Dental Bridge

If you lose a permanent tooth to trauma, infection, extraction, or the natural aging process, invest in a dental bridge. A dental bridge can restore your biting and chewing abilities and reduce the risk of oral health problems. At Ford Dental Group, general and cosmetic dentist Hussein Abdel-Hak, DDS, and the team use dental bridges to restore healthy smiles. To make an appointment, call the nearest office in Dearborn, Michigan, or book online today.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a restoration that fills a gap in your smile caused by a missing or extracted permanent tooth. There are several types of bridges, but all of them have similar purposes –– to restore your smile and reduce the risk of problems like gum recession or shifting teeth.

What are the types of dental bridges?

At Ford Dental Group, Dr. Abdel-Hak and the team offer several types of dental bridges:

Traditional bridge

A traditional bridge replaces a single permanent tooth. The restoration has a false tooth and two dental crowns. Dr. Abdel-Hak bonds the two crowns to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. The crowns hold the bridge in place and prevent it from moving out of position.

Cantilever bridge

If you’re missing two or more teeth in a row, Dr. Abdel-Hak might recommend a cantilever bridge. A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge. The difference is that it’s held in place with only one crown (instead of two).

Maryland bridge

A Maryland bridge features one (or more) false teeth and a metal framework. Dr. Abdel-Hak bonds the metal framework to the back of your existing teeth, which holds the bridge in place and prevents it from moving around.

Implant-supported bridge

An implant-supported bridge connects to a dental implant –– a titanium post that Dr. Abdel-Hak inserts into an empty tooth socket. Over time, the implant integrates with your jawbone, supporting the bridge.

What does getting a dental bridge involve?

If you’re not getting an implant-supported bridge, you can expect the following to occur over two appointments at Ford Dental Group. 

First dental bridge visit

Dr. Abdel-Hak reviews your dental records, performs an oral exam, and takes a series of oral X-rays. If you’re missing one or more permanent teeth, you qualify for a bridge.

Next, Dr. Abdel-Hak numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic and prepares the teeth by your missing tooth to receive a bridge. Then, he takes digital impressions of your mouth and sends them to a nearby dental lab.

The dental lab uses your impressions to design a custom dental bridge that fits perfectly.

Second dental bridge visit

When the dental lab finishes your bridge, you return to Ford Dental Group. Dr. Abdel-Hak administers a local anesthetic, bonds the bridge in place, polishes your teeth, and provides care instructions.

How long do dental bridges last?

Dental bridges last an average of 12-15 years, but you can prevent damage by practicing good oral hygiene. Dr. Abdel-Hak and the team recommend:

• Brushing your teeth twice daily
• Flossing regularly
• Eating a balanced diet
• Visiting Ford Dental Group regularly for professional teeth cleaning

If you have a dental bridge, you might also want to wear a mouthguard while playing sports to reduce the risk of damage.

To see if you’re a candidate for a dental bridge, make an appointment at Ford Dental Group. Call the nearest office or book online today.