Dental Bridges – Lynchburg, VA
Restore the Appearance and Function of Your Smile
If you’ve lost one or more of your teeth, you know just how difficult it can be to complete daily tasks, like eating, speaking clearly, or smiling with confidence. Fortunately, various options are available to eliminate gaps in your smile. At Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry, we offer customized dental bridges in Lynchburg to restore the appearance and function of your smile. To determine whether or not a dental bridge is the right tooth replacement option for you, schedule a consultation with us. We’re eager to help you restore your smile!
Why Choose Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry for Dental Bridges?
- Custom Restorations for Natural Appearance
- Dentists with Years of Experience
- Flexible Financing Options Available
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a type of restoration that is used to replace one or more consecutive missing teeth. Typically, this is anywhere between one and four missing teeth in a row. The bridge is composed of two crowns and a number of replacement teeth call “pontics.” The crowns will be anchored onto your adjacent teeth or dental implants depending on the type of bridge that you will end up getting. This restoration can be made from a variety of different durable, natural-looking materials.
Types of Dental Bridges
The style of bridge that you get will depend on the location and the number of missing teeth you have. Here are the two different types:
Traditional Bridge
For patients who still have healthy teeth on either side of the gap that needs to be filled in, a traditional bridge is often the ideal choice. The teeth that support the dental crowns are known as “abutment teeth,” and they will be altered slightly so the bridge fits comfortably in the mouth. This type of restoration can be placed in just a few visits and is typically the most affordable type of bridge.
Implant Bridge
If you don’t have healthy adjacent teeth, surgically implanted metal posts, known as dental implants, can provide an alternative. Dental implants can be used when there are three or more missing teeth in a row. Implant bridges last longer than traditional bridges on average, and they help to prevent bone loss over time as a result of tooth loss.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Here are just some of the numerous benefits that you can experience from dental bridges:
- Prevents surrounding teeth from shifting out of place
- Improves overall confidence and self-esteem
- Allows for thorough chewing
- Improves speech articulation
- Lowers risk of oral health issues
- Cost-effective tooth replacement option
Dental Bridges FAQs
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
No, dental bridges are designed to remain in your mouth or many years after being placed. You shouldn’t be able to take a dental bridge out on your own – only by a dental professional. Some healthcare providers call partial dentures “removable bridges.” However, this isn’t entirely accurate. Partials may be similar to dental bridges, but one of the key differences is that partials can be removed by the patient at any time, but bridges cannot.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Before preparing your teeth to support a dental bridge, your dentist will start by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. This way, you won’t be able to feel a thing during your surgery. After you’ve received your dental bridge, you may experience some soreness for a few days. This should be mild and easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers and a cold compress. If discomfort worsens, give us a call so we can help! Since dental bridges prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting around, they can actually prevent discomfort in the future.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
Depending on the patient’s needs, a dental bridge can replace anywhere from one to four missing teeth in a row. However, in most cases, bridges are used to replace only one or two teeth. The longer the bridge, the less stable it becomes. Ultimately, it becomes risky to have a bridge replace three or more teeth in a row. Implant bridges lower this risk, as dental implants are as strong as natural teeth, so they help to add additional support to the bridge.
Do Dental Bridges Feel Natural?
Within a few days of receiving your permanent dental bridge, it should start to feel increasingly natural. Bridges are made from durable materials that can stand up to everyday chewing forces just as easily as tooth enamel, so eating with a bridge shouldn’t feel strange. The reason that your dentist reshaped your abutment teeth was to ensure that the bridge would fit comfortably within your mouth. Additionally, every bridge is customized based on impressions taken of the tooth. Therefore, your bridge shouldn’t feel awkward or noticeable.