Dental Bridge in Norcross, GA

Missing teeth are a more common problem than you might assume. In the United States alone, around 120 million people are missing at least one tooth, and 36 million are missing all their teeth! Failure to replace these teeth can lead to a variety of oral health complications. Immediately after tooth loss, you may notice difficulties chewing and speaking clearly, as gaps in your smile affect your everyday function. Then, over time, issues like jawbone loss, tooth misalignment, and even changes to your facial structure will arise. But with a dental bridge, Dr. Stingley addresses many of these issues by replacing missing teeth with a strong, natural-looking, and reliable restoration.

Schedule your free screening at Carter-Rockbridge General Dentistry in Norcross, GA, to learn what Dr. Stingley can do for your smile!

What Is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are restorations that replace missing teeth. These structures offer both restorative and cosmetic benefits, making you look and feel better.

By “bridging” the gap between teeth, dental bridges are able to replace anywhere from one to multiple missing teeth in a row. The replacement teeth, called pontics, rest where your natural teeth previously were and are typically held in place using dental crowns or implants.

However, you’ll need a healthy smile to be eligible for dental bridge treatment. During your free screening, Dr. Stingley will assess your oral health and take care of any underlying conditions like gum disease or root canal infection. Once your smile is healthy, she will move on to restoring your missing teeth with a dental bridge.

Types of Dental Bridges

Dental Bridge in Norcross, GA | Schedule a Free Screening Today!The most common type of bridge is a traditional bridge. This structure uses two dental crowns for support, securing the pontics in the middle. These crowns attach to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap in your smile, using them to hold the pontics in place.

Traditional bridges serve their purpose, but they’re not suitable for every situation. Fortunately, dental technology has come a long way since the invention of the traditional bridge. At Carter-Rockbridge General Dentistry, we offer several types of bridges, each with its own structure and application.

Cantilever bridge

A Cantilever bridge uses only one crown instead of two to stabilize the pontic, meaning it can only replace one tooth at a time. Think of it like a balcony rather than a bridge, connected only on one side. When you have only one healthy tooth for support, this bridge is a great replacement option.

Maryland bridge

Maryland bridges don’t use dental crowns for support, but rather tiny metal “wings” that bond to the back side of surrounding teeth. They are often used to replace front teeth, as they’re not strong enough to handle the chewing force generated by your back teeth.

Implant-supported bridge

Implant bridges are similar to traditional bridges, but they connect to dental implants rather than crowns. These titanium screws embed in your jawbone to provide a strong foundation for dental bridge restorations, securing your replacement teeth in place. This stability gives them unique advantages over other bridges, including:

  • Better security: Dental trauma, tooth decay underneath your crowns, and gum disease may compromise the stability of a traditional bridge, causing it to come loose or fall out. Implant dentures are durable and don’t rely on your natural teeth, reducing your risk of complications.
  • Better structure: To crown a tooth, you must permanently remove some of its enamel. But with implant bridges, you don’t need to alter your natural teeth! Instead, your replacement teeth anchor into your jaw, leaving your remaining teeth alone.
  • Better jaw support: Natural teeth have roots that embed in your jaw, keeping your bone healthy. Without these roots, your jaw will shrink over time, causing ill-fitting restorations. Implant bridges, in contrast, replace these missing tooth roots, effectively stopping bone loss in its tracks! With a healthier jawbone, you can enjoy a healthier smile.

Implant-supported dental bridges are incredibly secure and have a very high success rate that keeps patients smiling.

What Is the Process for Getting a Dental Bridge?

At Carter-Rockbridge General Dentistry, Dr. Stingley offers all new patients a free screening.

There, she will assess your smile, discuss your medical history, and determine what your oral health needs are. If you need a dental bridge, she will create a custom treatment plan that takes your needs and preferences into account.

Depending on the type of dental bridge you need, your price and process will vary.

Traditional bridges involve taking an impression of your smile, sending it to a dental lab, and preparing your adjacent teeth for crowns. Once your custom bridge arrives, Dr. Stingley will secure the crowns to your adjacent teeth, anchoring the pontics in place.

Implant bridges are a little more involved, but with mini dental implants, Dr. Stingley can accelerate the process. These small titanium posts are much slimmer than conventional implants, allowing her to place them in a single appointment using a minimally invasive procedure.

Once inside your bone, these implants are strong enough to support a temporary bridge restoration immediately. Then, in a few weeks, she will switch out your temporary bridge for a permanent new one.

If you have any questions about the procedure, your restoration options, or financing, book your free screening with Dr. Stingley! During this appointment, she will help you understand your options and develop a treatment plan tailored to your smile’s needs.

Rely on a Dental Bridge To Restore Your Smile

Dental bridges replace anywhere from one missing tooth to a full arch of teeth, depending on the type of restoration you need. With mini dental implants, Dr. Stingley will restore your smile without altering your natural teeth and provide an incredibly secure tooth replacement.

Book a free screening with her at Carter-Rockbridge General Dentistry in Norcross, GA, to learn more!

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of your dental bridge depends on several factors. Most importantly, the type of implant bridge makes a significant difference in price.

Traditional bridges are less expensive than implant bridges, as implant bridges require more work and materials. However, dental implants are typically more secure, so many patients find the cost worthwhile.

If you have any questions about insurance coverage or dental financing, reach out to Dr. Stingley! During your free screening, she will discuss your options, the cost of your treatment, and the flexible financing options available to you that make your care more affordable.

Getting a dental bridge is typically a comfortable procedure, as Dr. Stingley uses a local anesthetic to numb your smile. For those with dental anxiety, she can take your relaxation a step further with sedation dentistry! These safe yet effective options help you stay calm throughout your dental appointment.

The recovery process is quick, usually taking just a day or two. However, watching what you eat and caring for your new bridges is important. For a few days, avoid hard or sticky foods. Avoid chewing on the implant site and maintain your brushing and flossing routine.

Should you experience any discomfort, you can manage it with over-the-counter medication and a cold compress.

Dental bridges have a relatively long lifespan, but only if you properly care for them.

Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are essential to keep your smile healthy, even with false teeth. This oral care routine keeps your natural teeth clean and helps prevent infections from developing underneath your prosthetic.

To clean under a dental bridge, we reccomend using special floss or a water flosser. These can reach below your prosthetics to clean the gums there, freeing any debris that may have stuck underneath your bridge.

If you keep up a good oral hygiene routine, you can enjoy a dental bridge for years to come.

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