Today’s dentistry has evolved into a number of specialized fields that can address almost any dental health problem and help patients keep their natural teeth in good health for a lifetime.
Dental bridges are one of the treatment options we offer for the replacement of missing teeth. Dr. Roham Rafat is a trained specialist in periodontics and perio-prosthodontics. We are one of the most qualified dentists in the Hunt Valley area for advanced restorative dental procedures.
In simple terms, a dental bridge is a series of artificial teeth. A dentist will attach it to existing teeth using crowns or to dental implants. A dental bridge may be used to replace one or more missing teeth and can either be removable or fixed. Dental bridges can last five to fifteen years when properly prepared and maintained.
Alternative Restorative Procedures:
Restorative procedures can repair and strengthen a damaged tooth, avoiding the need for a tooth extraction. It is always in the patient’s best interest to keep their natural teeth as this also supports a healthy bite.
Losing a tooth can lead to bone loss in the jaw and shifting of other teeth, which can disrupt the natural function of the bite.
At Valley Dental Health, we offer restorative dentistry to Baltimore County residents. We have extensive post-graduate education in the treatment of complex dental problems. Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat have been selected as Baltimore’s Top Dentists and volunteer their time to serve on the University of Maryland Dental School faculty.
Restorative dentistry can also replace a tooth that is missing or too damaged to repair. Valley Dental Health offers dental implants and dental bridges for patients who have lost a tooth.
Dental implants offer the most comfortable, natural-looking, and functioning results and can also help to stabilize bone loss because of the implanted post that fuses with the bone and becomes a natural part of a patient’s occlusal system.
A dental crown is often used to repair a damaged or decayed tooth, providing a “cap” that will strengthen and secure the tooth;
Also used for cosmetic changes, veneers can also be used to repair minor tooth damage and maintain the integrity of a natural tooth;
Often considered the best long-term option for replacing missing teeth, implants function much like a natural tooth.
Modern dentistry emphasizes the importance of supporting the health of our natural teeth with preventive care and restorative procedures.
Types of Dental Bridges
- Removable Dental Bridge – Generally, a removable dental bridge is only suitable as a short-term solution. Removable bridges are generally less expensive than fixed bridges. However, they are also less stable. A removable bridge can help to maintain tooth position while a patient is preparing to have a fixed dental bridge or dental implant.
- Fixed Dental Bridge – A fixed dental bridge is more secure and stable than a removable one. Either teeth or dental implants can hold a fixed dental bridge in place.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant
If you have multiple missing teeth, you are probably comparing options of replacing the teeth with either dental implants or a dental bridge. There are advantages to each type of treatment.
In general, Dr. Rafat supports a dental implant option to restore the most natural function and health of the mouth. Some patients may not be a candidate for dental implants because of their bone structure or the location of the missing teeth.
In those cases, a dental bridge may be the best option. Either way, our dentists will help you make the best decision.
Dental Bridge FAQs
What are the disadvantages of dental bridges?
To have a bridge placed requires reducing healthy adjacent teeth. This essentially means you will be damaging them to accommodate the bridge. Also, a bridge will not replace the tooth at the root. This will eventually lead to bone loss. The only way to avoid these issues is to replace your missing teeth with a dental implant-secured restoration.
What is an implant-secured dental bridge?
A dentist can secure a dental bridge to dental implants instead of adjacent teeth. They will insert the implants into the jaw bone on both sides of the gap created by missing teeth. The dentist then secures the bridge, made up of two crowns with a pontic in the middle, to the implants.
How long does a dental bridge last?
This will depend on many factors, including your oral care habits, your diet, and your overall lifestyle. People who take good care of their health and oral health seem to have a bridge with a longer lifespan. If you take the proper steps to care for the bridge, it can last over 10 years or longer before you need to replace it.
