Complete Your Smile With Dental Bridges
When it comes to living with missing teeth, the negative effects can range from difficulty eating and speaking to a drop in your self-confidence. Dental bridges are a convenient solution to restoring your smile’s beauty and functionality.
At River Birch Dental, we don’t want our patients’ oral health and smile appearance to suffer due to lost teeth. That’s why Dr. Vargas recommends long-lasting dental bridges. Discover why this treatment is a trusted solution to tooth loss by reading our guide below.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Also known as fixed partial dentures, dental bridges are designed to bridge the gap between one or more missing teeth. They’re known to be more stable than dentures and don’t require invasive surgery like dental implants.
Bridges are made up of natural-looking prosthetic teeth called pontics, which rely on adjacent teeth on each side to support the restoration. Depending on your individual needs, you can receive your dental bridge in as few as two appointments at our Centuria office.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
In addition to restoring your smile and boosting your self-esteem, dental bridges also improve your oral health. Many unique benefits come with receiving a dental bridge, such as:
- Maintains the shape of your face
- Prevents your surrounding teeth from shifting out of place
- Restores your ability to eat and speak with comfort
- Decreases the wear and tear of your surrounding teeth
When Are Dental Bridges Necessary?
Dental bridges can help treat damaged or missing teeth that can’t otherwise be fixed with dental crowns or fillings. Dr. Vargas is likely to recommend dental bridges to patients with:
- Severe tooth damage
- Tooth decay
- One or more missing teeth
- Teeth gaps
- Difficulty chewing
If you want to restore your smile’s appearance and functionality, dental bridges may be the solution for you. Dr. Vargas can determine if this treatment will be effective for your unique situation at your initial consultation.
Our Dental Bridge Process
The entire dental bridge process is simple and can be completed in as few as two visits to our Centuria dental practice. Your initial visit will consist of Dr. Vargas preparing your anchor teeth by gently removing a small portion of the enamel. She’ll then take detailed impressions of your teeth to create your personalized restoration.
Once your custom bridge is ready, typically about two weeks after your first visit, you’ll return to our Centuria office. Dr. Vargas will make sure the fit and appearance are exactly how you want it before fixing the dental bridge into place. After it’s secure, you’ll walk out of our office ready to show the world your beautiful, restored smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
While dental bridges are designed with highly durable porcelain, they’re not permanent. Bridges can typically last up to 15 years before needing to be replaced. It’s essential that you maintain pristine oral hygiene and keep up with your biannual visits to our Centuria office for routine checkups and cleanings.
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily will ensure your restoration and oral health remain in great condition for years to come.
The cost of your dental bridge restoration will vary depending on your specific treatment plan and the condition of your oral health. We recommend checking with your dental provider for more specific details about your coverage to ensure you’re receiving the maximum amount of benefits.
For an accurate cost estimate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Vargas by calling our Centuria dental practice at (715) 646-2161. During this consultation, she’ll examine your oral health, determine the best course of treatment, and provide you with a full breakdown of the cost.
You can visit our financing page to learn more about our affordable payment options. We also recommend looking into CareCredit, a third-party financing company designed to help patients cover the costs of their treatment. Applying online is quick and easy, and you may qualify for financial aid regardless of your insurance status.
Patients looking to get a dental bridge after a tooth extraction will typically need to wait five to six months. This will allow for their mouth to fully heal after the extraction, ensuring a more successful bridge treatment. Dr. Vargas may be able to provide you with temporary restorations after your extraction so you don’t need to go without teeth.
Receiving a dental bridge is a virtually painless experience. Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Vargas will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel a thing while she works.
You may experience some slight discomfort after the numbness fades. This pain can be easily managed using a cold compress and over-the-counter pain relievers.
However, if the pain persists past a few days, it may be a sign of a complication. Contact our Centuria office immediately at (715) 646-2161. Dr. Vargas will assess your situation and provide you with the proper care.
Achieve Your Smile Goals at River Birch Dental
Dental bridges are a great way for patients to quickly restore their healthy smiles. These reliable restorations can also help prevent oral health complications that may result from tooth loss.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Vargas, contact our Centuria office at (715) 646-2161. You can also fill out a contact form and a team member will get back to you shortly. We look forward to helping you on your journey to a beautiful smile!