Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry, a dentist office near Summit, NJ, offers a dental bridge as a treatment option for patients with one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge is a restorative dentistry treatment used to “bridge” a gap between teeth caused by missing teeth.
The bridgework is a series of prosthetic teeth linked together and supported by an anchor on either side of the gap. The anchors are supported on each side by natural teeth strengthened by dental crowns or dental implants.
Dr. Raj Upadya recommends replacing missing teeth for many reasons, including restoring good quality of life. Patients with missing teeth often suffer from speech and eating difficulties that diminish their ability to socialize and enjoy a healthy, varied diet.
The replacement of missing teeth is also important to avoid the development of complex dental problems due to shifting teeth, changes in gum tissue and bone loss.
Types of Dental Bridges
Removable Dental Bridge – The removable dental bridge is a suitable option for a short-term solution to maintain tooth position while preparing for a fixed dental bridge or dental implants. While the cost may be lower initially, removable dental bridges do not offer good long term benefits and frequently require replacement or repair down the road.
Fixed Dental Bridge – The fixed dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that is connected to two dental crowns which will attach to the teeth on either side of the gap. A disadvantage to this type of restoration is the anchor teeth will need to be reduced to accommodate the crowns, basically damaging perfectly healthy teeth. Also, if anchor teeth are in good health, this type of dental bridge will put unneeded stress on them, leading to premature wear, instability, or cavity formation.
Dental Implant Supported Dental Bridges – Whenever possible, Dr. Upadya will recommend a dental implant supported dental crown for a single missing tooth or a dental implant supported dental bridge for multiple consecutive missing teeth. This fixed dental bridge is supported by dental implants and provides the most natural, lifelike replacement for missing teeth.
Dr. Upadya along with Dr. Andrii Slobodian have extensive training and experience with dental implants procedures at their Summit, NJ dentist office. While the initial cost of dental implants may be more than other traditional dental restorations, dental implants are an extremely conservative solution and present the least number of problems in the future.
The Dental Bridge Process
Your dentist will evaluate the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums to determine which type of bridge you will need. They will thoroughly explain the pros and cons of each treatment option so you can make an informed decision.
If you choose to have your bridge secured by two existing teeth that are strengthened by dental crowns, the process will involve about two or three visits to our Summit, NJ dentist office. Your dentist will prepare the anchor teeth by reducing them to accommodate the crowns.
Impressions will be taken and a custom dental bridge will be fabricated at a dental lab. When it is ready, your dentist will affix the bridge to the two prepared anchor teeth.
If you choose to use dental implants, a treatment plan will be put in place that will first require a surgical placement of the titanium post(s). This process will take much longer, at least three to seven months and maybe longer if you require any additional treatments before your implant surgery.
Once your implant(s) are surgically placed, you will need at least three to six months to properly heal and allow the implant(s) to fuse with the surrounding jaw bone. Next, a small piece called an abutment will be attached to the implant. Impressions will be taken and a custom dental restoration will be fabricated at a dental lab. When it is ready, your dentist will attach it to the abutment/implant(s).
Schedule a Dental Exam & Consultation Today
If you have missing teeth, Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry offers a dental bridge in the Florham Park, NJ and Summit, NJ area. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Upadya to discuss your oral health concerns and budget to see if a dental bridge is right for you.