Dental bridges

Dental Bridges in Holden, MA

Dental bridges are commonly used to replace missing teeth. They are also used to stabilize teeth that have been weakened by decay or injury. Holden Family Dentistry provides high-quality dental bridges and other dental services to our patients in Holden, MA, who need to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges are two or more crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the missing or failing tooth. The crowns are then connected to a false tooth called a pontic. Dental bridges can be made from several materials, including gold, porcelain, and metal alloys.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are three types of dental bridges: traditional dental bridges, cantilever dental bridges, and Maryland dental bridges.

Traditional Dental Bridges

Traditional dental bridges are the most common. They involve two crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The false tooth, or pontic, is attached to these crowns.

Cantilever Dental Bridges

Cantilever dental bridges are used when there are not enough teeth on one side of the missing tooth to support a traditional dental bridge. The cantilever dental bridge uses one dental crown attached to the false tooth or pontic.

Maryland Dental Bridges

Maryland dental bridges are used when the missing tooth is located at the front of the mouth. Maryland dental bridges are made up of two crowns connected to a metal frame. The false tooth, or pontic, is attached to this metal frame.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges

Who needs dental bridges?

The best candidates for bridges are those with a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth due to periodontal disease or other dental problems, bad bone structure in the mouth, and significant space problems.

What are the benefits of dental bridges?

Dental bridges can improve the function and appearance of your smile. They can also help to prevent teeth from shifting out of place. Dental bridges are great because they are permanent and other than flossing and cleaning underneath the bridge, they do not require additional special care. As long as you maintain good oral hygiene routines, they should last a long time.

Which dental bridge is best?

The dental bridge that is best for you will depend on how many teeth you are missing and the current state of your oral health. Your dentist can help you decide which option is best for you.

What is the procedure for getting a dental bridge installed?

Dental bridges are usually placed during two visits to the dentist. The first visit is to prepare the teeth for the dental bridge and place a temporary bridge. This involves taking impressions of the teeth, which will be used to create the dental bridge. Our dentist will send the impressions to a dental lab where the permanent bridge will be made. The second visit is to place the permanent bridge.

What is the recovery like after getting a dental bridge installed?

Most people feel some soreness in their teeth and gums for a few days after the procedure. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate the discomfort. It is essential to avoid hard and chewy foods during this time so that you do not damage your dental bridge. After your procedure, you should maintain effective oral hygiene habits and keep preventative dentistry visits every six months for regular cleanings and checkups.

Are there risks associated with dental bridges?

The risks associated with dental bridges are rare, but there are a few things to be aware of. If the bridge does not fit correctly, there is an increased risk of tooth decay underneath the crown’s natural tooth. Additionally, if the existing teeth are not strong enough to support the bridge, there is a possibility that the bridge will collapse.

What is the difference between dental bridges and dental implants?

Dental bridges are often more conservative than dental implants because they don’t involve permanent surgery. A dental bridge is held in place by your existing teeth, whereas a dental implant is an artificial tooth root permanently fixed into your jaw bone. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, and each of these dental treatments will work best in different situations. Sometimes, you may need both dental implants and bridges together.

Contact Holden Family Dentistry for Dental Bridges to Replace Missing Teeth

If you have missing teeth, contact us about our cosmetic dentistry services like dental bridges. We offer several different dental treatments to restore your overall oral health and keep your smile looking great. Our dental specialists are committed to providing high-quality care to all our patients in Holden, MA. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (508) 829-3292.