Dental Bridges in New York, NY

About Bridges at Rock Dental

When your teeth are missing, it greatly affects your smile. At the same time, the missing tooth has the potential to negatively affect your oral hygiene because of unprotected gum exposure. Dental bridges are one of many options aimed at improving the appearance and function of your teeth by replacing the missing tooth or teeth. During your exam, we will discuss whether or not dental bridges are right for you.

Why a Gap Should Not Be Left Open

A missing tooth leaves more than a visible space. The teeth beside the gap tend to tilt into it over time, and the tooth above or below can drift because it has nothing to bite against. These shifts can change your bite and create spots that are hard to keep clean. You may also start chewing mostly on the other side, putting extra load on those teeth. Replacing the tooth helps hold everything in position.

A bridge is one of several ways to replace a tooth. A traditional bridge uses crowns on the teeth next to the gap to hold an artificial tooth between them. It is fixed in place and does not come out. Implants and partial dentures are alternatives, and each has advantages depending on the health of the neighboring teeth, your gums, and the bone. Your dentist will explain honestly how the options compare for your mouth.

What to Expect When You Get a Bridge

A traditional bridge usually takes at least two visits. At the first, your dentist numbs the area and shapes the teeth on each side of the gap so crowns can fit over them. An impression is taken so the bridge can be made to match your bite and tooth shade, and a temporary bridge is typically placed to protect the prepared teeth. At a later visit, the final bridge is tried in, adjusted, and cemented.

Your bite may feel slightly different for a few days, and some sensitivity is common. The key to making a bridge last is cleaning underneath it. Regular floss cannot pass through the connected teeth, so you will use a floss threader, a small interdental brush, or a water flosser to clean beneath the artificial tooth each day. Keep up with regular cleanings and exams, and call the office if the bridge ever feels loose.