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At the office of David M. Goldberg, DDS, we understand that losing one or more teeth affects more than just your smile’s appearance. Tooth loss can alter how you chew, speak, and interact with others, and it can set off a chain of changes in your oral health that affect neighboring teeth and the supporting jawbone. Dental bridges are a time-tested, reliable option for restoring function and esthetics. This page explains how bridges work, when they’re appropriate, the options available, and what you can expect before, during, and after treatment.
Losing a tooth creates an empty space that the body notices immediately. Adjacent teeth tend to shift toward that gap over time, which can change your bite and introduce uneven wear. When biting surfaces no longer meet as they should, the distribution of chewing forces becomes unpredictable, placing extra strain on certain teeth and potentially leading to fractures or accelerated wear.
The jawbone in the area of a missing tooth also responds to the lack of stimulation. Without the normal pressure transmitted through a tooth root during chewing, bone volume gradually diminishes. This process can change facial contours and make future restorative work more complicated. Replacing a missing tooth helps preserve the alignment of your remaining teeth and supports the underlying bone structure.
Beyond the physical consequences, tooth loss can influence everyday comfort and confidence. Gaps can affect speech clarity, make chewing certain foods uncomfortable, and alter how you feel when smiling. Addressing these issues early with an appropriate replacement—such as a bridge—can reduce the likelihood of more extensive treatments down the road and restore normal oral function.
A dental bridge replaces one or several missing teeth by spanning the empty space with artificial teeth called pontics. Bridges are anchored in place either by crowns placed on adjacent natural teeth or supported by dental implants positioned in the jaw. The choice of support determines the bridge’s design and how it integrates with the rest of your mouth.
When a bridge is supported by natural teeth, the neighboring teeth are prepared to receive crowns that connect to the pontics. This creates a single, continuous restoration that looks and functions much like natural teeth. Implant-supported bridges, on the other hand, attach to implants that mimic tooth roots, offering excellent stability without involving adjacent healthy teeth.
Well-designed bridges restore chewing efficiency, improve speech, and recreate the appearance of a continuous smile. Modern materials—such as high-strength ceramics and zirconia—allow bridges to be incredibly lifelike, matching color, shape, and translucency so that the restoration blends seamlessly with natural teeth.
There are several bridge designs to consider, and the optimal choice depends on factors such as the number of missing teeth, the health of nearby teeth, bone volume, and your long-term goals. The most commonly used solutions are traditional fixed bridges and implant-supported bridges, but cantilever and resin-bonded (Maryland) bridges may be appropriate in select cases.
A traditional fixed bridge uses crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap to support one or more pontics. This approach is durable and predictable when the neighboring teeth are strong and healthy. Cantilever bridges are similar but rely on support from only one adjacent tooth, typically reserved for areas where opposing pressure is lower.
Implant-supported bridges attach to titanium implants placed in the jaw. Since implants act like tooth roots, they provide independent support and preserve the underlying bone. Resin-bonded or Maryland bridges use a metal or ceramic framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth; they are less invasive but generally suited for replacing front teeth where chewing forces are lighter.
A successful bridge begins with a comprehensive evaluation. We assess the health of the teeth neighboring the gap, check for gum disease, and review the quality and quantity of jawbone if implants are under consideration. Clear diagnostic imaging and careful clinical examination help us determine which approach will offer the most predictable and long-lasting result.
Gum health is critical before any restorative work. Active periodontal disease must be addressed first because inflammation and infection compromise the stability of supporting teeth and implants. Treating gum disease and establishing a stable, healthy environment improves the long-term success of a bridge.
If dental implants are part of the plan, bone volume in the area is an important factor. When bone loss has occurred, bone grafting or other regenerative procedures may be recommended to create a stable foundation for implant placement. These preparatory steps are tailored to each patient and explained thoroughly so you understand the timeline and rationale behind each recommendation.
