Dental Bridges – Minot, ND
An Effective Way to Fill in the Gaps
Tooth loss may not be something you ever envision yourself experiencing, but many individuals living with one or more missing teeth likely said the same thing at one time. At Souris Valley Dental Group, we fortunately have an effective way of treating this problem – dental bridges in Minot. Eliminating the challenges brought on because of missing teeth such as eating, speaking, and smiling, these customized prosthetics can restore your smile and your quality of life. Call us today to discover how you can get started.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom prosthetic that replaces the gaps left behind by missing teeth. When one or more consecutive teeth must be removed or fall out, a dental bridge can replicate the look of a complete smile and improve oral function. It consists of two dental crowns and pontics, also known as artificial teeth. The crowns are fitted over healthy abutment teeth that are filed down to anchor the bridge in place, while the pontics rest on the gums to fill in the gap.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional fixed bridges are more common, as they have been used for decades; however, a newer option includes securing a dental bridge to a pair of dental implants. Determining which one is right for you is what you can expect to discuss with your dentist during your initial consultation.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge requires the help of healthy abutment teeth for optimal support. Using these structures allows the bridge to remain on top of the gums and function so that you can eat without worrying about your prosthetic falling out.
Implant Bridge
An implant bridge is usually recommended when three or more teeth are missing, as it is highly durable. Placing titanium implant posts in the exterior sockets, the bridge is then secured on top of the implants so that it stays in place. Over time, the posts will fuse with surrounding bone tissues, creating a firm and stable foundation.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge?
You will find that by receiving a dental bridge, you can enjoy a new lease on life. Some of the greatest benefits of this prosthetic include:
- A more cohesive and complete smile because of the gaps that are no longer noticeable when opening your mouth.
- A set of teeth that can last 15 years or more as long as you commit to taking care of it.
- An easy way to clean your teeth so that you maintain optimal oral hygiene.
- A prosthetic that blends in beautifully with your existing smile so others will never be able to tell the difference.
Dental Bridge FAQs
The process of receiving a dental bridge, no matter if it is a traditional or implant one, often spurs many questions. At Souris Valley Dental Group, it is our job to ensure you have the answers you need to make an informed decision about your oral health. Our team of professionals will not only sit down with you to go over any concerns, but we’ll also make sure you feel confident that receiving a dental bridge is what is best for your new smile. Take a look at the questions and answers below if you want to learn more.
How long should a dental bridge last?
You can expect the average timeframe for a dental bridge to last is 5-15 years. This is a wide range because each person is different. How well you take care of your teeth and new prosthetic is ultimately up to you. If you want to get the most out of your investment, it’s imperative that you take proper care of your smile. Otherwise, you’ll be left meeting with your dentist and inquiring about receiving a new prosthetic, which requires you to spend more time and money.
Does getting a bridge hurt?
Receiving a dental bridge will not cause you pain. The reason is that you will receive local anesthesia before any part of the procedure begins. Whether it is necessary that we alter some of your healthy teeth to serve as anchors, or we place dental implants into the outer sockets, you will feel no pain during the appointment.
Once your new teeth are in place, however, you might experience some sensitivity and discomfort, but this can be remedied with the help of an over-the-counter pain reliever. In no time at all, you can expect to begin enjoying your new smile for years to come.
Do dental bridges look natural?
Yes! At Souris Valley Dental Group, we use only natural-looking materials so that your prosthetic matches your regular teeth in nearly every way. Mimicking the size, shape, and shade of your teeth, virtually no one else will be able to tell the difference between your real and artificial teeth. We want you to be pleased with your results, which is why we will make sure you are part of the process from beginning to end.
How do I clean under my bridge?
Although your bridge is designed to fill in the gaps in your smile, it does require appropriate treatment to ensure bacteria does not accumulate. Cleaning under your bridge requires using the necessary instruments to help clear away any bacteria and food particles. You will need to floss underneath the bridge each day to remove harmful plaque so that decay and gum disease do not occur. Our team can explain how to do this correctly without causing any damage to your existing teeth, prosthetics, or soft oral tissues.
Can I take my dental bridge out?
Are you curious whether dental bridges function like dentures, which are intended to be removed and reinserted several times daily? It’s natural to wonder if you’ll need to take it out for cleanings and meals, but this restoration is designed to remain firmly in place once cemented down. In fact, it should only be taken out by a qualified professional, like one of our Souris Valley Dental Group providers.
That means you’ll need to take special care to clean around and beneath your prosthetic during your twice-daily dental hygiene routine. Regular brushing and flossing remove plaque and bacterial growth that can penetrate beneath your bridge, which can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay that can cause it to fail.
What are dental bridges made from?
In the past, dentist relied on metal amalgam materials to repair or replace damaged or missing teeth, which can draw unwanted attention. Today, our team in Minot provides more comfortable, lifelike restorations using resilient ceramic substance that reflects light like enamel.
This durable material can also be customized to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth for beautiful results you can rely on. Plus, it’s less porous than enamel, so it’s more resistant to chips, cracks, discoloration, and can’t develop tooth decay.
Are partial dentures and bridges the same thing?
Dental bridges and partial dentures are both versatile treatments that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth in your mouth, but they are two very different treatments.
For instance, bridges contain the correct number of pontics (artificial teeth) between two dental crowns that are used to anchor it over healthy teeth or dental implants in your mouth. Meanwhile, partial dentures have an acrylic, gum-colored base with metal clasps that clip to your teeth to hold them in place, and they can fill in gaps more sporadically throughout your mouth.
How many teeth can dental bridges replace?
This treatment is often recommended for those who are missing multiple teeth in a row, but it’s not intended to rebuild entire arches. Typically, our team uses this service to restore anywhere from one to four teeth, but it is usually used to replace one or two. This is because the longer it extends, the less stable it can become, especially if the teeth supporting it develop cavities, gum disease, or other issues.
If you’re looking to rebuild your entire row of teeth, we might recommend dentures or implant-supported restorations instead.