A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that replaces missing teeth. It can be made of porcelain, metal, or plastic and is bonded to your natural teeth on either side of the gap. This helps support your facial structure and prevents the bone loss that would otherwise occur due to missing teeth.
Dental implants are another option for replacing missing teeth; however, they are more expensive than dental bridges and require more time for healing before they can be used effectively.
At Black Point Dental in Honolulu, HI, we provide personalized services for all your restorative dental needs, including dental bridges. Our experienced dentist, Dr. Patrick Ferguson, offers a full range of dental services, including dental bridges, to restore your smile's functionality and enhance your appearance.
The dental bridge is comprised of two important parts: abutment teeth and pontics.
Dental bridges are an excellent option for patients who have one or more missing teeth. If you have a gap in your teeth, it can lead to several dental problems, such as:
Dental bridges are a great solution for patients who want to restore their smile's appearance and improve their oral health.
If you're interested in getting a dental bridge, it's important to understand the criteria that may disqualify someone from this treatment option.
If you have gum disease or periodontal disease (gum inflammation), a dental bridge may not be right for you. Gum disease can cause bone loss and reduce the amount of healthy tooth structure available for your dentist to use when placing the crowns on either side of your missing tooth.
If there aren't enough healthy teeth surrounding your missing one, then a dental bridge may not be possible, either.
Your dentist will need to see healthy gums around all four sides of where they plan on placing the attachment posts (which hold up part of the new tooth). If there isn't enough room for these attachments due to poor oral health or other issues with neighboring teeth, another treatment option, like partial dentures, may be better suited.
At Black Point Dental, we understand that every patient has unique dental needs.
That's why we offer different types of dental bridges to accommodate your specific case. Our options include the following:
At Black Point Dental, we also offer pediatric restorative dentistry services if you are seeking treatment for your kids. Our team of skilled professionals is here to help you find the right solution for your dental needs.
Dental bridges and dental implants are both effective solutions for replacing missing teeth. The primary difference is that dental implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone, while dental bridges rely on the adjacent teeth for support.
Dr. Ferguson will work with you to determine the best option for your needs.
When you visit Black Point Dental, we will do a thorough examination of your mouth. We'll check for cavities, gum disease, and other issues that may need to be addressed before placing a dental bridge.
Dr. Ferguson will discuss the different types of dental bridges available and help you choose the best option for your needs. He will also answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
If everything is healthy and ready for treatment, we will take impressions of your teeth so that we can create custom-fitted porcelain crowns for each tooth in the gap where the bridge will go.
Proper care of your dental bridge is crucial to ensure its longevity and maintain your oral health. Here are some tips on caring for your dental bridge:
At Black Point Dental in Honolulu, HI, we offer personalized dental services, including dental bridges, to restore your smile's functionality and enhance your appearance.
If you are interested in learning more about dental bridges or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ferguson, please call us at (808) 955-5922 or request an appointment online.