Fixed Dental Bridge in Lithia, FL
Why Is a Dental Bridge Necessary?
A dental bridge is a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may shift, leading to bite misalignment, increased risk of decay, and even further tooth loss. Missing teeth can also cause difficulties with chewing, speaking, and maintaining jawbone health (Tan et al., 2016). A custom dental bridge fills the gap, helping to maintain a healthy, properly aligned smile while improving oral function and appearance.
What Is the Process of Getting a Dental Bridge?
Getting a dental bridge typically requires two appointments. During the first visit, your Lithia, FL, dentist prepares the adjacent teeth by reshaping them to support crowns, which will anchor the bridge in place. Impressions or digital scans are then taken to create a custom-fit bridge that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth while the permanent restoration is being fabricated (Shillingburg et al., 2012). At the second visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is securely bonded, restoring your smile’s function and appearance.
Why Choose a Fixed Bridge? The Benefits of Restoring Your Smile
Functional Restoration
Aesthetic Excellence
Efficiency and Convenience
Our Team
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Dr. Joseph Wareham DMD
Dr. Joseph Wareham is the proud owner and dentist at Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry, a practice he founded and opened in 2013. With a deep passion for dentistry, Dr. Wareham has been practicing since graduating from Nova Southeastern University in 2007.
Dr. Wareham's favorite part of working in dentistry is the close-knit relationship he shares with his team members. He believes in fostering a fun and lighthearted work environment, where jokes and laughter are shared between colleagues and patients alike. This sense of camaraderie creates a comfortable and enjoyable experience for ...
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Bridge vs. Implant: Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing between a dental bridge and an implant, it’s important to consider your smile goals, treatment timeline, and budgetary restrictions.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of each tooth replacement option:
Dental Implant
- Mimics your tooth’s roots and preserves your jawbone
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Looks and feels extremely natural
- Lasts a lifetime with proper care
- Higher upfront costs
- Longer treatment time
- Not usually covered by insurance
Dental Bridge
- Doesn’t preserve jawbone strength
- Requires diligent dental hygiene
- Looks and feels extremely natural
- Lasts for 15+ years with proper care
- Lower initial cost
- Shorter treatment time
- Often covered by insurance
- Requires healthy adjacent teeth
Essential Care: How to Make Your Bridge Last 15+ Years
Once you’ve restored your smile with a fixed bridge, the next step is to properly care for your bridge and the surrounding teeth. With diligent hygiene and routine preventive visits to your Lithia dental office, your bridge could last for more than 15 years.
Research has shown that the longevity of your fixed bridge is directly tied to your dental hygiene and eating habits. The abutment teeth that secure your bridge are more prone to plaque buildup, especially at the gumline, and without healthy abutment teeth, you’ll have to choose an alternative tooth replacement option.
Some of the best ways to care for your smile include the following:
- Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush twice a day, making sure to focus on the area around your bridge and at the gumline.
- Use a floss threader, water flosser, or interdental brush to clean under your bridge. Often, food can get trapped in this area.
- Rinse your mouth daily with an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods, as they can damage your bridge.
- Try to avoid sugary foods and drinks that can lead to tooth decay.
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw.
- Visit your Lithia dentist every six months for a routine checkup.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dental bridge is a very effective solution for filling the space left by a missing tooth. It is basically a single dental restoration that usually includes two dental crowns and a replacement tooth (pontic) that fills the empty space. The dental crowns are secured to adjacent teeth on either side of the empty space and provide support for the artificial tooth.
Why Choose a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge restores your ability to chew and speak properly by evenly distributing the force of your bite. Beyond the aesthetic benefit of a custom-shaded, complete smile, it also prevents your remaining teeth from shifting out of place, which protects you from future orthodontic or jaw issues.
Bridge the Gap in Your Smile
Missing teeth can affect your confidence and your health. Contact our team so we can help you determine if a custom bridge is the right solution to restore your smile's strength and beauty.
What Happens if a Missing Tooth Is Left Untreated?
Ignoring a missing tooth can lead to serious dental problems. Over time, adjacent teeth may shift, causing misalignment and increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Bone loss in the area can weaken the jaw structure, making future treatments more complex (Esposito et al., 2011). Additionally, missing teeth can impact your ability to chew and speak properly, leading to long-term oral health and functional issues. A dental bridge helps prevent these complications and preserves the integrity of your smile.
Restore Your Smile with a Custom Dental Bridge in Lithia, FL
If you’re missing a tooth, don’t wait for further complications. At Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry in Lithia, FL, we offer high-quality dental bridges to restore your smile and protect your oral health. Contact us today at (813) 438-5925 or book an appointment online to get started on your journey to a healthier, more confident smile.