The timeline and steps vary depending on whether you receive a traditional fixed bridge or an implant-supported bridge. For a traditional bridge, treatment typically includes tooth preparation, impressions or digital scans, placement of a temporary restoration, and then final cementation of the permanent bridge once the lab fabrication is complete. Expect a short adjustment period as your mouth adapts to the new restoration.
Implant-supported bridges require surgical placement of implants followed by a healing period that allows the implants to fuse with the jawbone. During healing, a temporary prosthesis may be used for esthetics and basic function. Once integration is confirmed, the permanent bridge is attached. While implant therapy involves a longer timeline, it offers distinct advantages in bone preservation and independence from adjacent teeth.
Routine care is straightforward: maintain excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing, and attend professional cleanings and examinations. Special cleaning tools, like interdental brushes or floss threaders, can help clean underneath a fixed bridge. Regular recalls also give us an opportunity to monitor the bridge, check the condition of supporting teeth or implants, and make minor adjustments if needed.
At our practice, we focus on individualized treatment planning that balances durability, esthetics, and long-term oral health. If you’re considering tooth replacement, our team will walk you through the options and help you choose a solution that fits your needs and lifestyle. Contact us to learn more and begin exploring the best path to restore your smile and function.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap with artificial teeth called pontics. The restoration is anchored either to prepared natural teeth using crowns or to dental implants that act as independent supports. Bridges are custom fabricated to match adjacent teeth in color, shape, and size so they integrate visually with your smile.
By restoring missing tooth structure, a bridge helps reestablish normal chewing function and can improve speech that may be affected by gaps. Well-designed bridges also distribute biting forces across the restoration and supporting teeth to reduce uneven wear. Modern materials such as high-strength ceramics and zirconia provide lifelike appearance and durable performance for many patients.
Replacing a missing tooth is important because the oral system responds to that empty space in predictable ways. Adjacent teeth tend to tilt or drift into the gap, which can change your bite and create areas of abnormal wear. These shifts may make it harder to chew effectively and can complicate future restorative treatments.
Bone in the area of a missing tooth also begins to remodel and can lose volume when it no longer receives normal stimulation from a tooth root. Over time, this bone loss can alter facial contours and make implant placement or other tooth-replacement options more complex. Addressing tooth loss proactively helps preserve oral function, esthetics, and the options available for future care.
Common bridge designs include traditional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, resin-bonded (Maryland) bridges, and implant-supported bridges. Traditional fixed bridges use crowns on adjacent teeth to support one or more pontics, while cantilever bridges rely on support from a single abutment tooth. Resin-bonded bridges attach to the backs of adjacent teeth with a metal or ceramic framework and are typically used in low-load areas like the front teeth.
Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants that replace missing tooth roots and provide independent support without altering neighboring teeth. The suitable design depends on the number and position of missing teeth, the health of adjacent teeth, and the volume of supporting jawbone. A thorough clinical exam and imaging help determine which bridge type offers the most predictable outcome for each patient.
An implant-supported bridge differs from a traditional tooth-supported bridge primarily in how it is anchored in the mouth. Implants are titanium posts placed in the jaw that fuse with bone and act similarly to natural tooth roots, whereas tooth-supported bridges require preparation of adjacent natural teeth for crowns. Because implants provide independent support, they do not transfer load to neighboring teeth and can help preserve bone volume at the site of the missing teeth.
The implant pathway involves surgery and a period of healing to allow osseointegration, while a traditional bridge can often be completed in a shorter timeframe using existing teeth as anchors. Each approach has advantages and limitations related to durability, impact on adjacent teeth, and treatment timeline, and these trade-offs inform personalized recommendations. Your dentist will explain the clinical reasoning behind a recommendation and outline the steps involved so you can make an informed decision.
You may be a candidate for a dental bridge if you have one or more missing teeth and the teeth or bone adjacent to the gap are healthy enough to support a restoration. A clinical exam will evaluate the condition of neighboring teeth, the health of your gums, and the quality and quantity of jawbone if implant options are being considered. Lifestyle factors such as oral hygiene habits, tobacco use, and medical history are also considered because they influence long-term success.
