Missing a tooth or teeth can make life hard – smiling is embarrassing, eating is difficult, and even speaking can be altered because of the gap. Even worse, missing a tooth or teeth can affect your overall health! That’s why, if you are looking for a stable, permanent solution to missing teeth but are not a candidate for an implant, we recommend the benefits of fixed dental bridges.
An experienced dentist in Tuckahoe, Dr. Gorsky, offers treatment options for missing teeth and will create a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs. Restoring the function of your smile is important for both oral and overall health and wellness. Missing teeth will start a domino effect of changes in your smile, often affecting your ability to eat and speak with comfort and confidence. Dental bridges are a restorative dentistry treatment Dr. Gorsky offers the public.
How Can a Missing Tooth Affect My Health?
Missing a tooth or teeth can affect you in many ways. Because it can make eating difficult and uncomfortable, missing teeth can lead to digestive issues and possibly malnutrition. Missing teeth can also cause the surrounding teeth to shift and move out of balance, leading to the chronic pain of TMJ disorder. A lack of tooth structure to support the bone can even lead to loss of bone and other teeth.
Replacing a lost or removed tooth is important for your long-term oral health. It supports the structure of your smile, your overall appearance, and your ability to enjoy daily life to the fullest. A dental bridge will complete your smile after tooth loss and prevent additional complex problems.
What Exactly is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a porcelain tooth or teeth permanently placed between two of your healthy teeth. The bridge is held in place by porcelain crowns bonded to the teeth on each side of the space to be filled. It actually does create a literal bridge over the gap. And because each tooth is custom-made to fit you, it looks like it has always been right there, enhancing your smile!
The process of placing a dental bridge will take a couple of office visits. The first step is to take dental impressions to create a custom-fit restoration. We will prepare the adjacent teeth to receive dental crowns. Then we place temporary restorations while your custom bridge is being created in a dental lab. Once complete, the bridge is placed and secured to complete your smile.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Dental bridges can replace a span of multiple missing teeth. Learn more by reading the answers to these common patient questions.
What are the benefits of dental bridges?
Dental bridges offer both functional and cosmetic benefits. They restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably while improving the appearance of your smile. Bridges also help maintain facial structure and prevent remaining teeth from shifting. Many patients appreciate that bridges provide a natural-looking and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With proper care, a dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. The lifespan of your bridge depends on factors such as your oral hygiene habits, diet, and regular dental visits. Routine exams allow your dentist to monitor the condition of the bridge and supporting teeth. Maintaining healthy gums is also essential for maximizing its longevity.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure because the treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia. Some mild sensitivity may occur after the supporting teeth are prepared, but this usually resolves quickly. Any temporary discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your dental team will ensure you remain comfortable throughout the process.
Does dental insurance cover bridges?
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for dental bridges because they are considered a restorative treatment. Coverage amounts and limitations vary by provider and plan. Our team can help review your benefits and explain any expected out-of-pocket costs. Understanding your coverage before treatment helps you make an informed decision.
Can a dental bridge prevent teeth from shifting?
Yes. One of the major benefits of a dental bridge is maintaining the proper alignment of your remaining teeth. When a tooth is lost, nearby teeth often drift into the empty space. This movement can create bite problems and increase the risk of additional dental issues. A bridge helps preserve the natural position of your teeth.
Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?
Most patients with one or more missing teeth may qualify for a dental bridge. Good candidates generally have healthy gums and sufficient support from neighboring teeth or dental implants. A comprehensive dental examination is necessary to determine eligibility. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and discuss all available treatment options.
Crestwood Dental provides comprehensive care in Tuckahoe and Westchester County. Schedule a visit to our dental practice for dental bridges by calling 914-312-4711 today.