Millions of Americans are missing at least one tooth. If you’re a part of that statistic, you know from experience how tooth loss can affect your appearance and overall quality of life. Luckily, you don’t have to live that way forever. At Fromuth & Langlois Dental of Manchester, we have a solution to help you enjoy a fully functioning smile once again – dental bridges. If you’d like to learn more about this method of tooth replacement, continue reading or make an appointment with our team today!
Do you have a missing tooth? A dental bridge can help "bridge" the gap. The custom-crafted prosthetic is made of two crowns that hold a false tooth between them and are traditionally supported by adjacent natural teeth. In most cases, bridges are made from natural-looking materials like ceramic or porcelain. Since the restoration is color-matched to your enamel, it blends seamlessly with your remaining teeth, giving you a smile that looks just like your old one!
First, you’ll need a consultation with our team at Fromuth & Langlois Dental of Manchester to determine whether or not dental bridges are right for you. Based on our discussion, we’ll recommend one of the following treatment options:
A traditional dental bridge is used to replace one or more consecutive missing teeth. It’s anchored to your mouth with two dental crowns that are located on either side of the gap in your smile. With this option, a small amount of enamel is removed so that the crowns will fit properly.
If you’re missing three or more teeth in a row, implants can be used instead for more stability. A titanium post is placed on either side of the missing tooth. Once it fuses with the jawbone via a natural process called osseointegration, we can attach a dental bridge to implants, completing your grin. A primary advantage of this solution is that it requires no alteration of your existing teeth.
Patients who choose to replace their missing teeth with dental bridges in Manchester can expect to reap several incredible benefits. The custom-made prosthetics restore your ability to eat many of your favorite foods and speak clearly. They’ll also help maintain the shape of your face, make sure that the force of your bite is distributed correctly, and will stop your other teeth from drifting out of position. Like crowns, their average lifespan is anywhere from 5 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance.
Are you interested in learning more about dental bridges in Manchester? Reach out and schedule a consultation with our team today!
Dental bridges are designed to securely remain in your mouth for many years after placement, so you should not be able to remove yours without the assistance of a dental professional. While you may have heard some providers speak of “removable bridges,” this term refers to partial dentures, which do not technically qualify as dental bridges.
Before placing a dental bridge, Dr. Fromuth will administer a local anesthetic to render the process completely painless and ensure your comfort. However, some patients may benefit from sedation treatments to help them sit calmly during the procedure. While you may experience some sensitivity in the teeth supporting a bridge for a few days after having it placed, this is only temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, call our office if the discomfort seems to be getting worse. Receiving a dental bridge can also have the benefit of keeping the remaining teeth from drifting out of alignment, which can prevent much discomfort later on. If you are getting an implant bridge, you can expect to feel some temporary soreness in your jawbone afterward, but sticking to our aftercare instructions can set you up for the speediest and most comfortable recovery possible.
Depending on how well you take care of your bridge and the materials it is made from, your appliance can last between five and fifteen years. While metal bridges can have a longer lifespan than metal-free ones, the difference is often negligible. Since bridges replacing front teeth do not endure as much pressure as those replacing the back teeth, they often last longer. Implant bridges typically last much longer than traditional bridges, and, while the restorations themselves will eventually need to be replaced, the implants supporting them can last a lifetime with excellent care. Habits such as smoking, poor diet, neglecting hygiene, and teeth grinding can also cause your bridge to fail sooner.
A dental bridge can replace anywhere from one to four consecutive teeth, but, since these appliances tend to become unstable if they restore three or more, most of them are only used to replace one or two. A traditional dental bridge can also become unstable if the teeth supporting it are not healthy. Implant bridges, on the other hand, offer the greatest stability available without making alterations to the remaining teeth necessary.
While dental bridges are impervious to cavities, the natural teeth supporting them are still vulnerable to infection. Since food debris can become stuck beneath the artificial teeth or the space between the bridge and the gums, neglecting to clean your bridge adequately can lead to serious oral infections. Bacteria may also accumulate further beneath the bridge as the cement holding it in place begins to erode with age, making regular dental appointments especially crucial for keeping your teeth and restoration in great shape.