As you get older, you’re more likely to lose teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t just deprive you of your natural smile though: it can also change the shape of your face, cause misalignment in your remaining teeth, and negatively impact your self-confidence. Dentists like Dr. Agamov offer many restoration options, but if you need a sturdy replacement for a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental bridges in Sharon, might be right for you.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are restorations made of false teeth called pontics. Crowns are attached to either end of the pontics, which fill the space left behind by the missing teeth. Your crowns will hold the restoration in place, effectively ‘bridging the gap’ left by your lost teeth.
Bridges can be made of a variety of materials, including porcelain, gold, and alloys. On top of the materials they can be made from, your dentist can offer different types of dental bridges including fixed bridges, removable bridges, and implant-supported bridges.
Fixed Bridges
Fixed bridges are held securely in place by the teeth located on either end of your pontics, often called anchor teeth. With fixed bridges, these anchor teeth are shaved down into bases for the crowns to be cemented over them, holding the restoration in place. Fixed bridges cannot be removed without the help of your dentist and don’t need to be taken out every night to be cleaned.
Removable Bridges
We also offer removable dental bridges in Sharon. Removable bridges, also called partial dentures, are held in place by clips rather than dental adhesives. Removable bridges use your healthy teeth for support, but don’t require these teeth to be filled down. Removable bridges can be taken on and off without a dentist and need to be cleaned every night.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges rely on implants for support instead of anchor teeth. The implants are attached to either side of the pontics, holding them in place. By using implants to support your restoration, your dentist can save your healthy teeth from being altered to support the restoration.
Additionally, implant-supported bridges offer some of the same benefits as dental implants including preventing resorption and added stability. This allows the restoration to function more like real teeth.
The Dental Bridge Process
While the process will vary depending on the option you want, receiving a dental bridge tends to adhere to the following steps:
Consultation
Before you’re approved for dental bridges in Sharon, you’ll have an initial consultation with Dr. Agamov. During this appointment, your dentist will conduct a thorough dental exam, including X-rays, and gather information that allows them to determine if dental bridges are the right option for you. This includes reviewing your medical history, smile goals, and your current state of oral health. Your dentists will also talk to you about our sedation dentistry options, which can help you relax during your procedure.
Designing Your Dental Bridge
Once you and your dentist have decided that dental bridges are right for you, Dr. Agamov and our team will help you choose the right material for your bridge and what type works for you. Dr. Agamov will be sure to offer her expert input to help you make a choice that suits your unique oral health needs. Once you’ve settled on the material and type, we’ll take images and impressions of your teeth. These then get sent to an offsite laboratory to serve as the blueprints for dental bridges in Sharon.
Preparation
Depending on which kind of bridge you’re receiving, this step will vary. If you’re receiving a fixed bridge, we’ll clean your mouth out and apply a local anesthetic so you don’t feel any discomfort. Then, your dentist will shape your anchor teeth into bases for your crowns.
If you’ve opted for an implant-supported bridge, after we’ve cleaned your mouth and applied a local anesthetic, your dentist will make small incisions into your gums and insert the titanium implants. If you’re receiving a removable bridge, no alteration or surgery will be necessary.
Installation
Before installation, Dr. Agamov will make sure you like the look of your custom-made restoration. If you’re happy with your bridge, your dentist will install it.
If your bridge is fixed, your dentist will cement it onto your anchor teeth. If your bridge is removable, your dentist will simply clip it onto the teeth adjacent to the restoration. If your bridge is implant-supported, your dentist will attach your restoration to the implants with abutments, or connector pieces.
Your dentist verifies that all dental bridges in Sharon fit securely. Your dentist will make sure that you’re satisfied with the look and feel of it after installation before you leave our office. From there, you can start enjoying the benefits of your new smile.
Best dental experience I’ve ever had! The staff was warm, welcoming, friendly, and professional. Thanks for a great first visit!
-Caitlin M.
FAQ
How much does a dental bridge cost?
The exact cost of your dental bridge will vary based on multiple factors including what kind of bridge you chose, the material used to make your bridge, and your insurance. Dr. Agamov and our team encourage our patients to call their provider beforehand and ask them which costs they can cover. To help you cover your procedure, we also offer financing options, including third-party financing with CareCredit.
How long do dental bridges last?
The longevity of your dental bridge will depend on multiple factors, including the materials used to make the bridge and your oral hygiene. For example, a porcelain bridge usually lasts 15 years, while a gold bridge may last 20 to 30 years. Those that want to get the most out of dental bridges in Sharon, need to practice regular oral hygiene and visit your dentist at least twice a year for dental exams.
Can dental bridges be whitened?
Unlike your natural teeth, dental bridges can’t be whitened. If you want to undergo teeth whitening, Dr. Agamov recommends that you do so beforehand. That way, your dentist can better customize your bridge to match your smile, giving you a more natural-looking result.
Enjoy a Fully Restored Smile With Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are versatile restorations that offer a wide array of benefits depending on the materials used and the type of bridge. Dr. Alla Agamov is ready to offer her decades of experience to help you feel confident in your smile again with a bridge restoration.
Call our Sharon office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Agamov. You can also submit one of our contact forms and we’ll get back to you soon. Your dentist participates in continuing education to help her patients meet their goals and is accepting patients from Sharon and its surrounding areas, including Stoughton, Foxborough, and Canton. If you’ve wanted to check into dental bridges in Sharon, let us help you with any questions so that you can move forward toward a bright smile once again.