Dental Bridges in Plymouth, MA

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Replace Missing Teeth With a Dental Bridge

If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge can restore your smile and protect your oral health. Dental implant bridges are permanent, natural-looking restorative dentistry procedures that improve chewing function, enhance appearance, and protect oral health. At Plymouth Bay Dental, we specialize in finding safe, effective restorative dentistry options that improve your smile and help you avoid future dental and oral health concerns. We may recommend a dental bridge procedure if you have lost a tooth to injury, decay, infection, trauma, or illness. Call us today to schedule a consultation for a dental bridge in Plymouth, MA.

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What Is a Dental Bridge? 

A dental bridge is a restorative dentistry procedure that uses dental crowns and artificial teeth to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge can replace one tooth or a row of missing teeth. The device bridges the gap in your smile by anchoring prosthetic teeth to a natural tooth on each side of the missing teeth. Two key elements make up a dental bridge:

  • Abutments – Abutments are structures that provide support to the dental bridge. This may be the dental crowns placed on the natural teeth on either end of the missing teeth or tiny connector posts used in dental implant bridges.
  • Pontics – Pontics are the artificial or prosthetic teeth that replace your missing teeth.

Without dental bridges or another method of restorative dentistry, you increase your risk of serious dental and oral health complications. Your remaining teeth may begin shifting to fill in the gaps caused by missing teeth. This can cause jaw problems, malocclusion, and deformities. In severe cases, you may be at risk of facial collapse.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are four primary dental bridge types. The one we recommend for you will depend on your oral and overall health, the condition and health of your gums and jawbone, your age, and your lifestyle. In general, patients can choose between these types of dental bridges:

  • Traditional dental bridges – This is the most common type of dental bridge available. It is made up of dental crowns or caps that are placed on top of the natural teeth on either side of the missing teeth or gap. These crowns anchor the artificial teeth in place.
  • Cantilever dental bridges – Cantilever bridges are the same as traditional dental bridges, but only one dental crown is used. This type of dental bridge is used when you only have natural teeth on one side of your missing teeth or gap. 
  • Maryland dental bridges – Maryland dental bridges are also called resin-bonded bridges. Instead of using dental crowns as an anchor or support, they use metal wings. These wings are bonded to the backs of your neighboring teeth and hold the artificial or prosthetic teeth in place. They can only be used to replace front teeth.
  •  Dental implant bridges – A dental implant bridge is like a traditional bridge, but instead of dental crowns, it is attached or anchored with dental implants. Dental implants are titanium rods surgically inserted into your gums and jawbone. An artificial tooth is then screwed into the rod. This type of dental bridge is used on patients who are missing three or more teeth in a row.

The Dental Bridge Procedure 

Before we begin placing a dental bridge, we will schedule an initial consultation. During this visit, we will review what to expect before, during, and after the dental bridge procedure. We will take dental x-rays and dental impressions and determine which type of dental bridge is right for you. 

On the date of your appointment for dental bridge placement, we will give you local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. We will then reshape the teeth that will support your dental bridge. We may need to remove some tooth enamel. Your dental impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory, where they will create a dental bridge that looks natural. Then, we will place a temporary bridge that will remain in place until your final bridge is fabricated. 

When your permanent bridge is finalized, we will call you to schedule a second appointment. We will remove your temporary bridge and check the fit, appearance, and placement of your permanent bridge. We will then bond it into place with dental cement. 

For dental implant bridges, the procedure is different. We will give you anesthesia and perform oral surgery to insert the titanium rods into your gums and jawbone. We will then wait for your jawbone to heal, which may take three to six months. When your dental implants have fused to your jawbone, we will attach abutments to your dental implants and take dental impressions. We will send the dental impressions to the dental lab so they can create your dental implant bridge. When it is ready, we will schedule another appointment to place the abutments and attached bridge and secure it in place.

Caring for Your Dental Implant Bridge

Your dental bridge can last between five and 15 years with proper care and maintenance. You should maintain proper oral hygiene to avoid infection, damage to the dental bridge, and dental and oral healthcare issues. You will need to brush twice per day, floss daily, and use mouthwash. You should clean underneath the bridge every day. Avoid eating very hard or chewy foods, and don’t chew on ice, pens or pencils, or your fingernails. Visit us at least once per year for dental exams and cleanings. 

Affordable Dental Implant Bridges and Financing Options

We know that the cost of dental bridges can be prohibitive for some customers. We aim to find a financial solution that works for each patient. Everyone in our community should have access to safe, reliable, and affordable dental care. We accept most major dental insurance providers and offer a dental membership and wellness plan, dental financing and payment plans, and private pay options. 

Why Choose Plymouth Bay Dental for Dental Bridges

At Plymouth Bay Dental, each member of our dental team is committed to finding the safest and most effective method of restorative dentistry for the patient’s needs, health, and goals. We don’t believe that dentistry is a one-size-fits-all industry. We offer flexible, customizable solutions that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. We only use the most advanced materials and techniques to create bridges that blend seamlessly with natural teeth. Our goal is to create sustainable, beautiful restorative dentistry options that improve the appearance and health of your teeth. In addition to dental bridges, we also specialize in general dentistry. We offer routine dental exams, teeth cleanings, dental x-rays, and preventive dental care. Our restorative dentistry options include dental fillings, dental crowns, dental implants, and dentures. We also offer custom night guards, athletic guards, and Invisalign dental aligners.

Dental Bridges Treatment in Plymouth, MA

Schedule a Consultation for a Dental Bridge Today

Call us today to schedule a consultation to discuss how dental bridges restore both the aesthetics and functionality of your oral and dental health. We will conduct a thorough dental exam, discuss your health and goals, and determine which restorative dentistry procedure is best for you. Call us today or book an appointment online to explore your options for dental bridges in Plymouth, MA.

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