Tampa, FL Dental Bridge Dentist

If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be a good option to restore the appearance and health of your smile. When left untreated, a missing tooth can put you at risk for decay, infection and even bone loss. Dental bridges are an affordable and effective way to replace your missing tooth when a dental implant is not possible. Our skilled Dr. Toan Tran helps treat hundreds of patients each year and he will work with you to choose the tooth replacement solution that works for you.

What Is A Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge uses a prosthetic tooth to "bridge" the gap left by a missing tooth. One or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, are securely held in place by two dental crowns (also known as "abutments") on neighboring teeth. Because the preparation of abutment teeth to receive crowns irreversibly removes some of the tooth enamel, some patients choose dental implant treatment instead of a bridge, which will leave healthy teeth intact.

Bridges are commonly made from porcelain fused on metal or all porcelain for aesthetic reasons. Dental bridges are custom-made to look and function like your natural teeth. Traditional bridges are durable and can last for over 10 years with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. If the jawbone undergoes too much bone resorption or the crowned abutment teeth become weakened or decayed, we may recommend replacing your dental bridge.

When Is A Dental Bridge Recommended?

A dental bridge may be recommended by Dr. Tran in a variety of cases including:

You are already missing a tooth
A tooth is severely decayed and can't be saved
A tooth is damaged beyond repair due to accident or injury
Deep tooth infection that cannot be addressed with a root canal

Whether you need to replace a single tooth, adjacent teeth, an entire arch, or missing teeth in multiple locations in your mouth, he can design a treatment that restores you to optimal function, health, comfort, and a confident smile.

What Is The Dental Bridge Process?

If we decide that traditional crown and bridge treatment is right for you, we will begin the process by numbing you with a topical anesthetic, then gently deliver a local anesthetic for your comfort. When you are fully numb, Dr. Tran will remove some of the outside of the abutment teeth to prepare them for crowns, and a precise impression of your mouth will be made. This impression will be used by technicians in our dental lab to create your custom dental bridge.

The process of making your bridge in porcelain-on-metal or all-porcelain may take two weeks or more. During that time, we will provide you with a provisional (temporary) bridge to ensure your comfort. This temporary restoration is made of tooth-colored acrylic to look like your natural teeth. Dr. Tran and his talented assistants will create it here in the office quickly in our on-site lab during your appointment.

When your permanent custom bridge is ready, we will schedule your next appointment. Dr. Tran will remove your provisional bridge, clean the prepared teeth, and expertly fit your new bridge. He will work with you to make slight modifications to the bridge to perfect its fit and the alignment of your bite. Then, he will use durable dental cement to seat the bridge on the abutment teeth, and check your bite again. You should experience a comfortable, strong bite when you return to normal eating. Your porcelain-on-metal or all-porcelain bridge will look like your natural healthy teeth and will match the color of your surrounding teeth.

Are You Interested In Filling A Gap In Your Smile?

The first step is to call Mangrove Bay Dentistry in Oldsmar, FL and schedule a dental bridge consultation. Dr. Tran will do a thorough exam and recommend the tooth replacement options that are most appropriate for you. You will have the opportunity to discuss the advantages of your options and make a personal decision. We look forward to providing you and your family with the best dental care, call (813) 544-6778 today!

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