Joseph Vollo, DDS • Katherine Vollo, DDSDental Bridges – Rochester, NY
Bridging the Gaps in Your Smile
Are you missing a tooth? Or several teeth in a row? Your pearly whites may be small, but missing even one can cause big problems in your life. Your teeth will begin to shift out of place and you’ll be at a higher risk of oral health issues like gum disease. Plus, a gap in your smile can take a huge toll on your confidence! Fortunately, at Vollo Dental Group, we can seamlessly restore your smile with a custom-made dental bridge in Rochester! When it comes to bridging gaps in your smile, this classic restoration offers a quick, simple, and cost-effective solution. Give us a call today to see how a dental bridge can help you!
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a single-unit restoration that is made up of several dental crowns fused together. The replacement teeth in a dental bridge are called “pontics.” Depending on how many teeth you’re missing, your dental bridge may have anywhere from one to three pontics. On each end of the dental bridge is a dental crown. These crowns are placed over your natural remaining teeth or a pair of dental implants to anchor your bridge into place and seamlessly fill in the gap In your smile.
Types of Dental Bridges
We offer two types of dental bridges depending on your unique situation and preferences. Both are crafted from high-quality dental porcelain. Not only is this material highly durable, but it can be shaded to match the color of your enamel to blend in perfectly with the rest of your smile. During your consultation, we’ll help you determine if a traditional bridge or implant bridge will best suit your needs.
Traditional Dental Bridges
Traditional bridges are supported by the remaining healthy teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. They’ll need to have a bit of enamel removed in order to make room for the dental crowns to fit over them. A traditional dental bridge can typically be placed in just two appointments and will last between five and seven years.
Implant Bridges
Alternatively, we can pair your dental bridge with one or two dental implants. The dental crowns on either end of the dental bridge are then secured on top of the dental implants, leaving your remaining natural teeth unaltered. While implant bridges require minor oral surgery and a treatment time that spans several months, the end result has the potential to last a lifetime.
The Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge
When you replace your missing teeth with a dental bridge, you can enjoy benefits like:
- Prevent dental drift and a misaligned bite
- A seamless way to replace missing teeth and restore your confident smile
- Restored ability to eat comfortably and clean your teeth easily
- Reliable, long-lasting results (5-7 years for traditional bridges, 30+ years for implant bridges)
Dental Bridges FAQs
Tooth loss can affect more than just your appearance – it can impact your quality of life as well. Fortunately, you no longer have to live with gaps in your smile. Here at Vollo Dental Group, we offer dental bridges to replace your missing teeth. Even though they are a trusted tooth-replacement solution, it’s understandable to have some questions before committing. Below, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions from patients about dental bridges in Rochester. If you don’t see your question, be sure to contact our team.
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last?
Dental bridges typically last 5-15 years. The longevity of yours depends on a few factors like the materials used, the location of the dental bridge in your mouth, and how well you care for your smile. To elaborate, high-quality materials (we use porcelain or zirconia) will naturally last longer than cheaper alternatives that are a short-term solution at best. The location matters as well since dental bridges toward the back of your mouth withstand a lot more pressure from chewing. And, of course, your oral hygiene routine will impact the condition of your teeth, gums, and dental bridge.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Before your procedure, we’ll numb your teeth with a topical anesthetic to ensure you’re completely comfortable. After your teeth are prepared to support a dental bridge, they may feel slightly sensitive for the next few days. The good news is you can easily manage your discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed. If you’re receiving an implant bridge, you may experience mild soreness after your oral surgery. However, diligently following your aftercare instructions will help keep your pain to a minimum.
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
No, since dental bridges are designed to stay in your mouth for years after they’ve been placed. You shouldn’t be able to take the restoration out by yourself – only Dr. Vollo or another dental professional can do that. While you may have heard partial dentures referred to as “removable bridges,” that’s not accurate. One of the most notable differences between partials and bridges is that partials can be removed at any time.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
Dental bridges can replace a single missing tooth or several in a row. As a result, they are ideal for patients who are missing 1-4 teeth. If you are unsure whether dental bridges are right for addressing your specific dental needs, then don’t hesitate to schedule a personal consultation with our dentist in Rochester – they will help you decide.