Dental Bridges in Astoria and Bayside, NY

Missing teeth are not only unsightly but can also contribute to oral health issues and bite misalignment. Dental bridges are one of the various options for replacing missing teeth. The smile experts at Precision Dental in Astoria & Bayside, Queens, offer restorative procedures such as dental bridges to bridge dental gaps in both the front and back of the mouth.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a high-quality prosthesis designed to bridge the gap left behind by a missing tooth. As a prominent restorative dentistry procedure, a dental bridge is designed specifically to fit your mouth comfortably and blend in with the neighboring teeth.

Dental Bridges vs. Implants

Dental implants are designed to replace an entire tooth, including the tooth root, with a small post or screw that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to integrate with the bone around it and encourage new bone growth. It ensures that your jawbone is protected against resorption that happens naturally after a real tooth is removed. Because the implant is self-supporting, there is no need to cut down healthy teeth. Instead, the implant tooth absorbs all of the forces caused by biting and chewing food. The only true disadvantage of this treatment is that it takes a little longer to finish than a regular dental bridge.

A dental bridge works very differently from a dental implant as it is supported by the teeth closest to the gap, which must be ground down by your dentist in Astoria. These neighboring teeth, known as abutment teeth, are covered with dental crowns and connected to the replacement tooth. Each replacement tooth is known as a pontic, and if you are missing two teeth side by side, they can be restored with a dental bridge if the abutment teeth are strong enough to support the bridge. The replacement teeth lie on the gums yet are designed to look perfectly natural.

However, you should be aware of the consequences of grinding down perfectly healthy teeth to support a dental bridge. Once these teeth have been ground down, they will always need to be crowned to safeguard them, even if you later decide to get a dental implant. Furthermore, removing the protective layer of tooth enamel might raise the risk of infection and decay in the future.

There is a lot to consider if you are thinking of replacing your missing teeth, which is why it is critical to consult with an experienced prosthodontist. They can assess your dental and medical health to determine which treatment is best for you. Although most people may get dental implant treatment safely, it may not be appropriate for everyone, especially if you have specific health conditions that affect your immune system.

What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges can be an excellent option if the abutment teeth already have dental crowns or are decaying and need to be crowned. Another advantage of having a dental bridge is the potential ease of treatment. You could have your new dental bridge in a matter of weeks as opposed to dental implant treatment, which typically takes several months to complete. Once your dentist has shaped your teeth and taken a dental impression, they can provide a temporary restoration to wear for the time needed to manufacture your bridge. Your new bridge can be fitted and cemented in place at your next appointment. It’s a solution that will appeal to people who really don’t want to have oral surgery.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges?

There are three types of dental bridges:

• Traditional bridge. A traditional dental bridge is supported by crowns on either side of the gap with a pontic in between. This creates a three-tooth or three-unit restoration.
• Cantilever bridge. Your dentist may suggest a cantilever bridge if you only have abutment teeth on one side of the gap or if the teeth on one side aren’t strong enough to support a bridge. However, because a cantilever bridge places all the stress on the teeth on one side only, it’s infrequently used because the force is often too much and can damage natural teeth. Cantilever bridges tend to be only used for front teeth and where these teeth aren’t subjected to strong chewing forces. A cantilever bridge would be a two-unit or two-tooth restoration, although sometimes a cantilever bridge will use two abutment teeth as support.
• Maryland bonded bridge. A Maryland bridge has wings that fit onto the inner surfaces of abutment teeth and which are bonded onto these teeth. The pontic is supported between the wings, but these bridges also only tend to be used when replacing front teeth. A Maryland bridge doesn’t have a lot of strength and can’t withstand substantial chewing forces. Sometimes a dentist might suggest a Maryland bridge as a temporary measure before having another treatment, such as a dental implant.

Which Materials Are Used for Dental Bridges?

The most common materials used for bridges are porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, gold, and acrylic. The material used or their combination will depend on the purpose of your dental restoration. For instance, if the goal is to improve the appearance of a smile, porcelain or ceramic will be the material of choice so that the crown or bridge will look completely natural in your mouth.

What’s the Procedure for a Dental Bridge?

The process of getting a dental bridge involves several steps, such as:

• Preparing adjacent teeth. The procedure for having a dental bridge is very straightforward, and firstly, the abutment teeth must be prepared. Your dentist will numb the teeth using a local anesthetic to ensure you feel comfortable during treatment. Next, they carefully recontour the teeth, removing some surface structure. This is necessary for preparation for the dental crowns as otherwise, these crowns would feel too bulky and unnatural.
• Creating dental impressions. Once your dentist is happy with the tooth preparations, they take a detailed dental impression of the teeth using a digital dental scanner. Before you leave the dental office, your dentist will make a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth.
• Placing the bridge. Once the dental lab has the digital impression, they use this information to create your dental bridge following the prescription provided by your dentist and which includes the shade and material to be used. It only takes a couple of weeks to fabricate a dental bridge, after which time you return to your dental office to have the bridge tried in and fitted. Your dentist will need to spend a little time checking the fit and appearance of the bridge before carefully cementing it in place.

How Much Do Dental Bridges Cost?

The cost of a dental bridge is determined by the type of bridge, its position in your mouth, and the material used. A tooth replacement will likely cost between $300 and $1,000. A dental insurance plan, on the other hand, can help you minimize the overall cost. Many dental insurance plans cover bridges, allowing for substantial cost savings.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

A dental bridge should be replaced every ten years. However, sometimes bridges may last longer with adequate after-care.

A dental bridge could be the perfect option to take the place of teeth you’ve lost through injuries, tooth decay, or natural wear and tear. Book an appointment and visit our Queens, NY, clinic for a prosthodontist specialist to explain your dental bridge procedure step by step and to discover firsthand why so many of our patients consider us the best restorative dentists in the area.