At the office of David M. Goldberg, DDS we use diagnostic imaging and a thorough clinical assessment to determine suitability and to tailor a treatment plan to each patient’s needs. If active gum disease or decay is present, those issues are addressed first to create a stable foundation for any bridgework. When implants are an option but bone volume is insufficient, we discuss grafting or other regenerative procedures to support predictable results.
For a traditional fixed bridge, treatment typically begins with preparing the abutment teeth by removing a small amount of enamel so the crowns will fit properly. Digital scans or impressions and shade selection are taken to guide laboratory fabrication of the bridge, and a temporary restoration protects prepared teeth while the permanent piece is made. Once the laboratory restoration is ready, the temporary is replaced and the dentist checks fit, occlusion, and esthetics before permanently cementing the bridge.
Patients can expect a short adjustment period as the mouth adapts to the restoration, and some sensitivity to hot or cold may occur for a few days. Proper oral hygiene and attending follow-up visits help ensure the bridge functions well and any minor adjustments are made promptly. The team at the office of David M. Goldberg, DDS provides clear instructions on cleaning beneath pontics and maintaining abutment health to support long-term performance.
Implant-supported bridge treatment begins with placement of titanium implants into the jawbone under local anesthesia, sometimes with sedation if desired. A healing period follows to allow osseointegration, during which a temporary prosthesis can preserve esthetics and basic function. Once integration is confirmed through clinical assessment and imaging, abutments are attached and impressions are made for the final bridge.
In cases of insufficient bone, bone grafting or sinus augmentation may be performed as a preliminary step to create a stable foundation for implants. The surgical and restorative phases are coordinated to achieve a predictable result, and the overall timeline varies based on individual healing and treatment complexity. Regular postoperative reviews ensure the implants and surrounding tissues remain healthy before and after final restoration placement.
Daily oral hygiene is the most important factor in maximizing the lifespan of a dental bridge; this includes thorough brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth once daily. For bridges, interdental brushes, floss threaders, or water flossers can be especially helpful for removing plaque under pontics and around abutments. Avoiding habits that stress restorations, such as biting hard objects or using teeth as tools, helps prevent chipping or loosening.
Routine dental checkups and professional cleanings allow your dentist to monitor the condition of the bridge, the health of supporting teeth, and the surrounding gum tissue. Early detection of decay under crowns or signs of gum disease improves the chances of preserving the restoration and your remaining teeth. If you notice looseness, persistent sensitivity, or changes in bite, contact your dental team promptly for evaluation.
Potential risks associated with dental bridges include decay of abutment teeth, loosening or failure of the restoration, and gum inflammation if plaque accumulates around the bridge. Cantilever and resin-bonded designs may be more susceptible to debonding in high-stress areas, while implants carry surgical risks such as infection or failure to integrate in rare cases. Sensitivity or mild discomfort can occur after treatment but typically resolves as tissues adapt.
Careful case selection, thorough oral hygiene, and regular professional care reduce the likelihood of complications and support long-term success. Discussing medical history, medications, and habits with your dental team helps identify factors that may affect healing and restoration performance. When concerns arise, timely evaluation allows conservative measures to address problems before more extensive treatment becomes necessary.
The longevity of a dental bridge depends on material choice, the condition of supporting teeth or implants, oral hygiene, and occlusal forces from biting and grinding. With attentive home care and regular dental visits, many tooth-supported bridges last a decade or longer, while implant-supported restorations can offer even greater longevity in suitable patients. Avoiding excessive forces and managing parafunctional habits such as bruxism contribute to extended service life.
Periodic examinations allow the dental team to track wear, evaluate the fit of the bridge, and identify early signs of decay or gum disease that could compromise the restoration. When maintenance or repair is needed, conservative options may preserve the existing restoration or guide replacement planning. Your dentist will review realistic expectations for lifespan based on your specific clinical situation and maintenance habits.
