Are you missing one or more teeth? Have your lost teeth been affecting how you eat and speak?
If you are missing one or several teeth, our dentist office near you can provide you with a custom dental bridge in Morristown, NJ. We can use this restorative treatment to restore health and balance to your smile. Patients with gaps in their smile will receive a complete treatment plan allowing them to eat and speak normally again.
Our office is led by Dr. Victor Gittleman, a highly skilled and trusted restorative dentist. He believes in working with patients on an individual basis to find their ideal solution for lost teeth.
Restore Missing Teeth With A Dental Bridge in Morristown, NJ
Replacing missing teeth as soon as possible is vital to avoiding the development of advanced dental issues. If you lose a tooth, it increases your risk of bone shrinkage, tooth decay, and gum disease.
The team at Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry can assess your needs and determine the best tooth replacement option for you. Dental bridges are a restorative dentistry procedure we provide to the public in Morristown, New Jersey.
Types of Dental Bridges
A traditional fixed bridge replaces missing teeth and is a reliable and popular method. It consists of a false tooth, called a pontic, which remains in place by dental crowns on the abutment teeth. A traditional dental bridge provides a strong and stable restoration. However, it requires healthy teeth on either side of the gap. This bridge allows you to eat, speak, and smile as if you had natural teeth.
A Maryland bridge is a type bridge that uses a unique framework that attaches to the back of your existing teeth with metal wings. This dental restoration is a conservative option for replacing missing teeth. It doesn’t require any grinding or preparation of the adjacent teeth. This type of bridge provides a natural-looking and comfortable solution without extensive dental work.
A cantilever dental bridge is a bridge that can replace one or a few missing teeth. This restoration will attach to only one adjacent tooth instead of two. Dr. Gittleman will choose this type of bridge when there is only one healthy tooth next to the gap.
An implant-supported bridge is a modern and effective way to replace multiple missing teeth. This type of bridge relies on dental implants to support a bridge of replacement teeth. An implant bridge preserves the health and function of the adjacent teeth and underlying bone.
Why Choosing An Implant Supported Dental Bridge is Better for Your Oral Health
If you are missing several teeth in a row, an implant-secured dental bridge can replace them all. An implant-supported bridge consists of multiple parts. Dental implants, abutments, and several dental crowns will form a dental bridge that “bridges the gap” between teeth. The benefits to choosing implant-supported bridges include:
- Help preserve more of the natural tooth structure
- Replace the natural tooth root
- Stimulate the jaw bone to prevent bone loss
- Can improve eating, chewing, and speaking
- Offer a permanent solution for lost teeth
- Support a healthy functional smile
- Are long-lasting
During your first visit, our team will assess your teeth, bone structure, and gums. We can then determine if an implant-supported bridge or a traditional bridge is the best option for you.
The Dental Bridge Process
Getting a dental bridge involves multiple visits to our Morristown dentist office. Dr. Reff will perform the surgical phase on the implant process. Once the implants are in place in the jaw bone, they undergo a healing process for three to six months. After the titanium post fuses with the jaw bone, we can place the dental bridge.
If you choose to not sure dental implants, we will prepare the abutment tooth or teeth for a dental crown. Next, we take digital impressions of the teeth and send them to a dental lab. A lab tech will create your custom bridge.
We will make a temporary bridge in our office and place it. This type of bridge is simply to protect your teeth until the permanent one is ready. During your second visit, we will remove the temporary bridge. Dr. Gittleman will place your new bridge and adjust it accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
We understand that you may have several questions about the procedure, the benefits, and how to maintain one. Dr. Gittleman provides patients with the information they need to make the best decision about their dental care.
If you’re curious about the different types of dental bridges or looking to learn more about the procedure, the FAQ section will help address these concerns.
How many teeth can be in a bridge?
The amount of teeth in a dental bridge depends the size of the gap that the bridge will fill. Most bridges fill a 1 to 4 tooth gap. The more teeth we replace with a bridge, the less stable it will be.
However, we will create a naturally looking bridge that will blend in with your other teeth. Your new restoration will fix any dental issues and complete your smile no matter what size it is.
Do dental bridges work like teeth?
Dental bridges look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Some people say their bridge works better than their natural teeth, especially those who had damaged or missing teeth.
It may take you up to a month to adjust to your new teeth. However, once you adjust to the new feeling, chewing and speaking should feel natural.
Are there any foods I should avoid eating with a bridge?
Some types of food can cause your dental bridge to wear down faster. You do not necessarily need to avoid them. However, you should be aware that over consumption of them will cause you to need a new bridge sooner.
Because of this wear and tear many dentists will warn patients to avoid certain foods. These include any sticky or hard candy, gum, popcorn, coffee, soda, wine, and any food or drink with a lot of sugar.
Does getting a dental bridge hurt?
During the dental bridge process, we will use local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and feel little discomfort. If you have any discomfort afterwards, you can manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers. In most cases, patients experience little discomfort or pain.
How do I clean and care for a dental bridge?
To clean and care for your dental bridge, it is vital to maintain good dental hygiene. Brush the bridge and surrounding teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Use floss or interdental brushes to clean between the bridge and adjacent teeth.
Also, you may use an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce plaque and bacteria. Attend your regular dental check-ups for cleaning and oral assessments. Proper care will preserve the lifespan of your dental bridge, prevent oral issues, and ensure optimal oral health.
What should I do if I damage my bridge?
If you damage your dental bridge, there is a chance Dr. Gittleman can repair it. Contact us promptly if you notice any issues with your bridge. Dr. Gittleman will assess the damage and find the best solution.
If the damage is minor, he will perform the necessary repairs. However, if he feels the damage is beyond repair, he may need to replace your bridge. Regular checkups will ensure your bridge is working as it should.
Can I get a dental bridge if I have gum disease?
You should treat your gum disease before thinking about getting a dental bridge. Once the disease is under control, then a dental bridge is an option. Maintaining healthy gums is crucial for the success of dental bridge placement. Dr. Gittleman will assess your oral health suggest the best treatment.
Can I get a dental bridge if I have a missing back tooth?
Yes, a dental bridge can effectively replace your missing back tooth. The bridge spans the gap, restoring function and preventing potential issues like the shifting of adjacent teeth. A thorough examination of your specific case will determine if a dental bridge is the most suitable solution.
How do implant-supported bridges differ from traditional bridges?
Implant-supported bridges differ from traditional bridges in their method of anchoring. Instead of using adjacent teeth, an implant bridge uses dental implants to secure the bridge. Your dentist will surgically place the implant posts in the jawbone. Implants offer more stability and avoids the need to prepare adjacent teeth.
Traditional bridges rely on adjacent, supporting teeth. Your dentist will need to reduce the size of the teeth to make room to cement the bridge in place. Essentially, you are damaging healthy teeth to replace teeth. An implant bridge preserves your teeth and oral health.
Schedule a Consultation for a Dental Bridge in Morristown, NJ
Would you like to explore your tooth replacement options? Visit Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry to learn more about dental bridges and determine if an implant-supported dental bridge is right for you. To schedule an appointment, call (973) 287-3337 or request an appointment online.