Replace Missing Teeth With a Custom Dental Bridge
Missing teeth can make meals less comfortable and leave you hesitant to smile. At Blissful Dental, Dr. Brenda E. Howard provides dental bridges in Lanham, Maryland, as part of personalized, comprehensive care for adults. A consultation can help you compare your options and decide how to restore your smile.
Call 301-552-2662 to schedule an evaluation.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth called pontics. A traditional fixed bridge is supported by crowns on neighboring teeth. Other designs may use different support, including dental implants. The appropriate design depends on the location of the gap and the health of the supporting teeth, gums and bone.
A fixed bridge stays in place during eating and daily cleaning. It is shaped and shaded to coordinate with your smile, with materials selected for the location and demands of your bite.
When Might a Bridge Be Appropriate?
Dr. Brenda E. Howard will examine your mouth before recommending a bridge. A tooth-supported bridge may be an option when you have a gap and neighboring teeth that can provide dependable support. Teeth that already need crowns may also influence the decision.
Your evaluation considers:
- The number and location of missing teeth
- The condition of nearby teeth and existing restorations
- Gum health and the support around your teeth
- Your bite, cleaning needs and treatment goals
Active decay or gum disease may need treatment first. A bridge is not suitable for every gap, and preparing supporting teeth changes their natural structure. Dr. Brenda E. Howard will explain these considerations before you choose treatment.
Dental Bridges, Implants and Partial Dentures
Each replacement option has benefits and maintenance needs. A traditional bridge uses adjacent teeth for support and generally does not require implant surgery. Dental implants may support a replacement without preparing neighboring teeth, but require evaluation of bone, healing and overall suitability. A removable partial denture may address a different pattern of tooth loss.
Dr. Brenda E. Howard will discuss appropriate choices and coordinate referrals when needed. Your plan should reflect your oral health, priorities and ability to care for the restoration.
What to Expect During Bridge Treatment
Examination and Planning
Your visit begins with an examination and a discussion of your concerns. Imaging may be recommended to evaluate the supporting teeth and surrounding structures. Dr. Brenda E. Howard explains the proposed design and alternatives.
Preparation and Impressions
For a traditional bridge, supporting teeth are shaped for crowns. Local anesthesia helps keep preparation comfortable. Impressions or digital records guide fabrication, and a temporary restoration may protect the prepared teeth.
Fitting Your Bridge
When the bridge is ready, Dr. Brenda E. Howard checks its fit, appearance and bite before securing it. Treatment commonly involves more than one appointment; the schedule depends on your individual needs.
Restorative Care Informed by Decades of Experience
Dr. Brenda E. Howard has been in private practice since 1985, providing comprehensive dentistry alongside everyday dental care. Her continuing education includes studies at the Pankey Institute and Stanley Institute. As a solo dentist, she takes a personal role in treatment planning and refers cases when another provider would better meet the patient’s needs.
That approach means considering the entire mouth when planning a replacement tooth, including the condition of supporting teeth and how the restoration will function with your bite.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
Daily cleaning remains essential. Brush twice a day and clean around the supporting teeth and underneath the replacement tooth. Our team will demonstrate suitable tools, such as a floss threader, for your bridge. Keep recommended examinations and professional cleanings so we can monitor the restoration and its supporting tissues.
Call if the bridge becomes loose, chips, or feels uncomfortable when biting. Do not attempt to reattach it with household glue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a fixed bridge?
How long can a dental bridge last?
Is a bridge better than an implant?
How much does a dental bridge cost?
Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation in Lanham, Maryland
Explore a replacement for missing teeth with an experienced dentist who considers your overall oral health. Call 301-552-2662 or contact Blissful Dental to schedule your dental bridge consultation.