A missing tooth can affect more than just your appearance; it can impact your ability to chew properly, speak clearly, and even lead to shifting of your remaining teeth. At Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry, we offer high-quality dental bridges as a reliable, long-lasting solution to restore both function and beauty to your smile. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Avi Matha, is committed to providing personalized care in a comfortable, spa-like environment.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthetic used to replace one or more missing teeth. As the name suggests, it literally “bridges” the gap where teeth are missing. The bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth called pontics, which are held in place by crowns (abutments) attached to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap.
Bridges are custom-crafted from high-quality materials like porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia to match the color, shape, and translucency of your natural teeth. The result is a restoration that looks and functions like your own teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges We Offer
Choosing the right type of bridge depends on your specific situation. Dr. Matha will evaluate your oral health and recommend the option that best suits your needs.
Traditional Dental Bridge
This is the most common and popular type of bridge. It uses a false tooth held in place by two dental crowns cemented onto the healthy teeth on each side of the gap. Traditional bridges are strong, stable, and long-lasting, making them an excellent choice for replacing one or more missing teeth in areas with healthy adjacent teeth.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
A cantilever bridge is used when there is only one natural tooth adjacent to the gap. The pontic is supported by a single crown on that one side. Because this design puts more stress on the supporting tooth, cantilever bridges are typically recommended for replacing front teeth rather than back teeth, where biting forces are stronger.
Maryland Dental Bridge
Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, this type uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of the adjacent teeth instead of dental crowns. The false teeth are attached to this framework. This conservative approach requires minimal alteration of the natural teeth and is often used for replacing front teeth.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
When multiple teeth are missing, or there aren’t strong natural teeth on both sides of the gap, implant-supported bridges offer an exceptionally stable and durable solution. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to serve as artificial roots, and the bridge is attached to these implants. This is considered the most robust type of bridge.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Choosing a dental bridge at Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry offers numerous advantages:
- Restores Proper Chewing Function: Bridges make eating comfortable and effective again.
- Prevents Teeth Shifting: Filling the gap stops remaining teeth from drifting into empty spaces, preventing bite misalignment.
- Maintains Facial Structure: Missing teeth can cause the cheeks to sag over time; bridges help preserve your natural facial contours.
- Improves Speech: Gaps in teeth can affect pronunciation; a bridge restores clear speech.
- Enhances Your Smile: Custom-made bridges are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Are You a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
- Many people with one or more missing teeth are candidates for a dental bridge.
- However, a few factors determine your eligibility.
- The teeth that will support the bridge whether natural teeth or implants must be healthy and have adequate bone support.
- Dr. Matha will perform a thorough examination, including digital X-rays, to evaluate the condition of your surrounding teeth and supporting bone structure.
- Good oral hygiene is also essential for the long-term success of your bridge.
What to Expect: The Bridge Procedure
First Visit: Preparation and Impressions
During your initial appointment, Dr. Matha will prepare the abutment teeth by carefully shaping them to accommodate the crowns. A small amount of enamel is removed from these teeth. We then take precise impressions, which are sent to a dental lab where your custom bridge is fabricated. You will receive a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums while your permanent bridge is being made.
Second Visit: Placement
At your follow-up appointment, the temporary bridge is removed, and your new permanent bridge is checked for proper fit, color match, and bite alignment. Once everything is perfect, Dr. Matha will securely cement the bridge into place.
Why Choose Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry?
At Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing exceptional, comprehensive dental care for your entire family. Our team goes above and beyond to create a relaxing, spa-like experience with amenities including Apple TVs, blankets, pillows, warm scented towels, noise-canceling headphones, iPads, and complimentary coffee and bottled water.
Dr. Avi Matha is passionate about bringing the latest advancements in dentistry to his patients. He has completed advanced training at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and postgraduate studies in esthetic and contemporary dentistry at the University of Minnesota. His advanced training includes cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and bone grafting. He is a Fellow and Diplomate of the International Dental Implant Association and a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.
We offer family-friendly services for patients ages 4 and older. From routine cleanings to full-mouth restorations, we provide comprehensive dentistry in one convenient location. We also offer same-day emergency appointments and soothing sedation dentistry for your comfort.
We never want you to put off treatment because of cost. We accept multiple payment options, major dental insurance plans, and third-party dental financing to help keep treatments within your budget.
Our Patients tell the story best
When you’re looking for a new dentist office in Woodbury, MN, you want reassurance that their current patients are satisfied with the care they get at their dentist office. That’s why we have included testimonials below from some of the patients we have served here at our dental clinic. From dental implants to cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics and more, our dental clinic aims to provide patients in the Woodbury, MN, area with the best dental services possible. Our dentist is not only highly skilled and experienced, but he and our staff are also dedicated to making our patients comfortable every time they sit in the dentist chair. See what our patients have to say about our family dental care!
DENTAL FINANCING OPTIONS AT DENTIST WOODBURY, MN
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Our Expert Dr. Avi Matha
Dr. Avi Matha loves helping patients of all ages maintain or restore their smiles and oral health. His advanced training, some achieved at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, includes cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and bone grafting. Dr. Matha is also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a Fellow and Diplomate of the International Dental Implant Association. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry, ICOI (International Congress of Oral Implantologists), IDIA (International Dental Implant Association), and AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry). These affiliations and continuing education courses allow him to provide high-quality dental care for you and your family.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Don’t let a missing tooth hold you back. Contact Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry today to schedule your consultation and discover how a dental bridge can transform your smile and confidence. You can visit us at 707 Bielenberg Dr, Ste. 101 Woodbury, MN 55125 or call us at (651) 432-0975
FAQs
How long do dental bridges last?
With proper care and regular dental checkups, bridges typically last 5 to 15 years or longer.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain. Some mild sensitivity may occur afterward but typically resolves quickly.
Can a bridge be whitened?
No, ceramic materials do not respond to whitening gels. If you wish to whiten your teeth, it should be done before the bridge is fabricated.
What happens if a supporting tooth fails?
If an abutment tooth fails due to decay or fracture, the entire bridge typically needs to be removed and a new treatment plan developed.
Will my bridge feel natural?
Yes. After a brief adjustment period, most patients report that their bridge feels natural and comfortable. Regular care ensures it stays that way.
