Dental Bridges in Germantown, MD

Missing a tooth can affect more than just the appearance of your smile. Gaps can make it harder to chew comfortably, affect your speech, and allow nearby teeth to shift into the open space. A dental bridge can provide a secure, natural-looking way to replace one or more missing teeth and restore the function of your smile.

If you are looking for a dentist in Germantown, our team at River Stone Dental Center can help you determine whether a dental bridge is right for your smile. We will evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health before recommending a treatment that fits your needs. Contact us today to learn more and schedule!

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces a missing tooth with an artificial tooth, known as a pontic. Traditional bridges are supported by dental crowns that fit over the healthy teeth next to the gap. Because the bridge is fixed in place, you do not need to remove it when eating or brushing.

Dental bridges can be made from several materials, including porcelain and other tooth-colored materials. Our team will consider the location of the missing tooth, your bite, the health of your surrounding teeth, and your cosmetic goals when recommending a bridge.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Replacing a missing tooth can help restore both the appearance and function of your smile. Depending on your individual needs, a dental bridge may:

Fill the space left by a missing tooth
Make chewing and speaking more comfortable
Help maintain the position of surrounding teeth
Restore a more complete-looking smile
Provide a fixed alternative to a removable partial denture

A dental bridge may also be an option for patients who are not candidates for or do not want dental implants. Your Germantown dentist can explain how bridges compare with other tooth replacement options during your consultation.

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge

Getting a dental bridge typically involves more than one appointment, although sometimes our in-house milling machine can create restorations like dental bridges in a single day. During your first visit, we will examine the area and prepare the supporting teeth if a traditional bridge is appropriate. Impressions may be used to create a bridge designed to fit your smile and bite.

A temporary restoration may be placed while your permanent bridge is being made. At your follow-up appointment, the completed bridge will be carefully checked for fit, comfort, and appearance before it is secured in place.

Caring for Your Dental Bridge

A dental bridge should be cared for much like your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth every day, and pay special attention to the area underneath the artificial tooth. Our dental team can show you techniques and tools that make cleaning around your bridge easier. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are also important for protecting the teeth and gums that support your bridge.

Restore Your Smile With a Dental Bridge

If you have a missing tooth and are considering your options, schedule a consultation with our Germantown dental practice. We can evaluate your smile and discuss whether a dental bridge, dental implant, or another tooth replacement option may be appropriate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental bridges last?

With proper care, a dental bridge can last many years. Its lifespan depends on factors such as the type of bridge, the health of the supporting teeth and gums, your bite, and your oral hygiene habits. Brushing twice a day, cleaning around and underneath the bridge, and maintaining regular dental visits can help protect your restoration and the teeth that support it.

Is getting a dental bridge painful?

Getting a dental bridge should not be painful. Your dentist will use local anesthesia during any necessary tooth preparation to help keep you comfortable. You may experience some mild sensitivity or soreness afterward, particularly around the supporting teeth, but this typically improves as your mouth adjusts to the new restoration.

Can a dental bridge replace more than one missing tooth?

Depending on the location of the missing teeth and the health of the surrounding teeth, a dental bridge may be used to replace multiple adjacent missing teeth. During your consultation, we can evaluate your smile and discuss whether a bridge is an appropriate option or if another treatment, such as dental implants, would better meet your needs.

Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?

Once you have adjusted to your new dental bridge, you should be able to eat many of the foods you normally enjoy. It may take a short time to get used to the restoration. We will likely recommend avoiding especially hard or sticky foods that could place unnecessary stress on the bridge or its supporting teeth.