A missing tooth changes more than your smile. It can make chewing harder and give nearby teeth room to drift.

A dental bridge is one of the most dependable ways to close that gap, and our family dentists in Rogers, AR place them for patients missing one or more teeth in a row.

Here's what you should know before your consultation.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge is a fixed prosthetic that replaces one or more missing teeth. The replacement teeth are called pontics, and they sit between supports called abutments.

In a traditional fixed bridge, the abutments are your own healthy teeth on each side of the gap. Each one gets a dental crown that holds the bridge firmly in place.

Unlike a removable appliance, a fixed bridge can only be taken out by a dentist, according to the American Dental Association.

Types of Dental Bridges

Dentists choose a design based on where the gap is and what support is available. The Cleveland Clinic describes four types:

• Traditional: crowns on both sides with pontics in between, the most common type.
• Cantilever: a crown on only one side, used when there is a tooth on just one side of the gap.
• Maryland: metal wings bonded to the backs of neighboring teeth, typically for front teeth.
• Implant-supported: the bridge rests on dental implants instead of natural teeth.

At Parklane Family Dental, we offer both traditional and implant-supported bridges as part of our restorative dentistry services.

When Is a Bridge the Right Choice?

A bridge tends to be a good fit when you are missing one or more permanent teeth in a row. You should be in good overall health and free of untreated gum disease or infection.

For a traditional bridge, the teeth beside the gap must be healthy and strong enough to carry crowns. If those teeth already need crowns, a bridge can restore them and replace the missing tooth at the same time.

Bridge or Implant?

Both options restore chewing and help keep surrounding teeth from shifting. The difference is support.

A traditional bridge relies on the teeth next to the gap. An implant-supported bridge is secured by implants placed in the jawbone, so it does not depend on the condition of nearby teeth.

Implants need enough bone density to hold them. Bone, gum health and overall health all shape who dental implants suit.

What to Expect During Treatment

A traditional bridge usually takes two visits. First, the supporting teeth are numbed and shaped, impressions are taken, and you wear a temporary bridge while the lab builds the final one.

At the second visit, the temporary comes off and the permanent bridge is checked for fit and cemented. Implant-supported bridges take longer, since the implants need a few months to fuse with the bone first.

Why Not Just Leave the Gap?

Over time, neighboring teeth can drift into the empty space and change your bite. Missing teeth can also make certain foods and sounds harder.

Healthy gums matter here, too. If you have signs of gum disease, we will treat the gum disease before placing any bridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a dental bridge last?

Most dental bridges last between five and 15 years, and some last longer with good daily care and regular checkups.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that "permanent" means only a dentist can remove the bridge, not that it never needs replacing. Worn or damaged bridges are replaced when the time comes.

How do you clean under a dental bridge?

You clean under a bridge with a floss threader or a small interproximal brush once a day, in addition to normal brushing and flossing.

Plaque that collects under the pontic can affect the gums and the supporting teeth. A nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste and routine cleanings help the bridge and the teeth holding it stay healthy.

How soon after losing a tooth should you get a bridge?

It is generally best to replace a missing tooth fairly soon, because neighboring teeth can start shifting into the space.

If a tooth was just extracted, you may need to wait a few months. That gives the gums and bone time to heal so the bridge fits well and stays comfortable for years.

Can a bridge be anchored to implants instead of natural teeth?

Yes. Parklane Family Dental offers implant-supported bridges for patients who have enough bone density to hold implants.

Because the implants are placed directly into the jawbone, this type of bridge does not lean on neighboring teeth for support. It can be a strong option when the teeth beside the gap are weak or missing.

Will I need X-rays before getting a bridge?

Most likely, yes. Our dentists may take X-rays or 3D scans to check bone volume and density, especially when an implant-supported bridge is on the table.

We also look for gum disease or infection, since a bridge needs a healthy foundation. Any problems are treated first so your new bridge has the best chance of lasting.