At Lake Advanced Dentistry, our goal is to help patients restore healthy, confident smiles after tooth loss. Missing teeth can affect more than appearance — they influence how you chew, speak, and maintain oral health. This page explains how dental bridges work, the options available, and what you can expect when choosing a bridge as part of a thoughtful tooth-replacement plan.
A lost tooth leaves a gap that the mouth quickly adapts around. Neighboring teeth can slowly tilt or drift into the empty space, which over time changes your bite and creates new points of wear or stress. These shifts can make chewing less efficient and create grooves where food becomes trapped, increasing the chance of decay and gum inflammation.
When opposing teeth no longer have a counterpart to meet, they can supraerupt — moving out of their sockets — which further disrupts chewing and can cause uneven pressure on the jaw joints. This altered function sometimes leads to soreness in the jaw muscles and changes in the way your teeth meet, which can accelerate wear on healthy teeth.
Beyond mechanical consequences, the loss of tooth roots reduces stimulation to the underlying jawbone. Over time, that bone can resorb and shrink, subtly changing facial contours and making future restorative options more complicated. Addressing missing teeth proactively helps protect both oral function and overall dental stability.
There are multiple predictable ways to replace missing teeth, and the best choice depends on the number of missing teeth, the condition of surrounding teeth and bone, and the patient’s long-term goals. Restorative options focus on restoring chewing function, maintaining the alignment of remaining teeth, and producing a natural appearance.
Some solutions are removable and designed for convenience, while others are fixed and intended to mimic the permanence of natural teeth. Technology and materials have improved dramatically, so restorations today are stronger, more lifelike, and designed to last when well cared for.
Choosing the right approach starts with a thorough clinical evaluation. We consider oral health, bone support, and the extent of tooth loss, and then review options that best balance durability, aesthetics, and preservation of healthy tooth structure.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic that fills a gap by anchoring replacement teeth to existing support structures. Traditional bridges use crowns on adjacent teeth to support one or more pontics (artificial teeth), creating a continuous span that restores both function and appearance. The bridge keeps neighboring teeth from drifting and helps re-establish a stable bite.
Bridge materials have evolved to combine strength with lifelike esthetics. Porcelain and ceramic options can be matched to surrounding teeth for a seamless look, while newer ceramics offer both translucency and durability. The choice of material depends on the location of the bridge, cosmetic needs, and the forces the restoration will face during chewing.
Bridges are designed to perform like natural teeth when properly maintained. Routine hygiene at home and regular dental visits are essential to protect the supporting teeth and the soft tissues beneath the pontics. With attentive care, bridges can provide years of dependable function.
There are several bridge designs to address different clinical scenarios. Traditional fixed bridges are commonly used when strong adjacent teeth can be prepared for crowns; these provide a sturdy, long-term solution. Cantilever bridges are a variation where the pontic is supported on only one side — suitable in select situations where only one strong anchor tooth exists.
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as the anchors instead of natural teeth. This approach avoids altering adjacent healthy teeth and offers excellent long-term support, especially for replacing multiple teeth. The implants act like tooth roots, preserving jawbone and providing a stable foundation for the prosthesis.
Another option, often chosen for minimal alteration of existing teeth, is a resin-bonded or Maryland-style bridge, which uses metal or ceramic wings bonded to neighboring teeth. Each type has advantages and limitations; the best fit depends on individual anatomy, oral health, and functional demands.
Before any bridge is fabricated, it’s essential that the mouth is healthy and free of active disease. Gum inflammation or untreated decay must be resolved so the supporting teeth and surrounding tissues can provide a stable foundation. Failing to treat infections first can compromise the longevity of the restoration.
The condition of the supporting teeth and underlying bone is also a key consideration. For traditional bridges, adjacent teeth must have sufficient structure and periodontal support to bear the load of crowns. For implant-supported bridges, bone volume and density determine implant placement and may require preparatory procedures such as grafting to create an optimal environment.
A comprehensive evaluation typically includes clinical exams and imaging to assess bone, tooth roots, and the relationship between teeth. Based on these records, a tailored treatment plan outlines necessary preparatory care and a realistic timeline for completing the restoration.
The path to a traditional fixed bridge generally takes place over multiple visits. It begins with shaping the neighboring teeth to receive crowns; careful impressions are then taken so the laboratory can fabricate a precise restoration. While the final bridge is being made, a well-fitting temporary protects the prepared teeth and maintains esthetics and function.
Patients may experience short-lived sensitivity or gum soreness after tooth preparation, which typically subsides as the tissues heal. Temporaries require cautious care because they are not as durable as the final bridge; avoiding very sticky or hard foods helps prevent dislodgement.
