Dental Bridges
Why Choose Ocala Dental Care for Dental Bridges?
Dental Bridges are an Excellent Solution for Replacing Missing Teeth
Serving Ocala, The Villages, Belleview, Wildwood, Dunnellon and Surrounding Areas
If you are suffering from tooth loss, the solution to restoring your dental health may be dental bridges. Tooth loss not only affects a person’s smile but can also be a detriment to their self-confidence. Dental bridges allow patients missing at least one to three adjacent teeth to restore their smiles effectively. Bridges, as the term would imply, “bridge” the gap left from losing one or several teeth. Regardless of your dental situation, the dentists at Ocala Dental Care offer a tooth replacement solution that can transform your oral health and appearance.
At Ocala Dental Care, we understand that each patient is unique. Our dentists offer fixed and cantilever dental bridges at our Ocala, FL, office to replace missing teeth, providing personalized care to each individual. Each of our dentists is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques in dentistry to ensure that you receive the best care possible. Once your new bridge is measured and produced, it will mirror the size and shape of the patient’s original tooth or teeth, restoring your smile to its natural state.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restoration used when one or more teeth are missing in a row. As the name states, it is designed to help bridge the leftover space. Remaining teeth can support this restorative device on either side of the gap or by dental implants surgically implanted into your jawbone. An implant-retained bridge, with its optimal strength and support, provides a secure and reassuring solution. Dental bridges are typically made from a single block of porcelain to provide both durability and natural-looking aesthetics.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Restores Functionality
Dental bridges help you chew and speak better. When you lose teeth, it can be hard to do these things. Bridges provide a stable solution for eating your favorite foods and talking clearly.
Improves Appearance
Missing teeth can affect your smile. Dental bridges fill in the gaps and give you a more attractive smile. This can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Prevents Teeth from Shifting
When you lose a tooth, nearby teeth may move into the gap over time, causing misalignment and other dental problems. Bridges help keep your teeth properly aligned.
Supports Facial Structure
Teeth help support your face. Missing teeth can make your face look sunken. Dental bridges can help keep your facial shape and prevent bone loss in your jaw.
Durable and Long-Lasting
With proper care, dental bridges can last many years and are often more durable than other tooth replacement options, like dentures.
Cost-Effective Solution
Dental bridges can be a more affordable option for replacing teeth than implants.
Types of Dental Bridges
When choosing a bridge, there are a few different options available. At Ocala Dental Care, we offer:
Fixed Bridges
A fixed dental bridge is the most commonly chosen and recommended type. It is typically made of porcelain or porcelain fused with metal, offering a realistic appearance. Depending on the extent of tooth loss, a bridge includes at least one artificial tooth (called a pontic) fused to dental crowns on either side. The dental crowns are permanently bonded to the remaining teeth or dental implants.
Cantilever Bridges
Similar in style and function to a fixed bridge, a cantilever bridge is recommended when only one abutment tooth is available on the other side of the missing tooth. It is often made of two dental crowns fused to the pontic on the end rather than in the middle. However, depending on the level of support required, it can be made of a single pontic and one crown. This type of bridge is generally made of porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal.
How Dental Bridges Are Placed
During your initial consultation, one of our doctors will use state-of-the-art technology to review the severity of your tooth loss and determine the type of restoration best suited for your needs. Patients with insufficient bone tissue or those looking for a faster replacement option may prefer a fixed dental bridge using their remaining teeth as support rather than undergoing dental implant surgery. Once your dentist has established a treatment plan for you, a follow-up appointment will be set to begin the preparation phase. Patients choosing an implant-supported bridge will first require dental implant placement.
Patients opting for a traditional bridge will require reshaping of the abutment teeth to guarantee that the crown fits snugly and comfortably. A temporary bridge can be provided during the waiting period for your tailored restoration. After adequately preparing the abutment teeth or upon complete recovery from dental implant surgery, impressions of your teeth will be taken. Our onsite dental lab will utilize these impressions to create your customized dental bridge. Your bridge will be permanently attached to your implant posts or abutment teeth in about two weeks.
Do Dental Bridges Require any Special Care?
Yes, dental bridges do require some special care to ensure their longevity and maintain oral health. Here are a few important care tips:
- Regular Brushing and Flossing: Brush your teeth twice and floss daily. Pay special attention to the area around the bridge and the anchoring crowns.
- Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on both your teeth and your bridge, helping to avoid damage. 3. **
- Interdental Brushes or Floss Threaders: Use these to clean between the bridge and your natural teeth, as regular floss might not reach effectively.
- Routine Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to monitor the condition of your bridge and surrounding teeth.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious with hard or sticky foods that could damage or dislodge the bridge.
By following these care tips, you can help ensure that your dental bridge remains in good condition and functions well for years.
Transform Your Smile Today With Dental Bridges – Schedule Your Consultation Now!
For over three decades, the dedicated dentists at Ocala Dental Care have been instrumental in helping thousands of patients achieve radiant smiles through our expertly crafted dental bridges. If you’re dealing with one or more missing teeth, our bridges serve as a dependable and cost-effective solution to fill those gaps quickly. Don’t let tooth loss diminish your confidence—contact our office for a thorough evaluation. Our experienced team will carefully assess your situation and determine whether a dental bridge is right for you. We are genuinely passionate about providing customized dental solutions tailored to your needs. Together, we’ll ensure that your restoration appears natural and integrates perfectly with your oral health. Your smile is our mission!
I really love the people here, they are very friendly and helpful. I also noticed that they have the latest state of the art equipment. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I am in excellent hands with Ocala Dental Care. I would recommend giving them a try, You will be glad you did
Priscilla B.
Onsite Dental Lab
In-House
Our in-house dental lab uses only quality materials for a host of treatments and procedures. Having a dental lab on-site allows us to offer a quick turnaround on procedures such as dentures, crowns, denture repair, and other services.
One Stop Shop
Ocala Dental Care’s dental lab is a one-stop shop for all your dental needs. Be it crafting new prosthetics or repairing your existing dentures on the same day, we offer comprehensive solutions.
Same Day Denture Repair
We can reline and repair your old denture using advanced materials at our onsite dental lab, often in one day. As a result, you no longer need to depend on sub-par alternatives when you damage your dentures.
Same Day Service
We offer same-day dentistry services, including dentures, denture repair, crowns, bridges and tooth extractions. Additionally, we can do fillings and remove old fillings in the same day.