If you desire a dental bridge restoration, quality counts. Baltimore Dental Co. offers superior technology and a proficient laboratory to fabricate the finest materials available. At Baltimore Dental Co. your dental bridge restoration will flawlessly enhance your smile.
If you are missing one or more consecutive teeth, meet with our team to determine if a dental bridge might be the right choice for you. It is important to address these missing areas as they increase your risk for developing tooth decay in adjacent teeth, gum disease, teeth shifting, trauma to adjacent teeth, additional tooth loss, and jaw pain. As your trusted restorative dental practice, Baltimore Dental Co. offers dental bridge treatments in Baltimore County as a replacement option for missing teeth. You deserve compassionate and comprehensive care.
PORCELAIN DENTAL BRIDGES IN GLYNDON, MD
Utilizing the support of surrounding teeth, dental bridges hold a prosthetic tooth in place of the missing tooth. The prosthetic tooth will be designed custom to your smile to ensure it blends in with your surrounding teeth.
Baltimore Dental Co. offers fixed dental bridges, implant-supported bridges, cantilever bridge, and Maryland bridges as restorative dentistry solutions for missing teeth. The type you will need depends on several factors including the number of teeth you are missing, the health of your surrounding teeth, and the density of your jawbone. Our team is ready to guide you towards the perfect treatment option for your specific concerns.
WHAT IS A DENTAL BRIDGE?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that can replace one tooth or several missing teeth in a row. A bridge is a single unit that is made up of the false teeth, known as pontics, and dental crowns, known as retainers. The crowns are located on both ends of the unit and are anchored to natural abutment teeth, or teeth located on either side of the gap.
THE PORCELAIN BRIDGE PROCESS
A porcelain bridge restoration is similar to a porcelain crown restoration and will usually require two appointments. During your initial preparation appointment, the dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the supportive teeth, rebuild any foundational structure, and shape the teeth to create the perfect space for the porcelain bridge to hug.
We use the PrimeScan, an intraoral scanner, to send data to our dental bridge laboratory. This advanced technology eliminates the need for traditional, messy impressions. Instead, we simply glide the scanner wand over your teeth to capture multiple images, which are then combined to create a precise 3D model of your mouth.
At the end of your bridge preparation appointment, we’ll create a temporary bridge for you to wear while your custom dental bridge is being crafted at the laboratory. When you return for the
final appointment, we’ll remove the temporary bridge and check the fit of your new porcelain bridge. Once we ensure it fits perfectly, we’ll cement the bridge onto your retainer teeth.
This appointment is straightforward, and most patients find it comfortable enough to complete without needing anesthesia. By the end of your bridge journey, you’ll have a healthy, aesthetically pleasing replacement for the missing tooth or teeth.
PORCELAIN BRIDGE FAQS
The team at Baltimore Dental Co. is happy to address any questions you have related to dental crowns. If you need a dental bridge, please read through our frequently asked questions section to learn more.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHILE WEARING A TEMPORARY BRIDGE?
Temporary bridges are important because they protect the teeth from damage, prevent sensitivity, and maintain the exact amount of space that was present when your case was sent to the lab. You will brush the temporary bridge normally. When using string floss, you will insert it between your natural teeth and the end of the bridge and create a C shape with the string while rubbing up and down on the tooth surface, just like usual. What you will do differently is, when removing the string, you will pull the string through the side of the teeth rather than popping it out the way it went in. Underneath the bridge must be cleaned with floss as well. A floss threader or a product like SuperFloss may be used.
IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO DENTAL BRIDGES?
Dental implants are an alternative to dental bridges. Many patients are attracted to the long-term benefits implants offer compared to dental bridges. For example, dental implants do not require the oral hygiene precautions that dental bridges do. Talk with our team to determine if dental implants are a better option for you.
HOW LONG WILL A PORCELAIN DENTAL BRIDGE LAST?
Our aim is to create a porcelain bridge that lasts for many, many years. There are a variety of factors that determine durability. Your dentist will explain your unique dental situation and what you can do to ensure the best long-term outcome for your new dental restoration.
HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY DENTAL BRIDGE?
Once your permanent bridge is cemented into your mouth, you can begin to care for it just as your natural teeth. Continue to brush and floss regularly as well as scheduling your routine oral health and wellness visits. We strongly recommend using a water flosser, like Waterpik, to care for your bridge, supporting teeth, and gum tissue. If you are not utilizing a water flosser, it is imperative to clean out under the bridge with floss to prevent decay from developing on the bridge retaining teeth.
If for any reason your dental bridge falls out, hold onto the bridge and call our office immediately so that we can reattach or replace your dental bridge.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET COMFORTABLE WITH A DENTAL BRIDGE?
If you have been missing the tooth that we replaced for a long period of time, it may take up to a week to get used to the space being filled. Softer foods may be beneficial until you are feeling more comfortable with the bridge. We do not anticipate pain after the porcelain dental bridge is cemented. If you have a concern, reach out immediately.
Schedule for a Comprehensive Dental Examination in Glyndon, MD
If you would like to learn more about your tooth replacement options, please request an appointment online or call 410.220.4680 to schedule your new patient intake appointment at our Baltimore County, Maryland practice for a comprehensive review of your dental health!