If you have one or more missing teeth in a row, then you may be an ideal candidate for a dental bridge. These restorative prosthetics use surrounding teeth or dental implants to maintain their position in the mouth. As a result, they are a long-lasting, family dentistry solution to repair your smile and improve your oral function.
At Seacliff Dental, patients can find numerous restorative treatments to repair, strengthen, and protect their smiles. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jason Cellars in Huntington Beach, CA, by calling our office at (714) 848-4247 or by submitting a request online here.
In today’s blog post, our Huntington Beach dentist answers some of your questions about dental bridges. Understanding more about these durable prosthetics can help you get the most out of your restorative care.
How long do tooth bridges last?
Dental bridges (also called ‘tooth bridges’ or ‘bridgework’) are remarkably durable prosthetics that can last as long as 10 years or more. Patients can improve the lifespans of their bridgework if they:
-
Brush after snacks and meals (or at least twice a day)
-
Floss at least once a day (especially under the bridge)
-
Avoid harmful dental habits, like opening packaging with the teeth or chewing on the
-
fingernails
-
Visit our Huntington Beach dentist at least once a year for dental exams and cleanings
Is a dental bridge painful?
When it comes to dental work, many patients want to know if it is going to hurt. Fortunately, the dental-bridge procedure is relatively pain-free. Dr. Cellars uses numbing agents (like local anesthesia) to ensure patients’ comfort. Additionally, patients can explore other calming solutions (such as oral conscious sedation or nitrous oxide) to make treatment more comfortable.
As for the prosthetic itself, it may feel a little uncomfortable or foreign for a few days after placement. However, continued wear and over-the-counter painkillers can easily reduce discomfort. After two or three days, the dental bridge should feel more natural and comfortable in the mouth.
What are the disadvantages of a dental bridge?
There are very few disadvantages of a dental bridge. Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks that patients may encounter, such as:
-
Traditional bridges use neighboring teeth for support, which permanently alters their structure
-
Patients must use special dental tools to floss under traditional bridges
-
Traditional bridges do not prevent bone loss in the jaw
-
Implant-supported bridges can prevent bone loss, but they require oral surgery
How much is a dental bridge?
The cost of a dental bridge depends on the type of bridge patients choose to repair their smiles. As a result, bridges can vary in price from $500 to over $5,000. However, recent data suggest that the average costs of single-tooth dental bridges are as follows:
-
Traditional: $2,500
-
Cantilever: $2,500
-
Maryland: $1,750
-
Implant-supported: $5,500
Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation in Huntington Beach, CA
If you’re ready to replace missing teeth, improve your oral health, and enhance your confidence, then contact Seacliff Dental. Dr. Cellars and his team can help you explore all of your restorative dentistry options at a comprehensive consultation. Schedule your consultation now at (714) 848-4247 or online here.
