Dental Bridges

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.

• Abutment teeth: The abutment teeth are the natural teeth on either side of the gap and are covered with crowns to provide support for the false teeth.
• Pontics: The pontics are the false teeth attached to the crowns on both sides, creating a seamless and functional replacement for the missing teeth.

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:

• Biting and chewing difficulties
• Speech impediments
• Misshapen face
• Jaw pain
• Teeth movement prevention

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:

• Traditional Bridge: This is the most common type of dental bridge, where dental crowns are cemented onto each abutment tooth to hold the false tooth or teeth in place. This option is suitable if you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap. We use a variety of materials for the crowns, including metal, ceramic, or porcelain fused to metal.
• Cantilever Bridge: This type of bridge is similar to the traditional fixed bridge but only needs a single abutment tooth where the attaching crown will be placed.
• Maryland Dental Bridge: Instead of attaching the false tooth to the natural abutment teeth with a crown, a metal wing attachment is used in this type of bridge. The metal wings are bonded to the back of each natural abutment tooth to secure the false tooth in place, making it a viable option if you have two healthy teeth on either side of the bridge.
• Implant-Supported Bridge: This bridge uses dental implants as the abutment teeth instead of healthy natural teeth. While this option requires two different surgeries, it can be a great alternative for patients without healthy natural teeth to support a traditional bridge.

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:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive paste to clean the dental bridge properly. 
• Floss once daily to remove plaque and food particles between the teeth and under the bridge. Choose an easy-to-use aid, such as a floss threader, super floss, interdental brush, or water pick, for your dental bridge. 
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill any bacteria or germs in your mouth that could cause gum disease or bad breath.
• Avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that could damage the dental bridge or cause it to come loose.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your dentist to monitor the health of your dental bridge and ensure it is functioning correctly.

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.