Dental Bridges – Castle Rock, WA
Filling in the Gaps of Your Smile
Having a gap in your smile can cause difficulties when trying to eat or speak. Not to mention the low self-esteem you might experience, especially if the location of missing teeth is visible to others. Fortunately, Cowlitz River Dental can use a dental bridge in Castle Rock to eliminate the extra space and revitalize your smile. With this tried-and-true restoration, Dr. Kennington can repair and restore your appearance and oral health for improved functionality. Contact us today if you want to schedule an appointment and discuss the possibility of receiving a dental bridge.
What is a Dental Bridge?
If you are missing one or more teeth from the upper or lower arch of your mouth, you can receive a dental bridge. This customized restoration is designed to fill in the gaps in your smile. Created using fused dental crowns, the two exterior ones are placed over healthy abutment teeth that serve as anchors while the interior crowns sit on top of your gums.
Types of Dental Bridges
When meeting with Dr. Kennington, he will examine your oral health to determine if you show any signs of tooth decay or gum disease, as these can significantly impact the success of your dental bridge. The abutment teeth on either side of the gap must be free of any decay or cavities, and your gum health must also be in good shape.
Once you are cleared for treatment, he will discuss the two options you can choose from: a traditional dental bridge or an implant bridge.
Traditional Dental Bridge
Your dentist in Castle Rock will alter the abutment teeth located on both sides of your gap. This is to ensure your new restoration fits over these teeth and is properly secured in place. Your bridge will be created using multiple dental crowns that are fused to create the restoration. When put into place, your smile will look complete.
Implant Bridge
For a more permanent and longer-lasting solution, an implant bridge can be created and secured to two dental implant posts. Using titanium implants that are attached to your jawbone instead of healthy abutment teeth, the restoration will be created in the same way as a traditional bridge. An implant bridge offers optimal functionality when eating or speaking, and it provides continuous stimulation to your jawbone.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge?
Dentists have been using dental bridges for decades. Not only are they reliable, but they’re highly effective and produce lasting results. When choosing this type of restorative treatment, you can expect to enjoy the following benefits:
- Healthy teeth will remain firmly in place because your new restoration will replace your missing teeth (preventing dental drift)
- If you choose an implant bridge, you will not need to alter your healthy abutment teeth, allowing you to keep more of your natural tooth structure
- Your jawbone will remain stimulated if you opt for an implant bridge, preventing facial collapse over time
- With a dental bridge, you can ensure greater oral health
- Your restoration can last up to 15 years with a traditional bridge or 30+ years with an implant bridge