Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants
General Dentist & Dental Implant Provider located in Sierra Vista, AZ
Dental Bridges in Sierra Vista, AZ
Achieve a Complete Smile With Our Restorative Dentist in Sierra Vista
If you’ve developed gaps in your upper or lower arch of teeth or you’re having difficulty chewing, dental bridges can help improve the mechanics of your bite. This minimally invasive treatment can help replace up to four missing teeth, completing your smile for an improved appearance.
At Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants, our Sierra Vista restorative dentist, Dr. Kent Hales, is dedicated to supporting your oral health in any possible way. Read on to learn if you qualify for a dental bridge and how you may benefit from this treatment.
What Are Dental Bridges?
As their name implies, dental bridges help bridge the gap left by one or more adjacent missing teeth. Dental crowns are used on either side of the gap to support the fake teeth in the bridge, known as pontics. With crowns acting as anchors, your restoration will be stable and natural-looking.
Unlike dentures, dental bridges offer a stable and comfortable fit. Bridges are also a less-invasive treatment than dental implants and are a much more convenient procedure for replacing lost teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges
Each patient has different needs when it comes to dental bridges. That’s why Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants offers two different types of bridges to ensure the best fit and long-lasting results:
- Traditional Bridges: Traditional dental bridges are the most popular type of bridge and typically feature one or more prosthetic teeth. Dr. Hales attaches a traditional dental bridge to two permanent abutment teeth on either side of the gap using dental crowns.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: If you have more than one tooth missing, Dr. Hales may recommend an implant-supported bridge. This method uses implants to secure the bridge permanently.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges come with a host of benefits that make them such a popular alternative to implants, including:
- Restores your ability to speak and eat with comfort
- Maintains face shape
- Natural-looking appearance
- Prevents surrounding teeth from shifting out of place
- Decreases wear and tear of surrounding teeth
When Are Dental Bridges Necessary?
While many patients elect to have dental implants, they aren’t for everybody. Dental bridges serve as a great alternative if your jaw bone density isn’t strong enough to withstand the implant procedure. Our dentist Dr. Hales may also recommend dental bridges to patients with:
- One or more missing teeth
- Severely damaged or decayed teeth
- Significant teeth-gaps
- Ill-fitting dentures
At your initial consultation, Dr. Hales will evaluate your teeth and gums to determine if dental bridges are right for you. To learn if you may benefit from a dental bridge, schedule an appointment at our Sierra Vista office by calling (520) 458-9460.
The Dental Bridge Process
Creating Your Bridge
You’ll first attend a consultation with Dr. Hales, where he’ll perform a thorough evaluation of your oral health to determine if dental bridges will best suit your needs. If approved, he can begin the shaping process.
Our Sierra Vista dentist will first administer a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain while he works. Once the numbness sets in, he’ll shape the teeth on either side of the gap so the dental crowns will fit naturally and comfortably. To finish your first appointment, Dr. Hales will take digital impressions of your teeth for our off-site manufacturer to use as a blueprint for creating your restoration.
Placing Your Bridge
After receiving your custom bridge and placing it, our restorative dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a secure and natural fit before fixing it into place. You’re then ready to showcase your new smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper maintenance, dental bridges can last up to 15 years before a replacement is needed. To ensure your restoration remains in good condition for years to come, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing with mouthwash between meals.
We also encourage patients to schedule biannual appointments at our Sierra Vista office for routine dental exams and cleanings. Regular dental visits will help keep both your oral health and dental bridge in good form.
A dental bridge can replace up to four adjacent missing teeth. Bridges will usually have one to two false teeth, though rare cases may require more than five false teeth. Dr. Hales will determine how many teeth your bridge will replace at your initial consultation.
Receiving a dental bridge is a virtually painless process. Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Hales will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel a thing.
It’s normal to experience mild soreness once the numbness subsides, but any pain should fade within a few days. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses to alleviate any discomfort.
Let Dr. Hales Restore Your Smile
Dental bridges are a convenient, natural-looking restoration that can improve your smile’s function and appearance. Dr. Hales will determine which type of bridge will be most effective for your unique situation. To schedule an appointment at our Sierra Vista office, contact us at (520) 458-9460. You can also fill out our online contact form and a member of our team will be with you shortly.