Once the permanent bridge is ready, the dentist verifies color, contours, and how the restoration meets the surrounding teeth. Minor adjustments may be made to fine-tune comfort and bite. With proper home care and regular professional maintenance, a traditional bridge can restore reliable chewing ability and a natural appearance.
Implant-supported bridges begin with the surgical placement of implants into the jawbone. This outpatient procedure is planned using detailed imaging to position implants for optimal support and esthetics. When needed, bone augmentation procedures are performed beforehand to ensure a stable foundation for implant integration.
After implants are placed, a healing period allows the bone to bond to the implant surfaces — a process called osseointegration. Temporary restorations can often be provided to maintain appearance during healing. Once integration is complete, the permanent bridge is attached to the implants, delivering excellent stability and a natural feel.
Because implants substitute for tooth roots, they help preserve the jawbone and facial contours, which is an important long-term benefit. Implant-supported bridges also minimize the need to alter healthy adjacent teeth, making them a conservative option when replacing multiple teeth or when long-term stability is a priority.
Restoring missing teeth with a bridge is a reliable way to recover function, protect surrounding teeth, and renew your smile. If you would like more information about dental bridges and which option may be right for you, please contact us for a consultation.
Your new bridge is customized to the exact specifications of your smile. Before cementing to the underlying teeth or affixing it to the supporting implants, the shade, occlusion, and all aspects of its fit get carefully checked. In addition to being designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, it's also made to suit your bite and withstand all manner of oral function. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and that your bite feels comfortable.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment in the look, health, and function of your smile. While many dental insurances offer coverage for a dental bridge, and some toward the cost of implants, the benefits and amounts can vary significantly from plan to plan. At the office of Lake Advanced Dentistry, we understand the financial considerations involved in care and do all we can to help patients begin treatment without any additional stress or delay. In addition to doing our best to optimize your dental benefits, we also offer several payment and financing options. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions on the cost of care, dental insurances, financing plans, or acceptable forms of payment.
Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We'll show you how to floss under your dental bridge to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.
The standard answer is that with routine dental visits and good home care, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years, and in many cases, much longer.
At the office of Lake Advanced Dentistry, we fabricate your bridge from the highest quality dental materials to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing and lifelike results of care. It's also customized to the exact specifications of your smile and designed for optimal aesthetics, strength, and stability. Once fabricated and cemented into place, you'll feel confident sharing your smile, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.
As your trusted partner in care, we analyze every aspect of your smile to develop a treatment plan that provides aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and long-lasting results of care.
For more information on dental bridges, or any services we provide, give us a call today.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between natural teeth or implants. It typically consists of one or more pontics (artificial teeth) joined to crowns or abutments that anchor the restoration in place. By restoring the missing tooth structure, a bridge helps re-establish chewing function, supports normal speech patterns, and prevents neighboring teeth from drifting into the empty space.
Bridges are fabricated from strong, tooth-colored materials such as porcelain or ceramic fused to supportive substructures to balance strength and esthetics. The restoration is customized to match the color and contour of adjacent teeth so it blends naturally with your smile. Proper oral hygiene and routine dental visits are essential to protect the supporting teeth and the tissues beneath the pontics.
Several bridge designs address different clinical needs, including traditional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, resin-bonded (Maryland) bridges, and implant-supported bridges. Traditional bridges use crowns on adjacent teeth to support the pontic, while cantilever bridges are supported from only one side when space or tooth position limits other options. Resin-bonded bridges conserve tooth structure by bonding wings to neighboring teeth, and implant-supported bridges use dental implants as anchors when adjacent teeth should remain untouched.
The optimal choice depends on factors such as the number and location of missing teeth, the condition of adjacent teeth, bone support, and esthetic demands. Each design carries distinct advantages and limitations in terms of longevity, strength, and the amount of natural tooth alteration required. A thorough clinical evaluation guides selection of the most appropriate bridge type for predictable, long-term results.
Patients who have one or more missing teeth and healthy supporting teeth or sufficient jawbone can often be good candidates for a dental bridge. Good oral hygiene, stable periodontal health, and the absence of active decay are important prerequisites because the long-term success of a bridge depends on healthy supporting structures. If periodontal disease, decay, or other oral health issues are present, these conditions are typically treated first to create a stable foundation for the restoration.
For patients with compromised adjacent teeth or reduced bone volume, implant-supported solutions may be recommended instead of a traditional bridge to preserve nearby tooth structure and provide stronger support. A comprehensive examination, including clinical evaluation and imaging, allows the dentist to determine which restorative path best meets functional, esthetic, and health-related goals. Treatment planning also includes discussing alternatives and the expected timeline so patients can make an informed choice.
Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants placed in the jaw rather than to natural teeth, which eliminates the need to prepare healthy adjacent teeth for crowns. Because implants act like tooth roots, they provide robust support and help preserve jawbone by maintaining mechanical stimulation that prevents bone resorption. This approach is particularly useful when replacing multiple adjacent teeth or when preserving the structure of neighboring teeth is a priority.
