Missing one or more teeth can affect your ability to chew, speak and feel confident about your smile. A dental bridge can replace missing teeth with a fixed dental restoration designed to blend with the rest of your smile.
At Oak Park Family Dental, we provide dental bridges in Lenexa, KS for patients who need to replace one or more missing teeth. Our dentists, Dr. Rebecca Kisling and Dr. Mark Jensen, can evaluate your teeth, gums and bite and discuss whether a dental bridge is appropriate for your individual needs.
To learn more about dental bridges in Lenexa, call Oak Park Family Dental at 913-492-9660.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth.
A traditional dental bridge typically includes an artificial tooth, called a pontic, that fills the space created by a missing tooth. The restoration is supported by crowns placed on teeth next to the missing space.
Depending on your situation, a bridge may also be supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth.
Unlike a removable partial denture, a fixed dental bridge is designed to remain in place and is not normally removed by the patient.
Who May Need a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge may be an option for someone who has lost one or more teeth and wants a fixed replacement.
Common reasons for tooth loss include:
- Severe tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Dental trauma
- A tooth that cannot be restored
- Tooth extraction
- Congenital absence of a tooth
Whether a bridge is appropriate depends on the condition of your remaining teeth, gums, bite and supporting structures.
Your dentist will examine your mouth and discuss your available tooth-replacement options before recommending treatment.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Replacing a missing tooth can provide both functional and cosmetic benefits.
Depending on your individual situation, a dental bridge may help:
- Restore the ability to chew
- Improve speech affected by missing teeth
- Fill a visible gap in your smile
- Restore the appearance of your teeth
- Help distribute biting forces
- Prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space
- Restore the overall shape of your dental arch
A dental bridge does not work the same way for every patient, so your dentist will determine whether it is appropriate for your specific situation.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges. The appropriate option depends on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of the surrounding teeth and your overall oral health.
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional bridges use crowns placed over supporting teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth.
An artificial tooth is attached between the supporting crowns to fill the gap.
This is a commonly used approach when healthy and structurally suitable teeth are available next to the missing space.
Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants rather than relying entirely on neighboring natural teeth for support.
Dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw and can provide support for a restoration replacing missing teeth.
Implant-supported treatment requires additional planning and is not appropriate for every patient.
Other Bridge Designs
Other bridge designs may be considered depending on the location of the missing tooth and the condition of the surrounding teeth.
Your dentist can explain which bridge design is appropriate after evaluating your individual oral health.
How Does a Dental Bridge Work?
A traditional dental bridge uses supporting teeth to hold the replacement tooth in position.
The teeth adjacent to the missing space are prepared to receive crowns. The artificial replacement tooth is connected to those crowns, creating a single fixed restoration.
Once the bridge is placed, it fills the gap and can restore the appearance and function of the area.
The current Oak Park Family Dental information describes dental bridges as fixed restorations that can be anchored using crowns placed on teeth or dental implants next to the missing space.
Dental Bridge Procedure
The exact treatment process varies depending on the type of bridge you receive.
For a traditional dental bridge, treatment may involve:
1. Dental Examination
Your dentist evaluates the missing tooth area, surrounding teeth, gums and bite.
Digital X-rays or other imaging may be recommended when additional information is needed.
2. Treatment Planning
Your dentist discusses the available tooth-replacement options with you.
If a dental bridge is appropriate, the type and design of the restoration are planned according to your individual needs.
3. Preparing the Supporting Teeth
For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth may need to be prepared so they can support the crowns that hold the bridge.
4. Taking Impressions or Digital Information
Information about your teeth is collected so the dental laboratory can create a restoration that fits your mouth.
5. Temporary Restoration
A temporary restoration may be placed while your permanent bridge is being created.
Your dentist will provide instructions for caring for the area during this period.
6. Permanent Bridge Placement
Once the permanent bridge is ready, your dentist checks its fit, appearance and bite before securing it in place.
The current practice information states that a dental bridge typically requires two visits to complete, although the number of appointments can vary depending on the treatment.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
Dental bridges are designed to provide long-term tooth replacement, but their lifespan varies from person to person.
Factors that can affect the longevity of a bridge include:
- Oral hygiene
- Gum health
- The condition of supporting teeth
- Bite forces
- Diet and habits
- Regular dental examinations
- Proper maintenance of the bridge
Good daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help protect the bridge and the teeth supporting it.
