Close the Gap and Chew With Greater Confidence
A missing tooth can affect how you eat, speak and feel about your smile. At The Dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Kirian provides dental bridges in Newark, Ohio, with treatment planned around your remaining teeth, bite, health and goals.
A bridge offers a fixed way to replace missing teeth when the surrounding teeth or implants can provide suitable support. Call 740-366-1236 to schedule a consultation with our dentist and compare your options.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth in a gap. The replacement tooth is connected to supporting restorations on neighboring teeth or dental implants. Unlike a removable partial denture, a bridge stays in place during everyday use.
A traditional tooth-supported bridge usually involves preparing the neighboring teeth for crowns. An implant-supported bridge uses implants as its foundation. Your examination helps determine whether either approach is appropriate.
How a Dental Bridge Can Help
For suitable patients, a custom bridge can provide:
- More comfortable chewing: Replacement teeth help restore function where teeth are missing.
- A complete-looking smile: The restoration is designed to complement the surrounding teeth.
- A fixed replacement: You do not remove the bridge for daily use or cleaning.
- Support for tooth position: Filling the gap can help limit movement of neighboring teeth into the space.
- An alternative to a removable appliance: A bridge may suit patients who want a fixed option and have appropriate support.
The benefits depend on the location of the gap, the supporting structures and how the bridge fits your bite. Daily cleaning and ongoing dental care remain essential.
When Is a Bridge a Good Choice?
A bridge may be appropriate when you have a missing tooth or several adjacent missing teeth, suitable support and a preference for a fixed restoration. The condition of neighboring teeth is especially important.
If teeth next to the gap already need crowns, incorporating them into a bridge may be worth considering. If those teeth are healthy and would otherwise need no restoration, Dr. Kirian will discuss the implications of preparing them and compare alternatives.
Your evaluation includes the health of your gums, remaining tooth structure, existing dental work and the forces placed on the restoration when you bite or chew. Decay or gum disease may need treatment before bridge placement.
Dr. Kirian’s Approach to Restoring Missing Teeth
Dr. Kirian earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He completed coursework at The Dawson Academy focused on comprehensive dentistry and continues his education through the Central Ohio Dental Forum, part of the Seattle Study Club.
This background supports planning that considers how teeth, jaw joints and muscles work together. When replacing a tooth, he evaluates how the new restoration will function with the rest of your mouth.
Dr. Kirian considers function, expected longevity, comfort and appearance when selecting restorative materials. His recommendations also account for your health, bone quality, treatment goals and finances. A bridge, implant or removable replacement may each be appropriate in different circumstances.
Dental Bridge or Dental Implant?
A tooth-supported bridge uses neighboring teeth for support and can replace a missing tooth without implant placement. However, those supporting teeth generally need preparation and must remain healthy enough to support the restoration.
A dental implant provides support within the jawbone and can replace a single tooth without using adjacent teeth as anchors. Implant treatment requires a separate evaluation of bone, health and healing considerations.
Dr. Kirian performs implant placement, guided surgery and final restoration, with specialist referrals when appropriate. He can discuss both approaches rather than assuming one is always better.
If a fixed replacement is unsuitable, a partial denture may offer another way to replace missing teeth.
What to Expect During Bridge Treatment
Examination and Planning
Your visit begins with an examination and any imaging needed to assess the gap, supporting teeth and surrounding tissues. Dr. Kirian explains suitable options, anticipated costs and the steps involved before treatment begins.
Preparation and Records
For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared for the restorations that will hold the replacement tooth. Local anesthesia helps support comfort during preparation.
Our practice uses 3Shape TRIOS digital scanning for many restorative procedures. Appropriate digital records or impressions help capture the details needed for a custom restoration. Temporary protection may be used while your final bridge is being made.
Fitting Your Bridge
Dr. Kirian checks the fit, appearance and bite before securing the bridge. Our team explains how to clean beneath the replacement tooth and around its supports, and when to return for follow-up care.
Does an Existing Bridge Need Attention?
A bridge that has become loose, chipped or difficult to clean should be evaluated. Other reasons to contact us include new pain, sensitivity, gum irritation, food collecting beneath the bridge or a change in how your teeth meet.
These changes do not always mean the entire bridge needs replacement. Dr. Kirian examines the restoration and its supporting teeth or implants to determine whether adjustment, repair, replacement or another treatment is appropriate.
If a bridge comes loose, contact our office for guidance rather than trying to glue it back yourself.
Caring for Your Dental Bridge
The replacement tooth cannot develop a cavity, but natural supporting teeth can. The gums and supporting tissues also need consistent care.
- Brush thoroughly around the bridge and supporting teeth.
- Clean beneath the replacement tooth and between its supports each day.
- Use floss threaders, interdental brushes or other cleaning aids recommended for your restoration.
- Avoid biting ice or hard objects that could damage the bridge.
- Keep regular dental cleanings and exams.
- Report looseness, discomfort or changes in your bite.
Bridge care can be coordinated with other restorative dentistry needs to help maintain the health and function of your whole smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
Is a dental bridge removable?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration. You clean it in place rather than removing it like a partial denture. Our team will show you how to reach beneath the replacement tooth and around the supports.
Is a bridge better than an implant?
Neither is right for every patient. The condition of nearby teeth, available bone, health, goals and finances influence the recommendation. Dr. Kirian will explain the advantages and limitations of suitable options.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
Cost depends on the number of teeth involved, materials, type of support and any additional treatment needed. Our team will review the proposed care and costs after your examination.
How long does a dental bridge last?
Longevity depends on the bridge, bite forces, supporting teeth or implants, hygiene and maintenance. Regular examinations help identify changes that may affect the restoration over time.
How do I know if my bridge needs replacement?
Looseness, damage, discomfort or repeated difficulty keeping the area clean are reasons to schedule an examination. These signs can have different causes, so replacement is recommended only after evaluating the bridge and its supports.
Will my dental bridge match my other teeth?
The restoration is planned to complement nearby teeth in shape, shade and proportions. Dr. Kirian also checks the bite and fit so appearance and function are considered together.
Take the Next Step Toward Replacing a Missing Tooth
Whether you have a new gap or concerns about an older bridge, an examination can help clarify your choices. Dr. Kirian will explain which treatments fit your needs and what to expect.
Call The Dentist at 740-366-1236 or contact our office to schedule a dental bridge consultation with our dentist in Newark, OH.