A dental bridge consists of one or more consecutive false teeth that can replace a row of lost permanent teeth. Bridges are restorative dental treatments that fill the gaps left by a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Dental bridge treatment in our Towson, MD office improves the smile’s aesthetics and bite function.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are multiple types of bridges patients can choose from. The most common types of dental bridges can include:
- Traditional Bridges: A traditional dental bridge uses a false tooth bonded to an anchor tooth. For this bridge, we must prepare the natural teeth on either side of a missing tooth gap for crowns. Once we place the crowns, they support the replacement teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges: Like traditional bridges, cantilever bridges utilize anchor teeth. However, cantilever bridges only use one anchor tooth attached to the replacement tooth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: These bridges do not use natural teeth for support. Instead, dental implants fill the gaps left by missing teeth.
We often recommend fixed or non-removable bridges for patients missing multiple permanent teeth. Unlike removable restorations, fixed bridges can prevent remaining teeth from drifting and overcrowding the mouth. They can also make it much simpler to eat and speak properly.
Dental Bridge Treatment in Towson, MD
Before restorative treatment, Dr. Diacoloukas ensures that patients have good oral health. He may recommend dental extractions, root canal treatment, or gum disease treatment if patients need to remove infected or damaged teeth. Then, Dr. Diacoloukas begins bridge treatment by numbing the mouth. He prepares anchor teeth by removing a portion of the enamel for the crown. Then, Dr. Diacoloukas takes a dental impression of the smile to create a customized bridge.
Dr. Diacoloukas works with his family-owned laboratory, Friendship Dental Labs, to fabricate the final bridge. He will place a temporary bridge while the final bridge is fabricated. After several weeks, Dr. Diacoloukas will remove the temporary bridge. He will adjust and cement the permanent bridge into place.
If patients use dental implants to secure their dental bridges, Dr. Diacoloukas will place them before the permanent bridge. While patients must wait for the implants to fuse with the jawbone, they will ensure the bridges last for many years. Dental implants anchor restorations like dental bridges and support the health of the natural bone and gum tissue.
Restore Missing Teeth Today
If you have one or more missing teeth and need a restoration, ask us about dental bridge treatment. Call Dr. Diacoloukas at 443-282-3641 or request a dental consultation with Dr. Diacoloukas on our website.