Can You Get a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are a popular restorative option for replacing missing teeth. They offer an effective solution that restores both the function and aesthetics of your smile. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental bridges. By understanding who is a suitable candidate for dental bridges, you can make an informed decision about your dental care.
Find out if you may qualify for dental bridge treatment with our Sun City West dentist today. Schedule your appointment by calling us at (623) 214-7898. Your perfect smile starts here—book your appointment for gentle and professional dental care. We welcome patients from Waddell, Surprise, and Peoria!
Why Choose AZ Implant & Denture Center?
At AZ Implant & Denture Center in Sun City West, we prioritize your oral health. Our warm family dental practice welcomes patients of all ages, striving to create lasting relationships while providing quality care.
Advanced Dental Technology
We utilize state-of-the-art dental equipment to perform procedures effectively. The technology allows for accurate assessments, ensuring you receive the care necessary for successful outcomes.
Comprehensive Services
Aside from dental bridges, we offer a wide array of services, including routine checkups, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative treatments. You can rely on us for both your immediate and long-term dental needs.
Emergency Care
Should an unexpected dental problem arise, our emergency services are available for cases that require urgent attention, including issues related to bridges and other restorative options. Our in-house dental lab even allows for special same-day denture repair.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
Identifying a good candidate for dental bridges involves evaluating multiple factors. While this overview can help you gauge your suitability, an individualized assessment by our team is necessary for a comprehensive evaluation.
Missing Teeth
Dental bridges are primarily recommended for individuals who have one or more missing teeth in a row. They’re an excellent solution for those who have adjacent teeth that are healthy and can provide support for the bridge. However, the number of teeth a bridge can replace is typically limited to one to three teeth, depending on the location and the condition of the adjacent teeth.
Condition of Existing Teeth
The teeth adjacent to the missing space, known as the abutment teeth, play a crucial role in supporting the bridge. They must be healthy enough to provide adequate support. If the surrounding teeth have significant decay or gum disease, they may not be suitable as abutments unless they’re treated first.
Oral Hygiene Habits
Proper oral care is essential for the longevity of dental bridges. Patients must be committed to good oral hygiene to prevent problems like gum disease or decay under the crowns of the bridge. As mentioned above, having two healthy teeth on either side of the gap is vital to ensure a stable environment for the bridge.
Bite Alignment
Proper bite alignment is important for the longevity and function of dental bridges. If your bite is severely misaligned or if you have significant bite issues, our dentist may recommend alternative treatment options or additional procedures to ensure the success of the dental bridge.
Bone Health
Although dental bridges do not directly rely on jawbone integrity like implants, having healthy bone and gum tissue is still important. The stability of the surrounding bone and gums helps ensure the bridge remains secure over time.
Cost and Longevity Expectations
Dental bridges are less invasive than implants and often have a lower upfront cost, but they might need replacement or repair sooner than dental implants. Patients should consider the long-term implications and costs when choosing a tooth replacement option.
Aesthetic Concerns
Bridges can provide a seamless look, replacing missing teeth and blending in with the natural dentition. However, some patients might have specific aesthetic concerns that might make other options more desirable.
Alternatives to Dental Bridges
If dental bridges aren’t right for you, there are other restorative solutions our Sun City West dentist may recommend.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as artificial tooth roots. Once integrated with the bone, they can support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Offering the feel and function of natural teeth, implants help preserve jawbone integrity and don’t affect adjacent teeth.
Dentures
Dentures are removable dental prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They come in two primary types: complete, for those missing all teeth in an arch, and partial, for those with some natural teeth remaining. While offering a quick solution for tooth loss, removable dentures require periodic adjustments and may not provide the same stability as other replacement options.
At our in-house dental lab, we’re able to provide quick turnaround for denture repair in Sun City West. Call now at 623-281-2281 if you’re experiencing problems with dentures or want to schedule a free consultation to discuss other dental bridge alternatives.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are another tooth restoration option for patients looking to replace one or more teeth. If you’re missing teeth in multiple different locations rather than a full arch, crowns might be a more appropriate solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you can get dental bridges with underlying dental issues depends on the specific nature and severity of the issues. In some cases, it may be possible to address the underlying problems before proceeding with the dental bridge procedure. Your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your oral health to determine the best course of action.
Before placing a dental bridge, any underlying dental issues like gum disease or decay must be addressed. If the adjacent teeth are severely compromised, they may need treatment or restoration first. In some cases, if the supporting teeth are not salvageable, alternative tooth replacement options may be recommended.
Determine Your Candidacy for Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth, but not everyone is a suitable candidate. Remember, a healthy and confident smile starts with a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique circumstances.
Contact our dentist in Sun City West today at (623) 214-7898 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.
We also welcome patients from surrounding areas, including Surprise, Peoria, and Glendale. Whether you’re suffering from missing teeth or just seeking restorative options, reach out to AZ Implant & Denture Center in Sun City West today! Your journey toward a brighter, healthier smile begins here.