Dental Bridges – Arlington, TX
Saying Goodbye to the Gaps in Your Smile
When multiple teeth are missing from your smile, you will begin to feel the effects of tooth loss, including difficulty eating and speaking. No matter if it is a small or large gap, the potential for others to notice may also have you feeling embarrassed, resulting in lower self-esteem. Dr. Baldwin and the team at Foundation Dental Solutions want to change that by recommending dental bridges in Arlington . Designed to fill in the gaps and restore your smile’s appearance, you’ll discover a reliable solution that offers stability, functionality, and greater beauty. Call us today if you think a dental bridge is what you need to feel good about yourself again.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth in a row within the smile. Bridges consist of durable, attractive prosthetic teeth attached to a gum-like base; they are anchored securely in place with the help of crowns placed over neighboring healthy teeth, thereby creating a strong, visually pleasing result. Dr. Baldwin is also happy to offer a fixed bridge option where your new prosthetic can be made even more secure with the transformative power of dental implants.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are two types of dental bridges your dentist in Arlington will share with you during your initial appointment – a traditional fixed bridge and an implant bridge. Both are reliable but are different when it comes to placement and permanence.
Traditional Dental Bridge
Using two dental crowns that are custom-made to fit over healthy abutment teeth, a traditional dental bridge includes artificial teeth known as pontics that rest on top of the gums once put into place. This type of prosthetic creates a full, complete appearance but does require the altering of healthy teeth that are meant to serve as anchors to hold it in place.
Implant Bridge
Although the preparation process for dental bridges is the same, an implant denture does not require altering healthy teeth. Instead, it requires placing two titanium dental implant posts into the outer sockets of the gap. A customized bridge is then built and secured to the tops of the implants, allowing the remaining teeth to rest on top of the gums. However, because the posts mimic the natural tooth root, they deliver continuous stimulation to the jawbone, helping to keep it intact instead of watching it deteriorate over time.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are one-of-a-kind solutions for tooth replacement, and they’ve been around for decades helping patients see complete, functional, and beautiful smiles. When talking with Dr. Baldwin about the benefits of dental bridges, you can expect:
- To eat your favorite foods once again, as well as speak with greater clarity
- To enjoy greater confidence
- A more youthful appearance now that your gap is filled in
- A continuously stimulated jawbone thanks to implant bridges
- Prosthetics that can last 30 years or more with implants or 10+ years with a traditional bridge
- Your natural teeth to remain in place and not shift out of alignment
Dental Bridge FAQs
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
No, you cannot take a dental bridge out on your own. These restorations are fixed in place and designed to remain in your mouth for many years after being placed. Only a dental professional can remove them safely if needed.
It’s worth noting that some people refer to partial dentures as “removable bridges,” but this is not accurate. Partials are similar to bridges, but they are removable by the patient. Meanwhile, traditional dental bridges are permanently secured.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Getting a dental bridge is generally not painful, as your dentist will numb the area before preparing your teeth to support the bridge. A topical anesthetic is typically sufficient, though sedation options are available for anxious patients. After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity in the treated teeth for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this, but contact your dentist if the discomfort worsens.
For implant bridges, there may be some soreness after the implant placement surgery. Your dentist will provide aftercare instructions to help minimize pain and ensure a smooth recovery. Additionally, dental bridges can prevent future discomfort by keeping your remaining teeth from shifting out of place. Overall, the process is designed to be as comfortable as possible, with any post-procedure discomfort typically manageable and temporary.
Do Dental Bridges Feel Natural?
Absolutely! Within a few days of receiving your permanent bridge, it should start blending seamlessly with your mouth. Bridges are custom-made using impressions of your teeth, ensuring a comfortable fit and alignment. They’re crafted from durable materials that mimic the strength of natural tooth enamel, so chewing and eating with a bridge feels normal.
Although your bridge might feel slightly different to your tongue compared to your natural teeth, it should not feel awkward or noticeable. Dentists reshape abutment teeth to ensure the bridge fits comfortably and functions well within your bite. Over time, you may even forget you ever lost a tooth. Dental bridges are meant to restore both function and appearance, giving you the confidence of a natural, complete smile.
How Soon Can You Get a Bridge After a Tooth Extraction?
You can get a dental bridge about 8 to 12 weeks after a tooth extraction. This waiting period allows your gums and jawbone to heal, ensuring the bridge fits correctly and functions properly. Healing time may vary depending on your oral health, so it’s essential to consult your dentist for a personalized timeline. Implant bridges can sometimes be placed immediately after extraction. Of course, your dentist will conduct a thorough oral evaluation to determine the best course of action and timing.