How Do Dental Bridges Work?
A traditional dental bridge uses the teeth beside the missing tooth for support. These supporting teeth are prepared for dental crowns, which are connected to the replacement tooth that fills the gap.
Other bridge designs may be appropriate in different situations. Your dentist will consider where the tooth is missing, the condition of the neighbouring teeth, your bite, and the support available before recommending an approach.
The goal is straightforward: replace the missing tooth while creating a restoration that fits comfortably within your bite.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge
Treatment starts with an examination. We need to understand the condition of the missing-tooth area and the surrounding teeth before deciding whether a bridge is appropriate for you.
For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth generally need to be prepared so they can receive crowns. Records of your teeth are then taken so the restoration can be made to fit your mouth.
Once your bridge is ready, your dentist checks the fit and your bite before it is secured in place. We’ll also explain how to care for the restoration and keep the supporting teeth clean.
Your exact treatment process can vary based on the type of bridge and your individual dental needs.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants
Dental bridges and dental implants are both options for replacing missing teeth, but they use different forms of support.
A traditional bridge relies on neighbouring teeth. Those teeth are generally prepared for crowns that hold the replacement tooth in place.
A dental implant uses an implant in the missing-tooth area to support a replacement tooth. Forest Hills Dental Centre also offers dental implants, although the best treatment option depends on your individual circumstances.
Our dentists can examine the missing-tooth area and help you understand the options that may be appropriate for your smile.
Bridges, Crowns, and Restorative Dentistry
Dental bridges and dental crowns are closely related. In a traditional bridge, crowns placed over the neighbouring teeth help support the replacement tooth between them.
Forest Hills Dental Centre provides both dental crowns and dental bridges in Langley, along with other restorative services including white fillings, root canal treatment, onlays, and dental implants. Our goal is to preserve healthy teeth where possible and recommend restorative treatment based on what your smile actually needs.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Good oral hygiene remains important after you receive a bridge. While the replacement tooth itself cannot develop a cavity, the natural teeth supporting the bridge can still be affected by tooth decay and gum disease.
Brush your teeth thoroughly and clean underneath the bridge every day. Because the connected restoration can make regular flossing more difficult, your dental team can show you how to use floss threaders, interdental brushes, or another cleaning method that fits your restoration.
Regular dental exams and hygiene appointments also give us an opportunity to check the bridge and monitor the health of the teeth and gums around it.
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
There isn’t one lifespan that applies to every dental bridge. How long yours lasts can depend on the condition of the supporting teeth, your oral hygiene, your bite, daily habits, and regular dental care.
Keeping the supporting teeth and gums healthy is particularly important. A problem with one of the teeth holding the bridge can affect the restoration as a whole.
We’ll monitor your bridge during your regular dental visits and let you know if we see changes that need attention.
Who May Be a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
A bridge may be an option if you have one or more missing teeth and enough healthy support for the restoration. For a traditional bridge, the condition of the neighbouring teeth is especially important because those teeth will support the replacement.
Your dentist will need to examine your mouth before determining whether a bridge is suitable. Your gums, remaining teeth, bite, and overall treatment goals can all affect the recommendation.
A bridge isn’t the only option. Depending on your needs, we may also discuss dental implants or dentures as possible ways to replace missing teeth.
Dental Bridges at Forest Hills Dental Centre
Forest Hills Dental Centre provides family, preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care from our ground-level office in Walnut Grove. We welcome patients of all ages from Langley, Walnut Grove, and surrounding communities.
Our approach is centred on clear communication and patient participation. If you’re missing a tooth, we’ll explain what we see, walk you through the available treatment options, and help you understand the advantages and considerations of each before moving forward.
We also offer morning and evening appointments, free patient parking, and direct insurance billing. Forest Hills Dental Centre accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and most dental insurance plans.
Contact our team to request an appointment and find out whether a dental bridge may be right for you.
