If you are missing one or more consecutive teeth, Gwaltney Dental has the restorative dentistry services you need to restore your smile. We offer dental bridges as one of our tooth replacement options in Suffolk, VA. Your surrounding teeth support dental bridges and hold a prosthetic tooth instead of a missing tooth. This helps prevent teeth shifting while also cosmetically restoring your smile following tooth loss.
Learn more about dental bridges below.
Dental Bridges in Suffolk, VA
Dr. Steve Gwaltney, Dr. J.Ryland Gwaltney, and Dr. Whitney Gwaltney are here to offer you tooth replacement options in Suffolk, VA. They are restorative dentists with over 30 years of expertise in providing high-quality dental care. When you come to our office with one or several missing teeth, your doctor will evaluate your smile and offer you a treatment plan that is individualized to your needs.
Dental bridges are an efficient and effective treatment option for patients looking to replace their missing teeth.
The Dental Bridge Process
We will apply bridge hardware to the exterior of the teeth surrounding your missing tooth. We’ll remove some enamel to make space for the bridge hardware. Patients may often add extra support to their dental bridge by placing two crowns over the supporting teeth to ensure the bridge is firmly in place. The bridge application does not require a surgical procedure; we can usually complete it within two appointments.
After the bridge is in place, it may take up to two weeks to fully adjust. We suggest avoiding extremely cold and hot foods because your teeth may be sensitive. Additionally, using sensitive toothpaste will help avoid pain and discomfort. If you are in much pain after a few weeks, please contact one of our dentists.
Patients should consider their long-term goals when choosing a tooth replacement option. While efficient and effective bridges will require more maintenance than other options. Patients must learn to brush and floss around and underneath the dental bridge to ensure no bacteria or food residue is caught in the hardware. Additionally, patients will be advised to avoid certain chewy or crunchy foods to avoid damage to the bridge hardware.
Alternative to Dental Bridges
Dental implants are another excellent option for patients considering tooth replacement needs. While dental implants require a surgical procedure in addition to an extended healing time, they also allow patients to avoid the dietary restrictions and oral hygiene hazards that come with dental bridges.
Your doctor will review your options during your restorative dentistry consultation and help you determine which tooth replacement option best meets your needs.
Bridges Frequently Asked Questions
Can food become stuck under a bridge?
Food can easily become stuck beneath or around a bridge since there is a gap underneath the prosthetic tooth. It’s crucial to have routine dental exams to ensure that your dental bridge is properly fitting and that the area around it is clean and healthy. Carrying floss threaders and/or dental brushes with you will assist you in removing food particles from between your teeth.
How long after a bridge can I eat?
It could be difficult to eat hard foods for the first few days because your gums and teeth in the area of the procedure may still be sensitive. We recommend sticking to a soft diet and avoiding sticky foods for 24 hours after getting a permanent crown. After this, you can resume your normal habits of eating and drinking.
What holds a bridge in your mouth?
We secure bridges using a dental implant or dental cement. An implant is the most secure and stable way to place a bridge because we attach it to your jawbone. If you have questions about the best way to secure your bridge, call our office! Our team is happy to answer any questions!
How many teeth can a dental bridge replace?
A dental bridge can replace one to four missing teeth, the most common being one to two. In some cases, a bridge can replace up to six teeth. However, this will require additional support from healthy teeth or dental implants. We will assess your situation to determine the best type of bridge and how many teeth it can replace.
Are dental bridges removable?
No, dentists don’t design dental bridges to be removable like dentures. They are a fixed, permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. However, there are certain situations where a dentist may need to remove a dental bridge. If your bridge becomes loose or damaged or decay develops in the teeth underneath the crowns, we may need to remove it. Additionally, if the bridge develops cracks or fractures, we need to remove it.
How long does it take to get used to a dental bridge?
Patients usually adjust to dental bridge in a few days to two weeks. The exact time can vary depending on the individual. During this adjustment period, it’s normal to experience some soreness, tooth sensitivity, or changes in how your bite feels. However, these discomforts are usually temporary. You should be able to manage them with over-the-counter medications.
Replace Missing Teeth in Suffolk, VA
If you are missing teeth in Suffolk, VA, our doctors are here to help you restore your dental health. Our dental care team is equipped to restore your smile with advanced tooth replacement treatment options under one roof. Schedule an appointment with Gwaltney Dental online. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.