Dental Bridges
A dental bridge can replace one to three consecutive missing teeth. At the Center for Dental Excellence, we provide high-quality bridges that restore function and aesthetics to your smile. Dr. David Narcisi and his team offer both traditional and implant-supported bridges at our Monroeville, PA, practice. During a consultation, he can help you determine which option is the best fit for your needs.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A traditional dental bridge consists of one or more pontics, or false teeth, that are attached to dental crowns. The dental crowns are placed over the teeth on either side of the gap to secure the restoration.
Typically, Dr. Narcisi recommends an implant-supported dental bridge whenever possible due to the additional oral health benefits they provide, such as preventing the jawbone atrophy that follows tooth loss. Instead of using crowns for support, dental implants anchor the bridge directly to the jaw. Implants replace tooth roots, allowing your jaw to receive the stimulation necessary for bone tissue retention.
Are You a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
During your consultation, Dr. Narcisi will evaluate your oral health to determine whether a dental bridge is the best solution for your needs. The type of restoration recommended depends on how many teeth are missing. For instance, a partial denture is recommended for patients will more than three consecutive missing teeth. However, if you have lost most or all teeth across a dental arch, a full denture may be more appropriate.
Additionally, Dr. Narcisi will need to determine whether the abutment teeth are healthy enough to support your bridge. To be a candidate for an implant bridge, you must have enough healthy jawbone tissue to support implants. Dr. Narcisi will need to evaluate your jawbone and other factors to recommend the best course of treatment.
What to Expect
Typically, two appointments are required for a traditional dental bridge. For your comfort, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the treatment area and you may be provided with sedation upon request.
First, the doctor will need to prepare your abutment teeth. He will remove some of the dental tissue so that the dental crowns will fit properly. Next, he will make impressions of your bite which will be used to design your custom dental bridge. At this time, you will receive a temporary restoration. Once your permanent bridge has been fabricated, you will return to our office and Dr. Narcisi will cement it in place.
If you choose to receive an implant-supported bridge, you must first undergo implant placement surgery. The initial surgery requires about three to six months of healing as the implants become fused to the jaw. Once you have healed, your dentist can begin preparing your bridge.
Smile with Confidence
If you are missing teeth, contact us online or call us at (412) 373-9447 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Narcisi can create a customized, natural-looking solution that allows you to eat, speak, and smile with total confidence.
