Missing teeth are more than just a blow to your self-confidence. For the 120 million people in the U.S. missing one or more teeth, a gap in their smile can cause other dental issues down the line. If you are considering a bridge for a missing tooth (or teeth), here’s what you need to know.

Can you get a bridge for missing tooth?

You can use a dental bridge to replace missing teeth, no matter where they are in your mouth. In fact, a dental bridge for front teeth might be one of the most natural-looking and least-invasive options for you.

There are four main types of bridges to consider:

  1. Traditional: Replacement teeth called pontics attach to dental crowns that are then placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth
  2. Cantilever: A cantilever bridge attaches to a healthy tooth on one side of the gap
  3. Maryland: A Maryland bridge attaches to the back of the teeth on either side of the gap
  4. Implant-supported: Titanium posts are placed into healthy jawbone directly, with a crown on top to replace the missing tooth or teeth

Pontics can be made of a variety of materials, carefully selected to most closely match your natural, healthy teeth.

Which bridge is best for me?

The bridge that works best for you depends on:

  • The number of teeth you are replacing
  • Where those teeth are located
  • The health of your remaining teeth

Traditional bridges are, as the name suggests, the most common type of bridge. They can help when there are healthy teeth on either side of the gap. The issue with traditional bridges is that the healthy teeth have to be modified to receive a crown, and some patients prefer to leave healthy teeth alone. A cantilever bridge only modifies one healthy tooth and may be a good option in this case.

Maryland bridges don’t require any tooth modification and are a great choice for front teeth. They are not as study and won’t work as well for back teeth with lots of chewing force, though. Implant-supported bridges might be the best option in that case.

Your dentist can explain all of your options and help you make the best choice for your smile.

When a bridge won’t work

Dental bridges for missing teeth are not an option if there are no remaining healthy teeth in your mouth.

In this case, implant-supported dentures can be used when the jawbone is healthy. If not, full dentures held in place with adhesive can be a good option.

How many missing teeth can a bridge replace?

Dental bridges can replace anywhere from one missing tooth to nearly a full mouth of teeth. But just as a river bridge connects two sides of shoreline, a dental bridge is technically only a bridge if there are teeth to connect.

Replacing an entire mouth of teeth is not possible with a dental bridge.

What can I expect during the dental bridge procedure?

The dental bridge procedure is easy and painless, usually requiring two visits.

On the first visit, your dentist will explain all of your bridge options and take an impression of your healthy teeth on either side of the bridge. If you will be receiving a traditional or cantilever bridge, they’ll prepare the healthy teeth supporting the bridge for a crown. You will receive temporary crowns during this visit.

Your dentist may also provide a temporary bridge on the first visit. Keep in mind that this bridge will not be as comfortable or feel as natural as your permanent bridge.

If you are receiving an implant-supporting bridge, instead of preparing healthy teeth for crowns, your dentist will place the titanium posts to give them a chance to heal before you get a bridge.

Each bridge is custom-made. Your dentist will place the bridge once it’s ready and check for fit and function. The bridge may feel strange at first, especially if you have been missing teeth for a long period of time.

The entire dental bridge procedure can take anywhere from a couple weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the work being done.

Dental bridge recovery

After your dental bridge procedure, teeth on either side of your bridge may feel sensitive to temperature. This sensitivity should go away in a few days. With the exception of the surgical site for implant-supported bridges, you should not experience swelling or pain after your bridge is placed.

Dental bridges can last decades if you care for them properly. While there are no food restrictions, avoiding certain foods can prolong the life of your bridge.

Foods to minimize or avoid include:

  • Food that stains (pontics can stain at a different rate than natural teeth)
  • Hard foods, such as hard candy or thick pretzels
  • Sticky foods (i.e., gum or taffy)

Care for your dental bridge just as you care for your natural teeth. Brush and floss daily, and use non-alcoholic, antiseptic mouthwash to kill germs.

Visit your dentist twice annually for a full cleaning and checkup of your dental bridge. If issues do arise, early detection can help.

If the teeth to which the bridge is attached become sore, or the gum under or around the bridge becomes swollen, red, or painful, see your dentist. This is a sign of gum disease and can progress rapidly if left untreated. Decay can also cause damage to supporting teeth and force removal of the bridge altogether.

Learn more about a bridge for missing tooth

Considering a bridge for missing tooth but still have questions? AZ Dentist is your family dentist with convenient hours and locations across Phoenix.

To learn more about dental bridges and see what could work for you, get in touch today!

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