-term comfort of a dental bridge is a highlight for many patients. Unlike dentures, bridges are permanent and do not require removal, contributing to their comfort and feeling of naturalness.

Getting Used to the Dental Bridge

In a matter of weeks, most patients report little to no discomfort with their dental bridge. Eating, smiling, and speaking feels secure and familiar, akin to your natural teeth.

Eating and Speaking with a Dental Bridge

Once your mouth adjusts, eating various foods and speaking becomes natural. We will customize your bridges to withstand chewing forces and blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.

Regular Check-Ups and Adjustments

Dr. Latino might suggest regular check-ups to ensure the bridge is in good condition and fitting comfortably. These adjustments are vital for maintaining your oral health and comfort.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

The following are a few of the benefits of a dental bridge. 

Restoring Missing Teeth

When you lose a tooth due to injury or decay, a gap in the mouth can lead to several issues, including bone loss, shifting of surrounding teeth, and a sagging facial appearance. Dental bridges are non-removable appliances that can restore your natural smile by filling in the gaps with an artificial tooth (pontic).

The Impact on Oral Health

By bridging the gap between missing teeth, dental bridges help maintain the structural integrity of your oral cavity. Moreover, they distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing the missing tooth, preventing other teeth from overworking and becoming damaged over time.

Improving Chewing and Speaking Abilities

Missing teeth can significantly affect your ability to chew food, often leading to digestive problems. Moreover, speech can be altered due to the misplacement of teeth, causing slurring or other speech impediments. Dental bridges can restore the natural chewing process and maintain the proper position of your tongue for clear speech.

Effect on Daily Comfort

Those with dental bridges reported speaking and eating comfortably and confidently as if they never lost a tooth. This restoration of function is not only convenient but vital for daily life.

Enhancing Aesthetics and Confidence

The loss of a tooth, especially the front teeth, can have a significant impact on your smile’s appearance. This can lead to a drop in self-esteem. Dental bridges not only restore the aesthetics of your smile but can also enhance your confidence in social and professional settings.

Natural Look and Feel

Modern dental materials and techniques ensure dental bridges are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Dr. Latino will meticulously craft your bridge to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, giving a seamless, natural look.

Maintaining Facial Structure

Did you know that losing teeth can impact the structure of your face over time? The bone in your jaw can deteriorate, leading to a sunken facial appearance. Dental bridges can help preserve the integrity of the jawbone and your facial structure.

Dental Bridges and Bone Preservation

An underappreciated aspect of dental bridges is their role in preserving the jawbone. Bridges maintain density and strength by providing the needed stimulation to the bone, preventing further bone loss.

Preventing Shifting of Teeth

A common occurrence when a tooth is lost is that the surrounding teeth shift into the gap. This can lead to bite problems and further tooth loss. Dental bridges effectively “bridge” the gap, preventing unwanted shifting and maintaining the positions of teeth.

Keeping Your Smile Aligned

Dental bridges ensure that each tooth has its place in your smile and doesn’t encroach on the space of others. Doing so helps maintain the integrity and alignment of your smile over time.

Types of Dental Bridges

Several dental bridges are available, each suitable for various patient needs and preferences. Knowing the options is critical to understanding what may work best for you.

Traditional Dental Bridges

These are the most common types and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics. They involve creating crowns for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth and placing a pontic in between.

Cantilever Bridges

We can use this type of bridge when adjacent teeth are on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. These can provide a solution for those who lack an opposing tooth to support a traditional bridge.

Maryland Bridges

Also known as resin-bonded bridges, Maryland bridges are made of a specialized resin bonded to the back of teeth on either side of the bridge, with a pontic in between. They involve minimal preparation of adjacent teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridges

For the sturdiest and most independent option, implant-supported bridges use dental implants that we can surgically place in the jawbone. We often recommend this when multiple teeth are missing in a row and provide durability and functionality similar to natural teeth.

Dental Bridges in Waco

In conclusion, while getting a dental bridge may seem daunting, their comfort and utility outweigh any initial concerns. Proper care and routine check-ups can offer a long-lasting and comfortable solution to missing teeth. Chad Latino, DDS patients can feel confident that a dental bridge, when properly made and fitted, is both comfortable and an excellent investment in the health and appearance of their smile.

If you have lost a tooth to injury, decay, or a surgical procedure, we invite you to visit Dr. Chad Latino. Our skilled Waco dentist will help you explore our quality general and family dentistry services in Waco, Texas. We offer dental bridges, dental crowns, root canal treatment, and more. 

Request an appointment today to get started!