It is recommended that you replace missing teeth as soon as possible to avoid experiencing additional dental problems. Fixed dental bridges are a popular tooth restoration option that many of our patients at Pike & Valega, DDS, located in Rockville and Poolesville, MD, choose to use to fill in the gaps caused by missing teeth.
While fixed dental bridges are a great option for tooth restoration, not everyone is a good candidate for this type of procedure. To help you decide if a fixed dental bridge is right for you, take the following things into consideration.
The Health of Your Teeth
The health of your teeth, especially the teeth on both sides of the area where the teeth are missing, is extremely important if you are thinking of getting a dental bridge. The teeth need to be healthy in order to support the fixed dental bridge. If the supporting teeth are weak, a fixed dental bridge will eventually fail.
If the surrounding teeth aren’t healthy, you may still be able to get a dental bridge. An implant-supported dental bridge may be an option if you have healthy gums and bone.
At Pike & Valega, DDS, we offer both fixed dental bridges and implant-supported dental bridges as part of our dental services.
Number of Teeth Missing
Fixed dental bridges can be used to replace anywhere from one to three teeth. If you are replacing more than one tooth, all the missing teeth need to be consecutive if you are to be a good candidate for a fixed dental bridge.
While a fixed dental bridge could replace more than three teeth, other dental restorations, such as partial dentures or full dentures, may be a better option for your situation. The dental team at Pike & Valega, DDS can help you explore all treatment options so you can make a well-informed decision regarding which treatment option is best for you.
Non-Surgical Option for Tooth Replacement
Many of our patients choose a fixed dental bridge because it produces natural looking results without the need for oral surgery. Other tooth replacement options, such as dental implants, require oral surgery. If you are reluctant to undergo oral surgery, a fixed dental bridge is a non-surgical option for tooth restoration.
Health of the Gums
Healthy gums are needed to provide a strong, sturdy foundation for a fixed dental bridge. If you suffer from gum disease, you may need to undergo treatment for it before you can get a fixed dental bridge.
Commitment to Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
Good candidates for this tooth restoration procedure are committed to practicing good oral hygiene in order to prevent plaque and tartar from building up around the fixed dental bridge. If plaque and tartar are left to accumulate around the edges of the dental bridge or around the healthy teeth that support the bridge, it could cause the entire dental restoration to fail.
A good candidate for a fixed dental bridge is someone who is committed to daily brushing and flossing as well as scheduling regular dental exams and professional cleanings.
Understand that the Dental Bridge Will Need to be Replaced
Fixed dental bridges are strong and sturdy, but they aren’t built to last forever. With good oral hygiene, regular dental exams and professional cleanings, a fixed dental bridge can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or even more before needing to be replaced.
A good candidate for a fixed dental bridge is someone who understands that this dental restoration is not permanent. They understand that the dental bridge will need to be replaced sometime in the future so as to avoid any dental problems, such as additional tooth loss, teeth shifting or bone loss.
Number of Appointments Need to Complete the Procedure
Fixed dental bridges are a great option for individuals who want to quickly replace missing teeth. Other restoration options, such as dental implants, can require multiple appointments and it could take up to a year to complete the entire procedure. Our patients often choose a fixed dental bridge because they can get natural-looking results in a fraction of the time it would take for other dental restorations.
With a fixed dental bridge, multiple office appointments will be needed, but the entire procedure can usually be completed in just a few weeks.
During the first appointment, your teeth will be prepared for the dental bridge. This requires our dentist to shave down the surrounding teeth to prepare them for the crowns that will support the fixed dental bridge. Impressions are then taken to be used for the creation of the dental bridge. A temporary bridge is placed until the permanent bridge has been completed.
The second appointment is when the permanent bridge is placed. Our dentist will remove the temporary bridge and clean the area. The permanent bridge is then placed in the area and adjustments may be made to make it fit properly. Once all adjustments have been made, the fixed dental bridge is cemented into place.
Schedule a Consultation and Explore Treatment Options
So many different factors need to be considered to determine if a fixed dental bridge is right for you. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with the dental team at Pike & Valega, DDS to discuss the best treatment options for your unique situation.
At your scheduled consultation, Dr. D. Timothy Pike or Dr. Margaret A. Valega will conduct a thorough examination to assess the health of your teeth and gums. Additional imaging may be taken, such as digital x-rays, to determine what, if any, bone loss has occurred.
After gathering all the necessary information, our dental team will discuss your treatment options. If you aren’t a good candidate for a fixed dental bridge, we can recommend other treatment options that may work better for you.
Call us to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you explore your treatment options and finding the right one for you.
