Dentistry
Redefined Robert Graffeo, DDS
Redefined Robert Graffeo, DDS
Dental Bridges – Hoboken, NJ
Quick and Reliable Tooth Replacement
Even a single missing tooth poses a threat to your oral health. Nearby teeth may begin to drift out of place, increasing the risk that you will suffer from a misaligned bite. There are also aesthetic considerations to take into account, especially if the missing tooth is near the front of the mouth. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers reliable tooth replacement solutions. Fixed dental bridges in Hoboken are a popular option for budget-conscious patients who want to fill in the gap in their smile.
Why Choose Robert Graffeo, DDS for Dental Bridges?
- All-Porcelain Bridges Available
- Punctual and Caring Team
- Patient Comfort and Satisfaction Are Top Priorities
What Are Dental Bridges?
There are a few different types of dental bridges. The most popular type is a fixed bridge, sometimes called crown and bridgework. This type of restoration consists of three parts: It has a crown on each end, which get placed on the teeth adjacent to the empty space (the abutment teeth). The crowns support one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) between them. A traditional fixed bridge may be able to replace up to three teeth in a row.
Dental bridges can be constructed out of various materials, including metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and all-porcelain. Dr. Graffeo often recommends all-porcelain restorations for patients who want their tooth replacement to look and feel as natural as possible, as well as for patients who are sensitive to metals.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Some of the most outstanding benefits of dental bridges include:
- Oral health benefits. A dental bridge can stand up to most types of food, and it prevents the nearby teeth from drifting out of place.
- With proper care, a bridge can last for 10 years or longer.
- Easy care. Caring for a dental bridge is similar to caring for natural teeth. You will have to make only minor adjustments to your oral hygiene routine. For example, you will have to floss underneath your pontic(s).
- Natural appearance. A porcelain bridge is virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
- Low cost. A fixed bridge presents a lower upfront cost than some other forms of tooth replacement, such as dental implants.
- Quick treatment. It usually takes just a few appointments for a dentist in Hoboken to design and place a dental bridge.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
The dental bridge procedure usually takes place across two or more appointments. At the first appointment, your dentist prepares the abutment teeth by removing some of their enamel. This step is necessary to ensure that their crowns will fit well. Then, our team takes impressions of your mouth, which will serve as the basis for designing your bridge.
You’ll wear a temporary restoration on your abutment teeth while a dental laboratory fabricates your permanent one. Once it is ready, your dentist will verify its fit before permanently securing it in your mouth.
Patient comfort is a top priority in our practice. Local anesthesia and a gentle touch will contribute to an easy and relaxed treatment experience.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Dental bridges are excellent solutions for patients who are missing teeth. However, choosing a tooth replacement option is a huge decision, so it pays to be well-informed. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about dental bridges in Hoboken. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, just give us a call. We’d be happy to answer your questions and get you started with an initial consultation.
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
Dental bridges are designed to remain in your mouth for many years after being placed. You shouldn’t be able to take it out on your own. Only a dental professional can do that. Some healthcare providers call partial dentures “removable bridges,” but one of the key differences is that partials can be removed by the patient at any time, while bridges cannot.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Before preparing your teeth to support a bridge, your dentist will numb the teeth they’ll be working on. While you shouldn’t feel any discomfort during the procedure itself, you are likely to experience some sensitivity for a few days afterward. Fortunately, this is temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Since bridges keep your remaining teeth from drifting out of place, so they can prevent discomfort later on caused by dental drift.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
Depending on the patient’s needs, a dental bridge can replace anywhere from one to four missing teeth in a row. However, in most cases, bridges are used to replace only one or two teeth. The longer the bridge extends, the less stable it may become – especially if the natural teeth supporting the bridge aren’t strong and healthy. Implant bridges can lower this risk, as implants are just as strong and secure as natural teeth.
Do Dental Bridges Feel Natural?
Within a few days of receiving your permanent dental bridge, it should start to feel increasingly natural. Bridges are made from durable materials that can stand up to everyday chewing forces just as easily as tooth enamel, so eating with a bridge shouldn’t feel strange. The reason that your dentist reshaped your abutment teeth was to ensure the bridge would fit comfortably in your mouth. Additionally, each bridge is made based on impressions taken of the tooth. Ultimately, your bridge shouldn’t feel awkward or even noticeable!