How to Care for a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge requires regular cleaning just like your natural teeth.
Your daily routine should include:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day
- Cleaning between your teeth
- Cleaning underneath the bridge as recommended
- Visiting your dentist for routine examinations
- Having professional dental cleanings when recommended
- Avoiding habits that could damage the restoration
Your dental team can demonstrate how to clean around and underneath your bridge.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants
Dental bridges and dental implants are both options for replacing missing teeth, but they work differently.
A traditional bridge is supported by neighboring teeth, while a dental implant is placed into the jaw and can support a crown or other restoration.
The best option depends on factors such as:
- Number of missing teeth
- Condition of neighboring teeth
- Gum health
- Jawbone condition
- Overall oral health
- Treatment preferences
- Long-term treatment considerations
Oak Park Family Dental also provides dental implant treatment, so your dentist can discuss bridge and implant options with you when appropriate.
Dental Bridges vs. Dentures
Dentures are removable dental appliances that can replace multiple missing teeth or an entire arch.
A traditional dental bridge is fixed in place and generally replaces a smaller number of adjacent missing teeth.
Your dentist can explain the differences between bridges and dentures and help you understand which options may be appropriate for your situation.
Can a Dental Bridge Replace One Tooth?
Yes. A dental bridge can be used to replace a single missing tooth when the surrounding conditions are appropriate.
The design of the bridge depends on the location of the missing tooth and the condition of the teeth or implants that will support it.
Can a Dental Bridge Replace Multiple Teeth?
A bridge can replace multiple missing teeth when the missing teeth are in a suitable arrangement and adequate support is available.
Your dentist will evaluate the area and determine whether a bridge can provide the necessary support and function.
What Happens If a Missing Tooth Is Not Replaced?
A missing tooth can affect more than the appearance of your smile.
Depending on the location and circumstances, tooth loss may affect chewing, speech and the position of neighboring teeth.
Your dentist can evaluate the area and explain whether replacing the missing tooth is recommended.
Dental Bridges in Lenexa, KS
If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may provide a fixed option for restoring the affected area.
At Oak Park Family Dental, our dentists evaluate each patient’s oral health and discuss appropriate tooth-replacement options.
Our Lenexa dental office provides general and family dentistry along with restorative services such as crowns, bridges, dentures and root canal therapy.
We also provide dental technology services, including digital X-rays and CT scanning, when additional diagnostic information is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
Are dental bridges removable?
Traditional fixed dental bridges are designed to remain in place and are not normally removed by the patient.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
The procedure is performed with appropriate dental anesthesia when necessary. Some temporary sensitivity or discomfort may occur after treatment. Your dentist can explain what to expect based on the type of bridge being placed.
How many teeth can a dental bridge replace?
The number depends on the location of the missing teeth and the available support. Your dentist will determine whether a bridge is suitable for your particular situation.
Can a bridge be placed after a tooth extraction?
A bridge may be used after a tooth has been extracted, but the timing depends on healing and your individual treatment plan.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
A properly fitted dental bridge is designed to restore chewing function. Your dentist may recommend avoiding particularly hard or sticky foods during certain stages of treatment.
How do I clean under a dental bridge?
Special cleaning techniques or tools may be recommended to clean underneath the artificial tooth and around the supporting teeth. Your dental team can show you the appropriate technique.
Are dental bridges better than implants?
Bridges and implants are different treatment options rather than one solution that is appropriate for every patient. Your dentist can evaluate your oral health and discuss the advantages and considerations of each option.
Can dental bridges look natural?
Dental bridges can be designed to complement the color and shape of your surrounding teeth. Your dentist will consider your smile and the location of the missing tooth when planning the restoration.
How long does it take to get a dental bridge?
Treatment time varies depending on the type of bridge and your individual needs. The current practice information states that a typical dental bridge can be completed in about two visits.
Where can I get dental bridges in Lenexa, KS?
Oak Park Family Dental provides dental bridge treatment at its Lenexa office at 12148 W. 95th St., Lenexa, KS 66215. The office phone number is 913-492-9660.
Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation in Lenexa
If you have a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, schedule an examination with Oak Park Family Dental to discuss your tooth-replacement options.
Our dental team can evaluate your oral health and explain whether a dental bridge, dental implant, denture or another treatment may be appropriate for you.
Call 913-492-9660 to schedule a dental consultation in Lenexa, KS.