Are you missing several teeth? Restore your smile with dental bridge treatment in Annapolis, MD. Bridges are dental prosthetics that use natural teeth or dental implants to restore lost or missing rows of teeth. They are very durable and are considered to be a permanent tooth restoration.
At Lighthouse Family Dentistry, Dr. E. Taylor Meiser and his team provide restorative dental care to patients with missing teeth. Dr. Meiser and his team help patients bridge the gaps between lost teeth for a more natural, uniform smile. In our office, our goal is always to preserve as much of your natural teeth as possible.
Traditional vs. Implant-Supported Bridges
Crown-capped natural teeth traditionally secure dental bridges. A dental pontic covers the missing tooth socket and is held in place by teeth adjacent to the gap. Dental crowns cover the teeth that help support the bridge to restore your smile.
The dental pontic does not benefit the underlying gum tissue or jaw bone. Therefore, patients receive more support when implants secure their dental bridge. Dental implant posts are comprised of high-quality titanium. Once the titanium implant posts have been placed they fuse with the jaw bone. Once you have healed from this we place an abutment and your bridge is permanently secured.
Dental Bridge Treatment in Annapolis, MD
Dr. Meiser will begin treatment by taking dental impressions. These impressions are required for both traditional and implant-secured dental bridges. We also ensure that we match your bridge to the exact color, shape, and size of your natural teeth to ensure that they blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
For traditional bridges, Dr. Meiser will first etch into the natural enamel of the adjacent teeth. This ensures that the dental crown fits properly. Next, Dr. Meiser sends his dental impressions of the teeth and gums to a dental lab, where technicians create the crowns and pontic. When the bridge is complete, Dr. Meiser will make sure that it fits comfortably in the mouth.
Patients who receive implant-secured bridges will have a longer treatment time. However, their restoration is permanent and more stable. After Dr. Meiser takes dental impressions, he will schedule implant surgery.
During this surgery, an oral surgeon inserts the titanium dental implant posts into the jawbone. After a healing period of 3 to 6 months, the implants fuse with the jawbone during a process called osseointegration. Then, Dr. Meiser will attach an abutment to the implant. Finally, Dr. Meiser attaches the final dental bridge to the abutment and your restoration is complete. Restoring your smile with an implant-supported bridge gives patients a higher functioning restoration. It also reduces the risk of jaw bone deterioration and gum disease.
Request a Dental Bridge Appointment
Do you want to replace your missing teeth with a natural-looking dental bridge? Call Lighthouse Family Dentistry today at 410-324-7287. You can also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Meiser online. Let us know if you have any further questions about your restorative options and we will be happy to assist you.