Dental Bridges
Serving Patients from Medford, Klamath Falls, Ashland, Yreka and Central Point
Missing teeth are more than just a cosmetic concern. One missing tooth can cause a number of further dental complications, speech problems, jaw bone deterioration, and more tooth loss. If you have a missing tooth, and want to avoid future dental problems, then you are strongly encouraged to visit a dentist as soon as possible.
Dental Bridges are a common treatment for missing teeth. A typical dental bridge consists of a false tooth (also called a pontic) surrounded by two dental crowns that are affixed to the healthy teeth on both sides of the empty space. In cases where multiple consecutive teeth are missing, dental implants may be used as support structures between bridges.
Installing a Dental Bridge
This procedure will require that two separate crown procedures be performed - one on each of the teeth surrounding the empty space. Please visit our dental crowns page for complete information about this procedure. Expect two to three weeks for your dental bridge (the two crowns plus your false tooth) to be created in the lab. When your bridge is completed, your dentist will affix the crowns, make any final adjustments, and then you will leave the dentist’s office with a full set of teeth and a confident smile.
There are two other types of dental bridges available for specific cases: the resin-bonded bridge and the half-bridge. The resin-bonded bridge is often all that is necessary on front teeth. This involves using a durable resin to affix a false tooth to the adjacent teeth with a metal band. This procedure eliminates the need for crowns and is considerably more affordable. It only requires that the two adjacent teeth are healthy and have not previously had any significant fillings or other restorations.
The half-bridge is used when only one tooth is available to the side of the missing tooth. In this case only one crown procedure is necessary.
Dental Bridges are an excellent option for many people who are missing teeth, but we often suggest that dental implants be considered as an alternative. The advantages of implants are significant enough that we recommend them over bridges for those who are suitable candidates. Please visit our implants page for complete information on this procedure.
If you live in Southern Oregon and think you may be a good candidate for dental bridges, please contact us today to set up an appointment.
800.899.6990
Contact Us
Eagle Point Dental Center for Advanced Dentistry
217 W. Main St
Eagle Point, OR 97524
