At Dresen Restorative Dentistry, nestled in the heart of Woodbury, Minnesota, we understand the importance of a complete, healthy smile.
Dental bridges, a cornerstone of our restorative dental services, offer a seamless solution to missing teeth. Led by Dr. Tom Dresen, our team combines old-school service with high-tech solutions, ensuring your dental care is both personal and advanced. In this guide, we’ll explore what dental bridges are, their benefits, and the process of restoring your smile at our Woodbury practice.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are custom-made dental appliances used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth (pontics) that are anchored on either side by crowns placed on the natural teeth or implants. Bridges not only restore the appearance of your smile but also prevent the remaining teeth from shifting, which could lead to further oral health issues. At Dresen Restorative Dentistry, we craft each bridge with precision, using high-quality materials that match your natural teeth perfectly. Our bridges are designed to blend seamlessly with your existing smile, creating a natural appearance that restores both function and confidence.
When Are Dental Bridges Recommended?
Dr. Tom Dresen recommends dental bridges for patients missing one or more teeth and looking for a permanent solution that blends seamlessly with their natural teeth. Bridges are ideal when you have healthy teeth on either side of the gap or have dental implants in place to support the bridge. Common situations where bridges are recommended include tooth loss due to decay, injury, or periodontal disease. They’re particularly beneficial for patients who want to avoid the surgical procedure required for dental implants or need a faster solution to restore their smile. Our team at Dresen Restorative Dentistry will conduct a comprehensive examination to ensure dental bridges are the best option for your specific situation, considering factors like your oral health, bite alignment, and aesthetic goals.
The Dental Bridge Process
The process of getting a dental bridge at Dresen Restorative Dentistry begins with a thorough consultation with Dr. Dresen, where your oral health will be assessed and a treatment plan customized to your needs. During the first appointment, the abutment teeth (supporting teeth) are carefully prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the crowns. We then take precise impressions of your teeth, which are sent to our trusted dental laboratory to create your custom bridge. A temporary bridge is placed to protect your prepared teeth while your permanent bridge is being crafted. At your second appointment, typically 2-3 weeks later, the temporary bridge is removed, and your new permanent bridge is carefully fitted, adjusted for proper bite and comfort, and permanently cemented into place. Throughout this process, our team ensures your comfort and keeps you informed about each step.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer numerous advantages that make them an excellent choice for tooth replacement. They restore your ability to chew and speak properly, which is essential for both nutrition and communication. Bridges help maintain the natural shape of your face by providing support to your facial muscles and preventing the sunken appearance that can occur with missing teeth. They also distribute the forces in your bite properly across all your teeth, reducing stress on individual teeth. Additionally, bridges prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position, which can lead to bite problems and increased risk of decay and gum disease. At Dresen Restorative Dentistry, we ensure your bridge is not only functional but aesthetically pleasing, matching the natural color, shape, and size of your teeth for a seamless appearance that enhances your smile and boosts your confidence.
Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges
While dental bridges offer an excellent solution for many patients, it’s important to understand both the advantages and considerations. Pros include their durability, with bridges lasting 10-15 years or more with proper care and maintenance. They’re less invasive than dental implants, requiring no surgical procedure, and provide immediate results once placed. Bridges are also typically more cost-effective than implants initially and are covered by most dental insurance plans. Cons to consider include the need for healthy, strong teeth or implants to anchor the bridge, which means altering adjacent healthy teeth. The area under the bridge requires special cleaning techniques to prevent decay and gum disease. Additionally, bridges may need replacement over time, and if an abutment tooth develops problems, the entire bridge may need to be remade. Dr. Dresen will discuss these factors with you to help determine if bridges are the right choice for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How long does the process of getting a dental bridge take?
Typically, the process requires two visits to Dresen Restorative Dentistry over a period of 2-3 weeks. The first visit involves preparation and impression-taking, which takes about 1-2 hours. The second visit for fitting and cementing the bridge usually takes about an hour. The time between visits allows for the custom creation of your bridge in our trusted dental laboratory.
How do I care for my dental bridge?
Caring for your bridge involves regular brushing twice daily and daily flossing using special floss threaders or water flossers to clean under the bridge. Regular professional cleanings and checkups at Dresen Restorative Dentistry are essential. We’ll provide you with specific instructions and recommend special cleaning tools to ensure the area around and under the bridge remains healthy.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
The procedure is typically comfortable with minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is used during the preparation of abutment teeth, making the process virtually pain-free. Some mild sensitivity is normal after the procedure but typically subsides within a few days. Dr. Dresen and our team prioritize your comfort throughout the entire process.
Does insurance cover dental bridges?
Many dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of the cost of dental bridges, typically 50-80% after your deductible. Our knowledgeable team at Dresen Restorative Dentistry will help you understand your specific benefits, file claims, and discuss payment options to make your treatment affordable.
How do I know if a dental bridge is the right choice for me?
The best way to determine if a dental bridge is suitable for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tom Dresen. After a thorough examination, discussion of your goals, and review of your oral health history, we can recommend the best treatment options for your specific situation and lifestyle needs.
Can a dental bridge be repaired if it gets damaged?
Minor repairs to bridges are sometimes possible, but significant damage often requires replacement of the entire bridge. This is why proper care and regular checkups at Dresen Restorative Dentistry are so important for maintaining your bridge’s longevity and catching any issues early.
At Dresen Restorative Dentistry, serving Woodbury and the surrounding areas, we’re dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality care. With our old-school service, high-tech solutions, and the comforting presence of our mascot dog, Ginger, we ensure every visit is as pleasant as possible. Contact us at 651-735-1585 to schedule your consultation and rediscover the joy of a complete smile with dental bridges tailored just for you.