Are you missing a tooth and feel self-conscious when you smile? Do you avoid certain foods because chewing feels awkward? Have you noticed your other teeth starting to shift? A dental bridge can restore your smile, your ability to eat comfortably, and your confidence.
At Bloom Dental, Dr. Jomana Shayota offers traditional and implant-supported dental bridges in Bingham Farms, MI to replace one or more missing teeth. Her Dawson training means she takes a comprehensive approach, evaluating your entire bite to create restorative dentistry results that are stable, comfortable, and natural-looking.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restoration that closes the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It is called a bridge because it “bridges” the space between your remaining teeth.
Bridges are common treatments we recommend for patients with rows of lost teeth. They restore the appearance and function of your smile. Because they replace tooth gaps, bridges also help keep your remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
Dr. Shayota provides traditional and implant-supported dental bridges for patients at Bloom Dental in Bingham Farms, MI.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dr. Shayota will recommend the best type of bridge for your specific needs. Here are the most common options.
- Traditional Dental Bridge: This is the most common type of bridge. It uses crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap to support the replacement tooth. The crowns are placed over your natural teeth, and the bridge is cemented in place.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: This type of bridge is supported by dental implants. It does not require support from adjacent teeth. Implants offer superior stability and help prevent bone loss. This is often the best option for patients with multiple missing teeth.
- Cantilever Bridge: This bridge is supported on only one side. We only recommend this bridge in situations where there is only one tooth next to the gap.
- Maryland Bridge: This bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. It is a more conservative option, often used for front teeth.
Our office recommends traditional and implant bridges for patients who have rows of missing teeth.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
Most adults with missing teeth are candidates for a dental bridge. You need to have healthy teeth on either side of the gap to support a traditional bridge.
If you don’t have healthy adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge may be a better option. Dr. Shayota will evaluate your specific situation during your consultation. She’ll discuss your options and help you choose the best treatment for your needs.
The Dental Bridge Process at Bloom Dental
Before we begin, Dr. Shayota makes sure your mouth is ready for a bridge. If you have gum disease, we’ll treat it first. If you have infected or damaged teeth, we may need to remove them. If you’re missing bone, we can perform a bone graft to create a solid foundation.
Dr. Shayota also takes digital X-rays and reviews your options with you. She’ll explain the pros and cons of each type of bridge so you can make a confident decision.
Getting Traditional Dental Bridges
Step 1: Preparing your teeth: Dr. Shayota gently reshapes the teeth on either side of the gap. This creates room for the crowns that will support your bridge. She takes care to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.
Step 2: Taking impressions: We take digital impressions and send them to our trusted dental lab. The technicians craft your custom crowns and bridge to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Dr. Shayota color-matches everything so your bridge blends in seamlessly.
Step 3: Placing your bridge: Once your bridge is ready, you’ll return to our office. Dr. Shayota places the bridge and attaches the crowns to each prepared tooth. She cements everything into place and checks your bite to make sure it feels comfortable and natural.
Getting Implant-Supported Bridges
Step 1: Placing the implants: Dr. Shayota works with a trusted local oral surgeon to place your implants. The surgeon positions them in your jawbone and places healing caps to protect the sites.
Step 2: Healing: Over three to six months, your implants fuse with your jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, creates a strong foundation for your new teeth. We’ll check on your progress during this time.
Step 3: Attaching your restoration: Once your implants have healed and you have received an abutment, Dr. Shayota attaches your custom prosthetic teeth. Your new bridge stays securely in place with no slipping and no adhesives, just a natural-looking smile.
Patient Review
Dental Bridge FAQs
Do you want to learn more? Read answers to common questions patients have about dental bridges in our Bingham Farms dental office.
How long do dental bridges last?
A dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or even longer with the right care.
Implant bridges last longer because they have support from permanent replacement tooth roots. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will help your bridge last as long as possible.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the preparation and placement. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity or discomfort afterward, but this is temporary. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to manage any discomfort. Dr. Shayota will make sure you are comfortable throughout the process.
What is the difference between a bridge and an implant?
A bridge is supported by adjacent teeth. An implant is a titanium post placed in the jawbone that acts as a new tooth root. An implant-supported bridge does not require support from adjacent teeth and offers superior stability.
How do I care for my dental bridge?
You care for a bridge just like your natural teeth. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss daily and pay special attention to the area around the bridge. Dr. Shayota may recommend a special floss or water flosser to clean under the bridge.
We still recommend regular dental check-ups and cleanings so we can examine your bridge and help it last as long as possible.
Can a bridge replace more than three teeth in a row?
Bridges work best for one to three missing teeth in a row. If you’re missing more than that, the bridge spans a longer distance, which puts more stress on the supporting teeth. In those cases, an implant-supported bridge or a partial denture may be a better fit. Dr. Shayota will evaluate the span and recommend the option that will last.
How do I know if my bridge needs to be replaced?
Watch for these signs: a visible crack or chip, persistent bad breath, discomfort when chewing, or a change in how your bite feels. Regular checkups help us catch problems early.
Restore Your Missing Teeth with a Bridge
Are you missing one or more permanent teeth? Dr. Shayota and our team at Bloom Dental are here to help you restore your smile.
Call us today at (248) 963-7925 or request an appointment online. We proudly serve patients from Bingham Farms, Franklin, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, and Troy, MI.
