Dental Bridge Questions

Springfield, Holyoke, Longmeadow, and Wilbraham, MA

How many office visits will it take to get a dental bridge?

A dental bridge typically takes two office visits. During the first visit, the two teeth adjacent to the gap will be prepared to receive dental crowns. An impression is taken of the area so exactly the right shape, size of dental crowns and dental bridge can be custom-created in a dental laboratory.

Because it may take two weeks for your permanent dental bridge to be created, we will provide you with a temporary bridge. When your permanent bridge is ready, you will return to the office to have it checked for proper fit and to ensure it is fully functional and comfortable. When you and your dentist are satisfied with its look, feel and fit, your dentist will cement it into place.

Will I be able to eat with my dental bridge right away?

Yes, you will be able to use your dental bridge when you leave the office. It may take some time to become used to eating and speaking with your new dental appliance. If you experience any discomfort you should notify your cosmetic dentist as soon as possible to have it analyzed and adjusted if necessary.

What is the lifespan of a dental bridge?

Dental bridges generally last five to 15 years or longer with good oral hygiene habits and good nutrition. It is important to remember that you can still get tooth decay and gum disease in and around your dental bridge. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings will help to keep the dental bridge in top condition and identify any problem areas that may develop.

What are the disadvantages of dental bridges?

Traditional dental bridges rely on healthy adjacent teeth to support the replacement tooth. These teeth must be prepared to receive dental crowns by having a small amount of enamel removed to make space for the crown. That is healthy tooth tissue being removed, and our cosmetic dentists are normally unwilling to do that. We take a conservative approach to dental care, preserving all healthy tissue as long as possible.

The Maryland bonded dental bridge uses a metal framework to support the replacement tooth, so if you would like to have a metal-free mouth, it would not be a good option.

The main disadvantage of dental bridges is that they do not fill the gap left in the jawbone by the lost tooth root. However, you can have a bridge attached to a dental implant which will solve that problem.

How do dental implants work with bridges?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed in the jawbone to hold replacement teeth. They can also hold a bridge. This procedure is becoming more popular because it is a permanent solution that does not rely on adjacent teeth for support.

If you live in the Springfield, MA area and would like to discuss how a dental bridge could enhance your smile, please contact the cosmetic dentists at Baystate Dental today for a consultation.