Dental Bridges in Wellsboro, PA

If one or several of your teeth are missing, it is more than just a cosmetic problem — missing teeth can cause other teeth to move out of position. This can lead to more tension when you bite, pain during chewing, or even difficulty speaking. As a type of prosthodontic procedure, a dental bridge improves the appearance and health of your mouth by covering spaces with a false tooth. We connect the false tooth to dental implants, your natural teeth, or both. At Complete Family Dentistry in Wellsboro, PA, our team offers dental bridges with high-quality materials that will help to restore your beautiful smile. If you have gaps in your smile, schedule a consultation with us to receive additional information about your restoration options with a custom bridge.

Missing teeth are not just a cosmetic issue. Gaps in the smile may have a powerful impact on your oral health. Your mouth is carefully balanced, and a missing tooth can affect its function. Over time, gaps may lead to the shifting of teeth, causing bite problems (underbite, crossbite, overbite) and atrophy of the gums and jawbone. When placing a bridge, the surrounding teeth must be healthy enough to hold the restoration, including sufficient jawbone and gum density. We will assess your teeth, gums, and jaw during your consultation to help you choose the best type of bridge (cantilever, traditional, resin bonded, Maryland bonded, or implant-retained) and material (porcelain, ceramic, metal, and porcelain fused to metal).

At the beginning of your procedure, we will need to file your surrounding teeth down or we can use an implant-retained technique. Next, we take digital x-rays and impressions of your teeth so our in-house lab team can create a custom bridge. While crafting your custom bridge or restoration, we place a temporary one. Once we have your custom restoration ready (it can take about two weeks), your mouth is numbed to help you remain comfortable. If needed, patients can use nitrous oxide to reduce dental anxiety or a strong gag reflex. Depending on the type of support selected during your consultation, we may cement your bridge into place or connect it to dental implants. We carefully adjust the fit of your custom bridge so it feels right and remains in place.

After placing your bridge, you should experience a significant improvement in the function and appearance of your teeth. If your bridge feels loose in the first few weeks after placement, you may schedule a second visit at Complete Family Dentistry to adjust the fit. A team member will teach you how to care for your dental bridge, including ways to keep it clean and any foods to avoid. To maintain your oral health, you should schedule regular cleanings because you can still develop decay underneath the restoration. Additionally, you should follow good oral hygiene habits at home. With proper care, your bridge can stay in place for several years. During your yearly exam, we evaluate the wear and health of your dental bridge so you remain comfortable and it can last for a long time.

Even if you don't mind how you look with a gap, it may lead to more expensive issues if you don't get it fixed. During your consultation, one of our dental professionals will provide information about dental bridge restoration and what options fit your unique needs. Complete Family Dentistry is proud to offer high-quality dental restorations that can help improve the appearance and health of your smile. Contact our team in Wellsboro, PA to schedule your consultation.