Dental Bridge

If you are missing one or more teeth, you may want to consider a dental bridge. A bridge is used to fill the space created by a missing tooth. Most bridges rely on two or more crowns for the teeth adjacent to the space. These teeth are known as abutment teeth. The crowns are bridged together by a pontic, or false tooth. At Bagley Dental, we offer bridges as an effective alternative to other restorations like removable partial dentures, or implants.

The Dental Bridge Process

During your first visit, J. Andrew Bagley DDS or W. Ryan Bagley DDS will discuss the possible options for replacement. To qualify for a bridge, the abutment teeth and surrounding gum tissue must be healthy. Once we have determined a bridge to be the best option, we can move forward will treatment.

The procedure for a bridge is typically broken up into two appointments. During your first appointment, we will reshape the abutment teeth. Some of the enamel must be removed to accommodate the crown. Once the teeth are completely reshaped, we will make an impression of the area. This impression will serve as a model, which our dental laboratory will use to fabricate your bridge. This process can take two weeks or more. In the meantime, we will give you a temporary bridge to protect the newly reshaped teeth.

During your second appointment, we will remove the temporary bridge and check your final restoration to ensure the proper fit. Your new bridge may be completely ceramic or have a metal framework. Regardless of the material, minor adjustments may be necessary. This may take a few appointments. Once we have achieved the proper fit, we will permanently cement the bridge into place using a special bonding material.

Types of Bridges

Generally speaking, there are four types of dental bridges:

•	Traditional Bridges - These are the most popular type of bridge, and usually consist of one or more pontics that are held in place by two dental crowns. This type of bridge is strong enough to replace molars, but they do require a complete reshaping of two healthy teeth.
•	Cantilever Bridge - Although much less popular these days, a cantilever bridge can still be used to replace missing teeth. Instead of two crowns, the pontic is only supported by an abutment on one side. Because these bridges are only supported by one crown, they act as a lever in most cases. However, this may lead to complications like loose crowns or fractured abutment teeth.
•	Maryland Bridge - A Maryland bridge is held in place by a metal or porcelain framework. This framework is cemented to the back of the abutment teeth. While this preserves the enamel, these bridges are much less durable than other options.
•	Implant-Supported Bridges - Instead of teeth, these bridges rely on dental implants. They are especially useful if you are missing more than one tooth. In most cases, an implant will be placed for each missing tooth. However, it is possible to suspend a pontic between two implants. In recent years, this option has grown increasingly popular, because implants are durable, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you are interested in learning more about bridges, call (509) 547-1631, and schedule your appointment today!

Contact Us

Bagley Dental
4904 Convention Drive
Pasco, WA 99301-9023

(509) 547-1631

receptionist@bagleydental.com

Office Hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Every Other Friday

7:30am-5:00pm
7:30am-5:00pm
7:30am-5:00pm
7:30am-5:00pm
7:30am-5:00pm

Bagley Dental, 4904 Convention Drive, Pasco, WA 99301-9023; (509) 547-1631; bagleydental.com; 10/5/2024; Tags: dentist Pasco WA;