Dental Bridges – Phoenix, AZ
Close Gaps and Create Beautiful Smiles
Consider how much work your teeth do for you every day. You count on them to bite, chew, grind, gnash, clench, chatter and smile. With that kind of workload, it is no wonder that teeth sometimes succumb to wear, breakage and even loss. The American College of Prosthodontists estimate that some 178 million people in the United States have at least one missing tooth. If you are one of them, then perhaps you should consider having a dental bridge. Our dentists will custom design well-fitting and attractive dental bridges in Phoenix, AZ.
Why Choose Devoted Family Dental Phoenix for Dental Bridges?
- Can Be Paired with Dental Implants
- Prevent Movement of Existing Teeth
- Designed to Blend in With Your Smile Exactly
Missing Teeth and Your Health
Whether you have been dealing with tooth loss for a short or long time, you are likely familiar with the challenges. First, your appearance may embarrass you. Family, friends and acquaintances are sure to notice the gap in your smile. Some people are simply too self-conscious to socialize in this situation.
There are also oral and general health concerns. Did you know that the loss of one tooth increases your risk for gum disease and decay in remaining teeth? Gum (periodontal) disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in America. Unfortunately, a vicious cycle of gum disease and tooth loss may ensue if treatment for both concerns is not begun. Another oral health risk that can happen as a result of missing teeth is an uneven bite. This could occur when teeth adjacent to the gap in your smile begin to shift in order to take up space.
Finally, periodontal disease is linked to a number of health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular illnesses and stroke. For these reasons and others, tooth replacement is a necessity and not a luxury.
Rebuilding Your Smile with a Dental Bridge
As the name suggests, a dental bridge spans the gap in your smile. To remain firmly in place, the bridge must be anchored. In most cases, those anchors are dental crowns that are mounted to healthy teeth on both sides of the gap. These teeth are gently reshaped to accommodate the crowns. Dr. Sharma and Dr. Ludu want to make sure the crown and bridge fits smoothly between your other teeth and that is why a small amount of tooth structure must be removed. If nearby teeth are not healthy, then dental implants may be able to solve the problem.
Using a dental impression, our professional dental lab creates your bridge. The entire piece (both the crowns and the bridge) are built as one structure in order to create the strongest bridge possible. Once the crowns are bonded into place, the bridge will provide you with years of service. We look forward to helping you complete your best smile at Devoted Family Dental Phoenix.
Dental Bridge FAQs
If you are interested in dental bridges in Phoenix, you understand the value and importance of embracing a full, complete smile. With a prosthetic like this, you can freely eat, speak, and smile with greater ease. But it is also possible that you have many questions about dental bridges, which is completely normal. Our team at Devoted Family Dental wants to provide the answers you need to feel confident in your decision to choose this type of tooth replacement, so feel free to review the questions below and call us with any additional concerns.
Can you take a dental bridge out?
No, it is impossible to remove a dental bridge without the help of a dental professional. These prosthetics are designed to remain inside your mouth for many years. While there are solutions known as partial dentures or “removable bridges,” this idea is not entirely true. Although partials are similar to dental bridges, they are not the same, as partials can be removed at any time and bridges cannot.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
Before undergoing any type of dental procedure, you can rest assured that your dentist in Phoenix will numb the appropriate areas of your mouth to ensure you feel no pain. While topical anesthetic is typically all that is needed, sedation dentistry may be requested as well. Once the dental bridge is in place, the underlying teeth may be a bit sensitive for a few days; however, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever should help to minimize any discomfort. Also, because bridges do not allow teeth to drift out of place, this can prevent any future pain that often occurs as a result of dental drift.
If you decide you prefer an implant bridge, you can expect some soreness and discomfort after your dental implant surgery, but you will receive details instructions to ensure a swift and successful recovery.
How many teeth can a dental bridge replace?
This is dependent on the needs of the patient. Typically, a dental bridge can replace anywhere from one to four teeth missing along a row. These prosthetics, however, are usually recommended when only one or two teeth are missing. It is important to remember that the longer the bridge, the less stable it is. This is especially true if the anchoring teeth are not as strong as it is preferred. One way to lower this risk, though, is by opting for an implant bridge. Because the posts are surgically implanted into the jawbone, this allows for greater stability.
Can dental bridges get cavities?
The bridge itself cannot develop cavities because it is not made of natural tooth enamel. However, the structures beneath the bridge can still be vulnerable to decay. Food particles and bacteria can become trapped beneath the pontics and cause cavities or gum disease. If you do not practice good oral hygiene, this can easily become a reality, which is why your dentist stresses the urgency for optimal oral health. Should you notice that your bridge is beginning to come to the end of its lifespan, the cement may begin to crack, making it easier for bacteria to move into the vulnerable area and affect the underlying tooth.