Bridges
General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Houston and Pearland, TX
If you’ve lost a single permanent tooth due to extraction or trauma, a dental bridge can restore your beautiful smile. At TLN Family Dental, general and cosmetic dentists Tammeka Nickleberry, DDS, Esther Oluwo, DDS, Taylor Provost, DDS, and Precious Ude, DDS, partner with nearby dental labs to design and manufacture custom dental bridges. To make an appointment, call the nearest office in Houston or Pearland, Texas, or book online today.
A bridge is a dental restoration that replaces a missing permanent tooth. If you lose a tooth due to trauma or extraction, it’s important to visit TLN Family Dental. Without intervention and treatment, you’re more likely to experience other oral health problems, like gum recession or bone loss. A bridge can prevent these and other issues while restoring your smile.
TLN Family Dental offers several types of dental bridges, including:
Traditional bridges have an artificial tooth and two crowns. The artificial tooth fills the gap where your permanent tooth used to be and your TLN Family Dental provider bonds the crowns to your two healthy teeth on either side of the empty socket.
If you’re missing two teeth in a row, your TLN Family Dental provider may recommend a cantilever bridge. Cantilever bridges are held in place with only one crown instead of two.
A Maryland bridge has an artificial tooth and a metal framework. Your TLN Family Dental provider bonds the framework to the back of your remaining healthy teeth, preventing the bridge from moving out of position.
An implant-supported bridge attaches to dental implants –– titanium posts inserted into your jaw.
At TLN Family Dental, getting a bridge takes two visits.
Your provider reviews your dental records, performs an oral exam, and takes a series of oral X-rays. Then, they prepare your teeth to receive the bridge by numbing your mouth with an anesthetic. They use special tools to remove a thin layer of enamel from the healthy teeth that will support the bridge.
Next, your provider takes impressions of your mouth and sends the impressions to a dental lab. Technicians at the lab use your impressions to design and create a custom dental bridge.
When the lab finishes your bridge, you return to TLN Family Dental. Your provider numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic, bonds the bridge in place, and polishes your teeth.
Dental bridges last 12-15 years* on average, but you can extend their lifespan by practicing good oral hygiene. TLN Family Dental recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the office every six months for professional teeth cleaning.
To see if you’re a candidate for a dental bridge, make an appointment at TLN Family Dental by calling the nearest office or booking online today.