Can I Get a Bridge for Missing Back Teeth?

Multiple tooth loss can have a devastating impact on your smile. Losing front teeth will ruin your smile’s appearance; losing back teeth will impair chewing and support. Either way, tooth loss compromises your oral health. That’s where dental bridge treatment comes in. A dental bridge can resolve both front and back tooth loss issues to make your smile whole and healthy again. At Ocala Smiles, you probably have several questions about this treatment. Your Ocala, Florida dentists, Drs. Robert Evelyn and Wayne Harper have the answers you need to decide if a bridge is right for you.  

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a custom-fitted dental restoration to fill the gap natural teeth leave when they go missing. It consists of one or more artificial teeth and dental crowns that fit over healthy teeth at either end of the gap for support. A fixed bridge is designed to stay in place permanently. Today’s bridges are often made from porcelain material for strength, durability, and a natural-looking appearance.

What are the benefits of getting a bridge?  

A bridge will fill the unsightly gap left by missing natural teeth to complete your smile. Your replacement teeth will work with healthy natural teeth to restore your bite and improve your chewing. With a bridge, you’ll be able to enjoy eating again. A bridge will keep natural teeth from shifting out of alignment, so your smile stays straight and even. A fixed bridge is cemented in place permanently, becoming a natural part of your smile. It will restore your smile’s original beauty, giving you greater incentive to smile.    

What type of bridge is best for missing back teeth?

Your molars bear the brunt of chewing and grinding food. Strong, secure restorations are needed to replace these teeth when they go missing. An implant bridge is a viable option for replacing back teeth due to its strength and stability. A traditional fixed dental bridge that uses dental crowns for support is another good option for replacing missing back teeth.

Is the dental bridge process painful? 

No. Getting a dental bridge isn’t painful, as the procedure is done under anesthesia. You won’t feel any pain or discomfort from this treatment. You may feel some soreness or sensitivity afterward, but this is temporary. You can take OTC pain relievers if necessary to manage these minor symptoms. 

How do you care for a dental bridge? 

Fixed bridges are cared for like you care for natural teeth, i.e., with daily brushing and flossing to keep plaque and bacteria from gathering under or between your teeth. Biannual dental cleanings will also help keep your bridge in mint condition in the long term.

Who offers quality bridge treatment for teeth near me?

To learn more about dental bridge treatment and how it can benefit you, contact Dr. Robert Evelyn or Dr. Wayne Harper from Ocala Smiles in Ocala, FL at 352-867-7181. We’re here to meet all your restorative dental needs.

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