Dental Bridges in Winston-Salem, NC
Imagine a world without bridges—roads and rivers divided, forcing longer, more difficult routes to reach the same destination. Travel would become inconvenient, everyday movement would be disrupted, and over time, the lack of connection would weaken the surrounding infrastructure. Now, think about your smile. When a tooth is missing, it creates a similar gap, making simple tasks like chewing and speaking more difficult. The surrounding teeth lose stability, shifting out of place and straining your bite. A dental bridge restores that lost connection, filling the space with a secure, natural-looking replacement. Anchoring to the healthy teeth on either side reinforces your bite, keeps your smile aligned, and allows you to eat and speak comfortably again.
Without bridges, both roads and smiles lose their function and stability. If a missing tooth disrupts your daily life, a dental bridge can reconnect what’s been lost—helping you regain confidence in your smile.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge “bridges” the gap left by a missing tooth. It usually consists of three components:
- Pontic: An artificial tooth that fills the gap left by a missing tooth. A pontic prevents the adjacent teeth from shifting, maintaining the shape of your smile.
- Abutment: The natural teeth on either side of the gap are called abutments, and they provide stability for the bridge. Dental implants can also act as abutments.
- Crown: Dental crowns are on each side of the bridge and connect to the abutment teeth or dental implants. The crown is cemented to the abutment to keep the bridge in place. A traditional dental bridge typically consists of two crowns.
Dental bridges are made from various materials, including porcelain, zirconia, metal, and acrylic. Each material offers different benefits in terms of strength, durability, and appearance. The type of bridge used depends on factors such as the location of the missing tooth and overall oral health.
Traditional Bridge
A traditional dental bridge is an excellent option for those with healthy teeth on both sides of the gap. To start, Dr. Keider reshapes the adjacent teeth and removes a small amount of enamel to make space for the crowns. Then, Dr. Keider cements the crowns onto the abutments, securing the pontic in between.
Cantilever Bridge
Dr. Keider uses a cantilever bridge when there is only one healthy tooth next to the gap. Unlike a traditional bridge, in which we anchor to teeth on both sides, a cantilever bridge is supported by just one adjacent tooth. This allows it to effectively replace a missing tooth even when support is available on only one side.
Maryland Bonded Bridge
A Maryland bridge is a less invasive option because it doesn’t require crowns or the removal of enamel. Instead, it relies on metal or porcelain “wings” bonded to the backs of the neighboring teeth to hold the replacement tooth in place.
Implant Bridge
An implant bridge stands apart from traditional bridges by using dental implants for support instead of relying on neighboring teeth. Dr. Keider uses mini dental implants to securely anchor the bridge, providing a more stable and long-lasting solution for patients missing multiple teeth in a row.
Mini dental implants serve as artificial tooth roots. Dr. Keider places them directly into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone through osseointegration, creating a strong, stable foundation. This method not only secures the bridge but also helps preserve the jawbone, offering a more reliable solution than traditional bridges that can stress surrounding teeth.
Roundhouse Bridge
A roundhouse bridge is an excellent option for those missing a full set of teeth on the bottom or top arch. An alternative to traditional dentures, a roundhouse bridge is supported by implants and provides more support and stability. Dr. Keider adheres the bridge to the implants, so you don’t have to worry about them shifting or moving like a traditional denture.
Properly Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Maintaining proper oral health to care for your dental bridge is essential. To ensure the longevity and durability of your replacement teeth, it’s imperative you practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing twice and flossing once daily. You can also use an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth and even help prevent gum disease. You should attend regular dental check-ups for professional cleanings and early detection of potential issues. Try to avoid bad oral habits like grinding your teeth, which can cause structural damage to your bridge.
Explore Your Options for a Dental Bridge Today
A dental bridge is an effective and reliable solution to restore your smile and improve your oral health. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, Dr. Keider will help you choose the right type of bridge to meet your needs. With his expertise and personalized approach, you can enjoy a stable, natural-looking smile once again.
Ready to fill the gap and restore your confidence? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Keider today to discuss your dental bridge options and take the first step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
While dental bridges can be removed, they are not designed for patients to remove on their own. If removal is needed, only Dr. Keider can do so safely and effectively. This ensures that the bridge is handled properly and prevents any damage to the surrounding teeth or gums.
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the type that’s best for you and whether additional procedures are needed. We understand tooth replacement should be accessible, so we’ll review your insurance plan and discuss financing options to help make the process more affordable. The most accurate way to determine the cost is by scheduling a consultation with us, where we can provide a personalized estimate based on your needs.
Receiving a dental bridge is typically not a painful procedure. We use local anesthesia to ensure that the process itself is painless so that you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated area, and it’s common to feel a bit sore for the first few days. This post-procedure discomfort is temporary and usually subsides within a couple of weeks as your mouth heals and adjusts to the new bridge. Dr. Keider will guide you in managing any discomfort during your recovery.