Candidates for Dental Bridges: Restoring Your Smile By Louis Buono on June 06, 2018

A set of denturesA dental bridge is an appliance that fills the gaps left behind by missing teeth. The bridge remains in place by latching around the teeth that are adjacent to the tooth gap, providing a secure hold. Thanks to a dental bridge, a patient missing teeth can bite and chew and smile normally again.

The team here at Garden City Smiles offers people on Long Island, NY plenty of options to treat tooth loss. Let’s consider candidacy for this common restorative dentistry treatment and whether or not it’s a good option for you.

General Candidacy for Dental Bridges

Candidates for dental bridges are people who are missing a tooth or multiple teeth. They should have enough tooth structure around the tooth gaps to support bridgework if it were in place.

Bridges vs. Dentures

As noted above, bridges are a good option when a person is missing a tooth or a few teeth. For people who are missing many teeth or all of their teeth, a bridge will not be a good idea. There will simply be no tooth structure for the bridge to brace around.

In cases of substantial tooth loss, the best option for treatment will be the use of a denture. Partial or full dentures stay in place by bracing around the dental ridge. The hold on the jawbone and gum tissue can be enhanced by the use of dental adhesives.

Candidates for Fixed Dental Bridges

A fixed dental bridge is a bridge that is held in place by crowns that bookend the artificial teeth. The crowns are use to cap healthy teeth near the tooth gap, allowing the bridge to be held in place with greater stability than a traditional bridge.

Since additional work is required to fashion crowns and cap the additional teeth, the procedure is more invasive than traditional bridge treatment.

Candidates for Implant-Supported Bridges

In addition to crown-supported bridges, it’s possible for dental bridges to be supported by dental implants. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically implanted into the jawbone and gum tissue. These artificial tooth roots fuse with the living tissues of the mouth, allowing them to function like natural tooth roots. The stability of a bridge anchored by dental implants is unmatched.

Since oral surgery and an increased cost are involved, candidacy for implant-supported dental bridges will depending on a patient’s ability to undergo surgery safely as well as the patient’s financial concerns.

Knowing the Risks and Benefits

Before undergo any kind of dental procedure, it’s important that patients be aware of all the risks and benefits involved in treatment. This allows patients to prepare for the recovery process and be ready to address side effects of treatment should they arise.

Realistic Expectations About Treatment

Whatever the treatment option, getting a dental bridge is helpful, but patients must understand what ongoing care involves. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential for long-lasting results. Having realistic expectations about the treatment process and the aftercare process are essential for patient satisfaction and ideal outcomes.

Contact Garden City Smiles

For more information about dental bridges and how they can help you experience a healthier and more beautiful smile, be sure to contact the dental care team at Garden City Smiles. We look forward to your visit and discussing these matters in much greater detail.

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Louis J. Buono, DDS

Garden City Smiles Louis J. Buono, DDS

Dr. Buono has been providing leading smile care to his patients in Garden City and Long Island for over 30 years. He is proud to be affiliated with: 

  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry 

You can request a consultation with our dentist by filling out our online form or calling (516) 294-0375.

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