Dental Bridges in Richmond, VA

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed (doesn’t go in and out like a denture) dental restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap between adjacent teeth. It consists of:

Abutment Teeth: The natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap that support the bridge.

Pontic: The artificial tooth (or teeth) that fills the space left by the missing tooth.

Dental bridges restore the aesthetics of your smile, help maintain proper bite alignment, and prevent remaining teeth from shifting.

Types of Dental Bridges We Offer

At Northside Dental Co., we offer several types of dental bridges to suit your specific situation:

Traditional Dental Bridge

This is the most common type of bridge, involving crowns placed on the abutment teeth with a pontic in between. It’s ideal when healthy, natural teeth are on both sides of the gap.

Cantilever Dental Bridge

Used when there’s only one adjacent tooth next to the missing tooth gap. The pontic is anchored to a single abutment tooth. This type is less common and typically used in areas with less chewing pressure.

Maryland Dental Bridge

Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, it uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. This conservative option requires minimal alteration to surrounding teeth and is often used for front teeth replacement.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Dental implants, rather than natural teeth, anchor this bridge. It’s a durable, long-lasting solution, especially when multiple teeth are missing.

The Dental Bridge Procedure

Receiving a dental bridge typically involves two appointments with these steps:

1. Consultation and Examination: We assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine the best bridge option.
2. Tooth Preparation: The abutment teeth are reshaped for traditional and cantilever bridges to accommodate crowns.
3. Impressions: We take precise impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fit bridge.
4. Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge may be placed to protect exposed teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is being made.
5. Permanent Bridge Placement: Once ready, the permanent bridge is adjusted for fit and cemented into place.

Our team ensures each step is performed with precision and care, prioritizing your comfort throughout the process.