Dental Bridges in Tupelo, MS

When one or a few of your teeth have been lost, it is not just a problem with appearance — missing teeth can impair normal oral function and may cause other teeth to shift out of place. This can result in unnecessary tension when biting, pain during chewing, or even trouble speaking. A dental bridge improves the appearance and health of your smile by filling in gaps using artificial teeth that are supported by either your natural teeth, dental implants, or a combination of both. At Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, expert general dentists Doctors Richard Caron and John Kenney offer custom-made traditional, Maryland, and implant-supported bridges with high-quality materials to help give you back your beautiful smile. If you have one or more teeth missing from your smile, please schedule a consultation with our caring Tupelo, MS team to learn more about your tooth replacement options with a dental bridge.

People with missing teeth are affected by more than simply a cosmetic concern. Leaving open spaces between the teeth may have a powerful impact on oral health. The fact is, your mouth is carefully balanced and teeth rely on one another to maintain their positions within the arch. With time, a missing tooth can lead to the shifting of surrounding teeth, causing problems with your bite along with gum or jawbone atrophy. A dental bridge requires the surrounding teeth to be healthy enough to hold the restoration, including good jawbone density and gum tissue or may be supported by a set of dental implants placed within the arch. Doctors Caron or Kenney will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw during your consultation to help you choose the best type of bridge (fixed, removable, traditional, Maryland bonded, or implant-supported) and material (porcelain, all ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, or all metal).

A traditional fixed bridge is made of a series of crowns fused into one piece, the ends of which fit snugly over neighboring teeth that have been prepared or implants placed within the jawbone. As an alternative option, a Maryland bridge is an artificial tooth that is bonded to adjacent teeth, typically on the surfaces facing the tongue. Our team will prepare the supporting teeth to support the ends of the bridge using a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. After your teeth are prepared, doctors Caron or Kenney will take comfortable digital iTero impressions of your teeth from which our dental lab will fashion your custom bridge. If needed, a temporary bridge can be used while your custom bridge is crafted. When your new fixed bridge is delivered to our practice, we will schedule a second visit for you to have your restoration either cemented into place or connected to dental implants. Our team will make any necessary adjustments to the bridge to make certain it brings comfort and function to your smile.

Removable bridges can be placed within and taken out of the mouth on your own and are also known as partial dentures. This type of bridge is held in place through resin or metal pieces that clasp around remaining teeth. To create a removable bridge, we will take a digital impression of your upper and lower arches and forward these images to our dental lab. When your new bridge arrives back in our Tupelo, MS office, we will have you return to have it placed and adjusted as needed for security and comfort.

A bridge can restore your biting, chewing, and speaking capabilities along with returning an attractive appearance to your face and smile. If at any time your bridge feels loose or uncomfortable, please contact our office right away so that we can get you in for an evaluation and adjustment. A member of our clinical team will teach you how to care for your dental bridge, including tips on keeping it clean and any foods to avoid. It is important to floss underneath and brush around your bridge daily since decay can still develop on the teeth that support your restoration. We also recommend that you maintain appointments at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for annual dental exams and biannual cleanings. During your examination, doctors Caron or Kenney can evaluate the wear and health of your dental bridge to determine if it should be repaired or replaced as time goes on. With proper care, however, your new bridge can last for several years.

How long can a dental bridge last?
Dental bridges typically endure between five to 15 years, depending on several factors. Key aspects affecting their longevity include your oral health, regular dental check-ups, the materials used, fabrication quality, and personal habits like biting nails or tobacco use. Regular care and avoiding injury are crucial for their durability.

What is the cost of a dental bridge?
The cost of a dental bridge varies, generally starting at around $3500. Factors influencing the price include the materials used, prerequisite procedures, the dental lab's standards, and the dentist's expertise. Many dental insurance plans partially cover this expense, and financing options may be available at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

Are there any disadvantages to dental bridges?
One downside of traditional dental bridges is the need for anchoring teeth preparation, which involves enamel removal. This can lead to tooth decay if the crown seal is compromised. Additionally, sensitivity to cold foods and drinks may occur temporarily. Unlike implant-supported bridges, traditional ones do not prevent jawbone deterioration where teeth were lost.

Even if you do not mind the way your smile looks with a gap from a missing tooth, leaving a tooth unreplaced can lead to greater dental problems and oral health concerns. Make a consultation with leading Tupelo, MS dentists, doctors Caron or Kenney, to learn more about dental bridges and the options that best fit your specific needs. Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is proud to offer high-quality dental restorations that can help improve the health and appearance of your smile. Contact our dynamic team today to schedule your consultation.