Dental Bridges in Lubbock TX

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions, from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it isn’t easy to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Dental bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap between them.

A dental bridge attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges), or they can be removable.

• Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth.
• Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.

Should I Choose a Dental Bridge for Missing Teeth?

Some benefits of dental bridges include:

• Restoring chewing and speaking ability

• Maintaining the shape of your face

• Preventing remaining teeth from shifting

• Enhancing your smile and confidence

Even a single missing tooth can negatively impact your oral health, function, and appearance. A tooth bridge supports your lips and cheeks, preserving your facial appearance and preventing a sunken appearance that can age you.

Dental Bridges Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a dental bridge last?

Most dental bridges last about 15 years. We can replace or repair the bridge as needed. To ensure your bridge lasts as long as possible, be sure to care properly for your teeth and gums.

What are the advantages of a dental bridge?

Bridges are minimally invasive, inexpensive, and offer a long-lasting solution to the problem of missing teeth. A tooth bridge improves your ability to speak clearly, eat and chew properly, and restore your smile. A bridge also helps support the cheeks to preserve your facial contours.

Is it painful to get a dental bridge?

Not really. Removing dentin from the abutment teeth can be uncomfortable, but we always use local anesthesia to numb the teeth and the surrounding area. You may experience mild pain easily controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers for a few days after the procedure. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages for the first few days. After that, you will not have pain or discomfort.

Is a dental bridge better than a dental implant?

It depends on a number of factors. One of the ways a tooth bridge is superior to an implant is the cost. Bridges are considerably less expensive than dental implants and are more likely to be covered by dental insurance.

Bridges do not require invasive surgery, so they may be the best option for patients who do not want to undergo the lengthy process of getting implants, which can take months. Patients with specific health issues, including bleeding disorders and uncontrolled diabetes, may not be candidates for implants, making dental bridges an excellent alternative.

What is the best type of dental bridge to get?

The best dental bridge varies depending on the location of the missing tooth, your overall health, and other factors. We can guide you in choosing the best option for you.

• A traditional fixed bridge is a replacement tooth or teeth supported on either side by crowns placed over the adjacent teeth. The crowns are bonded to the teeth using dental cement and support a pontic made of porcelain fused to metal.
• A cantilevered bridge is an option when there is no tooth to support the artificial tooth on one side. This may be the case if you need a bridge at the back of the mouth or if the missing tooth is next to a front tooth that we do not want to alter. A cantilevered tooth bridge can be effective but requires precision placement to avoid putting too much stress on the supporting tooth.
• A fixed dental bridge is attached to the supporting teeth using a dental bonding cement and is not removable. Some patients may need a removable bridge connected to the adjacent teeth using small metal clips. You can remove a removable bridge for cleaning and sleep at night.

If you are missing one or more teeth and are interested in a dental bridge, please contact our office at 82nd Street Office Phone Number 806-798-2996 to schedule an appointment.