Compared with traditional fixed bridges, implant-supported restorations usually require a surgical phase and a healing interval for osseointegration before the final prosthesis is attached. Once integrated, implant-supported bridges can offer superior long-term stability and function, though the initial timeline and treatment complexity are typically greater. The best option depends on bone anatomy, overall oral health, and the patient’s long-term restorative priorities.
The process for a traditional fixed bridge generally begins with a diagnostic appointment that includes an oral exam and imaging to evaluate the supporting teeth and bone. At the preparation visit, the adjacent teeth that will serve as abutments are shaped to receive crowns and precise impressions are taken to send to the dental laboratory. A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain function and esthetics while the final restoration is fabricated.
When the laboratory-made bridge is ready, the dentist checks the fit, color, and occlusion, making any necessary adjustments before cementing the restoration permanently. Patients may experience mild sensitivity or gum soreness after preparation, which usually subsides as tissues heal. Routine follow-up visits help ensure the bridge and supporting structures remain healthy and functioning properly.
After tooth preparation or implant surgery, patients commonly experience mild discomfort, sensitivity, or minor gum tenderness that typically improves within a few days to a couple of weeks. Temporary restorations require cautious care to avoid dislodgement, and chewing on the opposite side when possible helps protect the provisional. If implants were placed, a healing interval is necessary for osseointegration before the permanent prosthesis is delivered.
Follow-up care includes scheduled visits to evaluate healing, check the fit of the restoration, and perform professional cleanings to maintain periodontal health. The dental team will also provide specific home-care instructions for cleaning around the bridge and any recommended tools, such as floss threaders or interdental brushes, to keep the supporting areas clean. Promptly reporting unusual pain, persistent swelling, or a change in bite helps identify problems early and protects the longevity of the restoration.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is the cornerstone of long-term bridge success and includes thorough brushing twice daily and daily cleaning beneath the pontic with floss or a floss threader. Interdental brushes or a water flosser can be effective adjuncts for removing plaque from hard-to-reach areas around abutments and pontics. Consistent professional cleanings and periodontal evaluations help detect and address inflammation or decay that could compromise the supporting teeth.
Patients should also avoid habits that place excessive force on the restoration, such as chewing hard objects or using teeth as tools, and discuss protective options like a nightguard if they grind or clench. Smoking cessation and management of systemic health conditions that affect oral tissues further support the durability of the bridge. With attentive care and routine dental visits, bridges can provide predictable service for many years.
Common complications include decay of the abutment teeth, periodontal inflammation beneath the pontic, loosening of cemented crowns, and fracture of the prosthetic material under excessive force. Resin-bonded bridges may debond more easily than full-coverage fixed bridges, and cantilever designs can place increased stress on a single supporting tooth. Implant-supported bridges carry surgical risks such as infection or implant failure, although careful planning and follow-up minimize these occurrences.
Early signs of a problem can include new or persistent sensitivity, mobility, an unusual taste or odor, or changes in the way your bite feels. Prompt evaluation by your dentist allows identification of the underlying cause and timely intervention to preserve oral health and the restoration. Addressing risk factors such as poor oral hygiene, untreated gum disease, and harmful habits improves the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
The lifespan of a dental bridge varies with design, materials, oral hygiene, and individual functional demands, but many fixed bridges last 10 years or longer with proper care. Implant-supported bridges often demonstrate even greater longevity because implants provide stable root-like support and help maintain jawbone. Factors that influence durability include the health of supporting teeth or implants, the quality of the restoration, occlusal forces, and consistent maintenance routines.
Regular dental checkups enable early detection of wear, decay, or periodontal changes that could shorten a bridge’s service life, and timely repairs or adjustments can often extend the restoration’s usefulness. Discussing realistic expectations, material choices, and preventive strategies with your dentist helps create a maintenance plan tailored to your needs and improves long-term success.
To explore bridge options and determine the best treatment for your situation, call Lake Advanced Dentistry at (352) 297-2599 to request a consultation with the dental team. During the appointment, the dentist will perform a clinical exam, review imaging as needed, and discuss whether a traditional bridge, implant-supported restoration, or another alternative is most appropriate based on your oral health and goals. If you have dental anxiety or expect more extensive treatment, ask about IV sedation so the team can plan for a comfortable visit.
Bring a list of current medications and any recent dental records or X-rays to help streamline the evaluation. The consultation will include a clear explanation of recommended steps, required preparatory care if any, and a realistic timeline for completing the restoration. Scheduling a visit allows a personalized treatment plan to be developed that balances function, esthetics, and long-term oral health.
Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?
Contacting Lake Advanced Dentistry is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.
