Dental Bridges in West Coxsackie

New Baltimore Family Dentistry provides dental bridges in West Coxsackie, NY. Call 518-731-2797 to learn more and schedule an appointment.

The ADA reports that on average adult patients may have three missing or decayed teeth. Fortunately, there are a number of solutions to replace missing teeth, including dental bridges. A bridge may be used to restore an area with one or more adjacent missing teeth. A bridge has two primary components.  The abutments (or supports) for the bridge are created by placing a crown on either a natural tooth or an implant. The synthetic tooth that replaces the missing tooth is called a pontic. In the case of one missing tooth, the two teeth on either side will be prepped for crowns and the missing tooth will be replaced with a synthetic tooth that is connected to the crowns on either side of the missing tooth. In the case of several adjacent missing teeth, one or more implants may provide the abutment.

This is the most common type of dental bridge. The existing teeth are crowned with one or more pontics between and held in place by the crowned abutments. The crowns are cemented onto the teeth adjacent to the missing teeth to create a support structure or “bridge” for the missing teeth.

This type of bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, except that the structure is supported on only one side instead of both sides. This can cause the restoration to act as a “lever” and may create additional stress on the supporting tooth, causing it to be more likely to loosen or fracture.

Instead of using existing teeth to support a bridge, a dental implant may be substituted to provide support for one or both sides of a dental bridge. This is a popular option that can provide a very secure restoration. This solution is particularly helpful when there are several adjacent missing teeth.

This type of bridge is supported by a metal structure which is cemented onto the back of existing teeth. While not as strong as a traditional bridge, it can preserve the tooth structure of the adjacent teeth by avoiding the use of crowns for the abutments. It may not stay in place when heavy forces are placed on the restoration (such as biting and chewing) and does add pressure to the supporting teeth.

Contact us 518-731-2797 to learn more about your restorative options and achieve the smile you have always wanted.

The cost of a dental bridge depends on the type of bridge, the material you choose, and the number of teeth being replaced. Because there are so many variables involved, the best way to find out what a bridge will cost for you is to schedule an appointment for a consultation with your dentist. We can help you compare options and understand your out-of-pocket costs.

This, too, depends on the type of bridge, its location in your mouth (I.e., how much wear it gets), and the material you choose. Generally speaking, bridges typically last between five and 15 years, but with good care, they can last even longer.

The best alternative to a traditional dental bridge is an implant-based restoration, which replaces teeth both above and below the gumline. Dental implants are superior when it comes to preserving jawbone density.

Dental bridges usually replace between one to four teeth, although rarely they can be used to replace more than this. When more teeth need to be replaced, an implant-based restoration or denture may be needed.

Yes, it’s always worth it to replace teeth that have been lost. Doing so will help you preserve your bite strength and protect the health of your remaining teeth. You’ll also feel better about yourself when you can smile proudly!