Dental Bridges – Oklahoma City, OK
Bridge the Gap Left By Missing Teeth
If you've lost teeth due to accident, injury, or gum disease, we can create a fixed bridge to restore your solid smile. A dental bridge not only fills the gap, but it also prevents the repositioning of remaining teeth. It can also correct a misaligned bite, improve chewing function and speech articulation, and provide internal structure for the face to give you a more youthful appearance.
Why Choose Joe Isaacson Dental for Dental Bridges?
- Lifelike, Tooth-Colored Ceramic Materials
- Implant-Retained Bridges Available
- Dedicated & Experienced Staff
What Is a Fixed Bridge?
A fixed bridge is a prosthetic tooth (or teeth) that attaches on one or both sides to teeth prepared with dental crowns. A fixed bridge is joined onto the neighboring abutment teeth (crowned teeth) and consists of three basic units: the false tooth or teeth (called a pontic) and two abutment crowns. If healthy adjacent abutment teeth aren't available, a surgically implanted metal post, also known as a dental implant, may offer a solid alternative. For a bridge that replaces many teeth, we may recommend a removable partial denture or implant-supported prosthesis.
Am I a Candidate for a Fixed Bridge?
The best way to find out if you’re a candidate for a fixed bridge is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Joe Isaacson, your Oklahoma City dentist. If you’re missing a tooth, or more than one tooth consecutively, a dental bridge may be able to fill that gap and restore your smile, bite, and oral health. Before we can place a bridge, though, we highly suggest your being in excellent oral health. This means that if you have any cavities or gum disease, we must first get those issues taken care of.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Bridges offer many benefits in terms of restoring your smile and oral health, which include:
- Improving your ability to chew all your favorite foods again
- Letting you talk and smile with complete confidence
- Maintaining the shape of your face
- Preventing remaining teeth from drifting out of position
- Evenly distributing the force of your bite by replacing missing teeth
How Do I Care for a Dental Bridge?
If you properly take care of your bridge, you can expect it to last at least a decade, possibly even two, before it has to be replaced. To ensure that your bridge last as long as possible, stick to the following steps:
- Brush your teeth twice a day (for two minutes at a time) with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Just because your bridge is immune to decay doesn’t mean the teeth underneath can’t get cavities.
- Floss between your teeth and under your bridge at least once daily. Ideally, you would floss after every meal and snack.
- Visit Dr. Isaacson at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings. These visits not only remove plaque that could compromise your bridge, but allow us to determine whether your bridge is still in adequate condition.
- Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in heavily processed sugars.
Are you ready to finally replace your missing teeth and get your smile back? Then give us a call today and ask about scheduling a consultation for a dental bridge.
Dental Bridges FAQs
Are you ready to say goodbye to the gaps in your smile? If so, you’re probably thinking about getting dental bridges in Oklahoma City. They’ll allow you to enjoy a complete and fully functioning grin once again! Of course, it’s normal to have a few concerns about the process before committing to it. For your convenience, we’ve decided to answer some frequently asked questions below. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to our friendly team!
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
It shouldn’t be! Before your dental bridge is placed, your teeth will need to undergo preparation. Dr. Isaacson will thoroughly numb the area to ensure you’re completely comfortable during your procedure. While a local anesthetic is usually all that’s needed, severely anxious or nervous patients can opt for sedation dentistry. For the first few days following the placement of your dental bridge, your teeth may feel slightly sensitive. You should be able to easily manage your discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication and warm saltwater rinses.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
Most patients can expect their dental bridge to last anywhere between five and 15 years. Of course, the exact lifespan can vary significantly based on factors like material and oral hygiene. In most cases, dental bridges made from metal tend to last longer than metal-free ones. It’s also worth noting that bridges supported by dental implants usually have a longer lifespan than traditional ones. Even though the restoration itself will need replacement eventually, the implant posts can stay firmly in place for several decades with proper care and maintenance.
Are Dental Bridges Safe?
As long as your dental bridge is placed by an experienced dentist in Oklahoma City, the process should be 100% safe! Since metal bridges don’t contain mercury, you don’t have to worry about toxicity. If you have an allergy or sensitivity to certain metals, let Dr. Isaacson know. He may recommend a metal-free bridge instead to lower the risk of complications. Some patients may have an adverse reaction to dental porcelain, but those cases are extremely rare. Nonetheless, keep an eye out for signs of an allergic reaction (i.e., gum irritation, redness, swelling near your dental bridge).
Can Dental Bridges Get Cavities?
While a dental bridge itself can’t develop cavities, the underlying teeth are still vulnerable to decay. Food particles can get trapped underneath the bridge and attract harmful oral bacteria, resulting in issues like cavities or gum infections. That’s most likely to happen with poor dental hygiene, which is why it’s crucial to clean your teeth and gums every day. If your bridge is nearing the end of its lifespan, the dental cement may start to crack, making it easier for bacteria to enter.