Dental Bridge

Permanent option for replacing
missing teeth: Dental Bridge

Our teeth all work together to divide and share forces from every day grinding, chewing and eating. If we miss a tooth, extra forces will be applied to remaining teeth putting more forces on those teeth and leading to dental problems and shorter life span of remaining teeth.

A dental bridge can be a good option for replacing missing teeth and can be done, right here, by a dentist in Lincoln, NE and in some cases, dental bridges can be done in just one day. This type of dental bridge is often termed a “same-day dental bridge”. Same-day dental bridges are a great option especially for those who are missing one or more teeth and have healthy teeth surrounding the area of the missing tooth to help support the bridge.

In our article we’ll answer the following commonly asked questions including:

How much is a dental bridge?

Why does the tooth under a dental bridge go bad, toothache under my dental bridge?

Tooth decay and abscess under my dental bridge, What should I do?

Does the dental bridge cause a bad smell because of the tooth under a dental bridge?

How should I care for my teeth after having a dental bridge applied?

Dental Bridges Fix Numerous Dental Problems

• They fill in the gap of missing teeth
• They reduce the pressure of surrounding teeth
• Dental Bridges reduce the probability of getting jaw problems such as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
• They can prevent speech problems
• They keep remaining teeth from shifting
• They prevent changes to the bite by stabilizing remaining natural teeth
• They reduce the probability of gum problems and dental decay
• They work to restore your smile and maintain the shape of your face

3 Most Common Types of Dental Bridges: The Traditional Bridge

Traditional dental bridges are two crowns placed on the teeth right beside the gap with one or more artificial teeth in between. Abutment teeth are the two teeth that anchor the artificial teeth on each side, while pontics are the artificial teeth found between the abutments.

Made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics, these bridges are the most commonly used in dental offices.

Before

After

The Cantilever Bridge

The Cantilever bridge is used when an abutment tooth is only available on one side of the bridge. One or two teeth are used to create a one-sided abutment to hold the bridge of artificial teeth in place.

Usually, two abutment teeth are fused together to hold the bridge, but there are times when only one crown will be sufficient to hold the bridge in place.

An Excellent Type of a Dental Bridge: Implant-Supported Bridges are the most permanent, long-lasting bridge.

Implant-supported or implant-retained dental bridges are a hybrid of implants and dental bridges and are optimal for people missing several teeth or need multiple teeth extracted. The cost of several dental implants may not be feasible, but two implants combined with a bridge may be more manageable.

So, if you are wondering just how many teeth can be on a bridge the answer is it depends upon the health of your surrounding teeth that will be supporting the bridge. A dental bridge can take the place of one or more missing teeth, but it is important to remember that the more teeth you have on a bridge, the less stable it becomes. The more teeth your bridge replaces also means that there is a greater chance that an implant-supported bridge might be the better choice.

An implant-supported bridge is a great option for those who want a total teeth replacement option, but don’t have healthy natural teeth to help support the bridge. If this is the case, you might also want to consider stand-alone implants to replace each missing tooth. Your dentist in Lincoln, NE can help you find the best solution.

How much is a dental bridge?

Most dental bridges are three unit bridges. The average cost for a three unit in Lincoln, NE is about $2400 to $3000.

Dental insurances will cover some of its cost but not all of it. Our dentists in Lincoln, NE offer dental payment plans to help patients afford needed dental treatment.

How long do dental bridges last?

Proper maintenance of your smile (and your dental bridge), by daily brushing and flossing, and regular dental examinations and cleaning, can sustain your dental bridge for many years. If a bridge loses support, by developing a cavity on teeth under it, it can be ruined. Ruined dental bridges can also occur when anchoring teeth, the gums or the bone is damaged by dental disease.

Dental Bridge versus Dental Implants

Which one is a better option?

This can be a tough decision, but our dentists in Lincoln, NE, can help. Here are a few general guidelines we follow that may help you decide. If the adjacent teeth around a missing space are already cracked or decayed and require crowns, a bridge is a more practical option. However, a dental implant is almost always the best and most conservative option for tooth replacement because teeth adjacent to the missing space are not affected by the placement of an implant. Choosing to place an implant rather than a bridge also gives the benefit of preserving bone. When teeth are removed, bone dissolves in the space the tooth once occupied. This can result in a sunken-in appearance from a lack of bone support for facial structures. Implants keep bone active and prevent resorption.

