What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a custom-designed prosthetic that literally “bridges” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The bridge consists of two main components:
- Pontics: These are the artificial teeth that replace your missing teeth
- Crowns: These anchor the bridge to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap (called abutment teeth)
The result is a fixed (non-removable) restoration that restores your smile’s appearance and function, while preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
When Is a Bridge the Right Solution?
At Infinity Sedation Dentistry, we offer several options for replacing missing teeth, including dental implants and removable dentures. Bridges are often the ideal solution in situations such as:
- Multiple Adjacent Missing Teeth: When you’re missing several teeth in a row, a bridge can span the entire gap without requiring an implant for each missing tooth—offering a more cost-effective solution.
- Decay Affecting Multiple Teeth: Sometimes decay spreads to adjacent teeth in a localized area. Rather than treating each tooth individually, a bridge can provide a comprehensive solution.
- When Implants Aren’t Possible: Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants due to bone density issues, health conditions, or budget considerations. Bridges offer an excellent alternative that doesn’t require bone grafting or surgical procedures.
The Infinity Approach to Dental Bridges
Comprehensive Consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough examination and discussion of your goals. We’ll evaluate:
- Precisely prepare the abutment teeth to support the bridge.
- Take detailed digital impressions for our dental lab.
- Create and place a 3D-printed temporary bridge—the same day.
Final Bridge Placement (4-6 Weeks Later)
Once your permanent bridge is ready:
- We remove your temporary bridge.
- Try in your custom-crafted permanent bridge.
- Make any necessary adjustments for perfect fit and bite.
- Permanently cement the bridge in place.
Types of Dental Bridges We Offer
Traditional Bridges
The most common type, these bridges use crowns on the adjacent teeth to support the replacement teeth. They’re exceptionally strong and suitable for most situations.
Cantilever Bridges
These are used when healthy teeth are available on only one side of the gap. While less common, they provide a solution for specific situations where a traditional bridge isn’t possible.
Implant-Supported Bridges
For ultimate stability, bridges can be anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth. This option preserves healthy adjacent teeth and provides superior long-term results.
Comfortable Treatment with Sedation Options
As South Dakota’s leading sedation dentistry practice, we understand that dental procedures can cause anxiety. We offer multiple comfort options to ensure a stress-free experience:
- Nitrous oxide for mild relaxation
- Oral conscious sedation for moderate anxiety
- IV sedation for profound relaxation
Our expertise in sedation dentistry means even patients with significant dental anxiety can comfortably receive the care they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean under and around my bridge?
We’ll provide detailed care instructions, including the use of floss threaders or water flossers to clean underneath the bridge. Regular professional cleanings are also essential for maintaining your bridge.
Will my bridge look natural?
Absolutely. We design bridges to match the color, shape, and alignment of your natural teeth. Most people won’t be able to tell which teeth are part of your bridge.
Is getting a bridge painful?
Your comfort is our priority. We use effective local anesthesia for the preparation procedure, and our sedation options ensure you remain relaxed throughout treatment. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the process.
How much does a dental bridge cost in Sioux Falls?
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the number of teeth being replaced and the type of bridge selected. Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for bridges. Our team will help maximize your benefits and explain all costs during your consultation.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes, once your permanent bridge is placed, you can enjoy most foods. We recommend avoiding extremely hard or sticky foods that could damage the bridge, just as you would with natural teeth.
Restore Your Smile and Confidence
Don’t let missing teeth affect your quality of life any longer. Experience the difference a custom dental bridge from Infinity Sedation Dentistry can make in your comfort, confidence, and oral health.
Our team proudly serves patients from throughout South Dakota, including Sioux Falls, Dakota Dunes, Watertown, and surrounding communities.
Full Mouth Implant
Dental bridges are an effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, restoring both function and aesthetics. For patients seeking comprehensive restoration, options like full mouth implants can be combined with bridges to provide a strong, long-lasting solution. Our skilled team ensures each dental bridge is customized to fit comfortably and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, helping you smile with confidence.
- The health of your remaining teeth.
- Your bite mechanics.
- Aesthetic considerations.
- Long-term durability needs.