Let’s Compare:
Dental Bridge versus Dental Implants

Who Can Benefit from Bridges?

Patients who have one missing tooth can benefit from this procedure and if the adjacent teeth next to the missing tooth require extra support, it can also be beneficial. If you choose a bridge, some bone will still be lost in areas and you may develop cavities. 

Who Can Benefit from Implants?

Patients who have one missing tooth, especially a chewing tooth, can benefit from this procedure. Rarely, a patient may not be a good candidate for the successful placement of implants and on occasion, additional surgery may be needed to ensure adequate bone support to the implants being placed.

What is the cost for an implant vs a three-unit bridge for the replacement of one single tooth?

The cost of a single implant is around $3500-$4000 and a 3 unit bridge is around $3300 without any dental insurance coverage. If your specific insurance policy does cover part of your treatment, the cost may be lower for these procedures.

Common Questions About Dental Bridges:

Why does the tooth under a dental bridge go bad, toothache under my dental bridge?

While there can be several reasons for a tooth under a dental bridge to go bad, it is commonly caused by an infection in the tooth holding a bridge. If there is a severe infection, the dental bridge may need to be removed and replaced with an implant retained bridge.

However, first and foremost you should speak to our family and emergency dentists near me in Lincoln, NE, about any discomfort you are experiencing, so that they can help identify the underlying cause without doing any unnecessary dental treatment.

Tooth decay and abscess under my dental bridge, What should I do?

Usually, when the bridge is done properly, and the adjoining abutments are healthy, the bridge will last for many, many years. However, tooth decay underneath the bridge is still possible. Cavities can form on the area where the tooth meets the dental bridge.

Tooth decay is formed slowly, and it can take months before an actual cavity is formed and noticed. Inconsistent oral hygiene and lots of sugar in the diet are usually the causing factors of tooth decay; a dental bridge is especially hard to clean compared to the natural teeth. If the dental bridge is not cleaned properly daily, bacteria and acid can seep in the margins and destroy your natural teeth, leading to developing decay and failing dental bridge.

If you think you have a cavity under your dental bridge, contact our emergency dentist in Lincoln, NE to evaluate your tooth immediately. If you have a toothache under your dental bridge, you may need a root canal. Our dentists can save the tooth and give you more years to enjoy your bridge. If we aren’t able to perform a root canal, we’ll refer you to an endodontist. An endodontist is a professional who has mastered the art of root canals.

If you have an abscessed or cracked tooth under your dental bridge, call our emergency dentist near me in Lincoln, NE, immediately to evaluate your bridge. You may need to have it removed and replaced with an implant retained bridge.

Does the dental bridge cause a bad smell because of the tooth under a dental bridge?

When the dental bridge has been placed correctly, and the procedure performed competently, the bad smell is simply due to poor hygiene. It is bacteria surrounding and within the dental bridge that causes an unpleasant smell. The crowns must be cleaned properly at the gum line. You should also use floss and remember to rinse your mouth out after every meal.

A water pick used with anti-bacterial, non-alcoholic mouthwash is also recommended. Remember to return to see our family dentist in Lincoln, NE, for check-ups and cleanings, and if you are experiencing a bad smell, let them know.

How should I care for my teeth after having a dental bridge applied?

After the application of the dental bridge, be sure to avoid chewing and biting hard objects. Your dental bridge will need regular care just as your natural teeth do, such as brushing and flossing on a daily basis. If you do not take care of your oral hygiene, you will most likely suffer tooth decay and gum disease.

In Conclusion:

Dental Bridges are highly durable, and they can last for many, many years. It is easy to eat with a dental bridge once you become accustomed to it. Also, don’t forget to maintain your bridge by proper brushing and flossing and regular dental visits!

If you would like to schedule an appointment at any of our locations, please use the online form and request an appointment. Or you can contact our dentist in Lincoln, NE.