At The Dental Loft at Perry Hall, our team helps patients restore missing teeth with treatments that balance function, appearance, and long-term oral health. Tooth loss can affect more than how you look — it changes the way you chew, speak, and maintain oral hygiene. This page explains how dental bridges work, who they help, and what to expect before, during, and after treatment so you can make informed decisions about rebuilding your smile.
When a tooth is lost, the immediate gap is only part of the problem. Teeth next to the empty space begin to tilt or drift into the opening, which can alter your bite and create pressures that wear down enamel or damage restorations. Over time, these shifts may make chewing less efficient and cause new areas of tooth sensitivity or decay.
The jawbone beneath a missing tooth also changes without the normal stimulation from biting and chewing. Bone volume can slowly diminish, and the surrounding tissues may recede, which affects facial support and the long-term stability of neighboring teeth. Addressing tooth loss early helps preserve the foundation of your smile.
Beyond anatomy, missing teeth can influence everyday life. Speech patterns can change when teeth that guide tongue placement are gone, and some foods may become difficult to eat. Replacing missing teeth restores both comfort and confidence, reducing the risk of secondary dental problems that often emerge when gaps are left untreated.
Modern dentistry offers several reliable ways to replace missing teeth, each with its own strengths. Bridges are a fixed option that blend aesthetics with durability, while removable partial dentures allow for broader replacements in a less invasive manner. Dental implants provide the most natural root support and are often combined with bridges for extensive gaps.
Choosing the right solution depends on the number of teeth missing, the condition of remaining teeth, bone volume, and personal priorities such as longevity, appearance, and maintenance. A careful clinical exam and diagnostic imaging help determine which approach will give the best long-term outcome for a particular smile.
Our goal is to match each patient with a plan that feels right for their lifestyle and oral health needs. Whether the treatment involves a conservative bridge supported by natural teeth or an implant-supported restoration, an individualized approach ensures predictable results and a restoration that looks and functions naturally.
A dental bridge replaces missing teeth by spanning the gap with one or more artificial teeth called pontics. Bridges are anchored to stable structures on either side of the opening — typically natural teeth prepared for crowns or dental implants — creating a fixed, non-removable restoration that restores chewing surface and tooth-to-tooth contact.
By reestablishing those contacts, a bridge helps prevent neighboring teeth from shifting and reduces abnormal wear. It rebalances how biting forces are distributed across the arch, which protects both natural teeth and other restorations. Bridges also restore the visible portion of the smile, enhancing facial harmony and speech clarity.
Materials used for bridges today combine strength and esthetics. Porcelain and high-strength ceramics are common for visible areas because they mimic the translucency and color of natural teeth, while metal-reinforced options may be selected where extra durability is needed. The result is a durable, lifelike restoration when planned and executed carefully.
Several bridge designs address different clinical situations. A traditional fixed bridge uses crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap to support one or more pontics and works well when those teeth are healthy or already in need of crowns. This approach provides a stable, long-standing solution when properly maintained.
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as the anchors instead of natural teeth. Because implants replicate roots, they preserve underlying bone and avoid altering adjacent teeth. This option is often preferred for longer spans or when preserving tooth structure is a priority, since neighboring teeth don’t need to be prepared for crowns.
Other designs, such as cantilever or resin-bonded bridges, are reserved for specific situations where traditional supports aren’t available or when minimal alteration of adjacent teeth is required. The final choice is guided by clinical findings and the desired balance between conservation and long-term stability.
Successful bridge treatment begins with comprehensive preparation. Your dentist will evaluate gum health, the condition of supporting teeth, and jawbone quality. Any active gum disease or untreated decay must be addressed first, because a stable, healthy foundation is essential for a lasting restoration.
For a traditional bridge, the abutment teeth must be strong and well-supported by bone. If those teeth are not suitable, an implant-supported option may be recommended, which could require bone grafting or other preparatory procedures to ensure a solid implant site. Diagnostic imaging and impressions guide these planning steps.
During the planning phase you’ll discuss material choices, expected timeline, and home care needs. This is also the time to talk through any concerns about sensitivity, aesthetics, or function. Proper preparation reduces surprises during treatment and helps set realistic expectations for healing and long-term maintenance.
Placing a traditional fixed bridge typically takes place over a few visits. The process begins with tooth preparation: the abutment teeth are shaped to receive crowns, impressions are taken, and a temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth while the laboratory fabricates the final restoration.
Temporary restorations are designed for short-term use and may feel slightly different from the finished bridge. Some sensitivity and soft-tissue tenderness around prepared teeth is common initially, and this usually subsides as the mouth adjusts. Careful oral hygiene and avoiding very hard or sticky foods help protect the temporary pieces.
At the final appointment, the permanent bridge is tried in, checked for fit, color, and bite, and then cemented or otherwise secured. Your dentist will review care instructions and schedule follow-ups to verify that the bridge is functioning comfortably. With attentive maintenance, a traditional bridge can perform well for many years.
Implant placement is a surgical procedure that requires planning and healing time. Using 3D imaging and precise guides, implants are positioned in the jawbone to optimally support the bridge. Depending on the case, a temporary restoration may be provided during the healing phase so patients maintain aesthetics and function.
Osseointegration — the process where bone bonds to the implant surface — typically takes several months. Once integration is complete, abutments are attached and impressions are taken for the final bridge. Because implants support the restoration without involving adjacent teeth, the result often feels more like natural dentition.
Postoperative care focuses on gentle hygiene, following specific cleaning instructions around implants, and attending regular maintenance visits. Implant-supported bridges are an excellent solution for many patients because they preserve bone, avoid altering healthy teeth, and deliver stable, highly functional results.
Whether you’re considering a traditional bridge or an implant-supported solution, understanding the steps involved makes the process less intimidating and more predictable. If you’d like to learn more about your options and which approach best fits your oral health goals, please contact us for more information.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap with artificial teeth called pontics. The pontics are anchored to stable structures on either side of the opening, usually natural teeth prepared for crowns or dental implants, which creates a nonremovable restoration that restores chewing function and tooth-to-tooth contact.
By reestablishing contact between adjacent teeth, a properly planned bridge helps prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, reduces abnormal wear, and restores normal bite forces. Modern materials such as porcelain, high-strength ceramics, and layered zirconia allow bridges to look lifelike while providing the strength needed for everyday function.
Good candidates for a traditional fixed bridge typically have healthy abutment teeth with sufficient structure to support crowns and good overall gum health. If adjacent teeth are heavily restored or weakened, or if there is significant bone loss, an implant-supported bridge or alternative restoration may be a better option.
A comprehensive exam and diagnostic imaging determine whether a bridge is appropriate by evaluating tooth health, bone volume, and the long-term prognosis for the supporting teeth. At the practice, we tailor recommendations to each patient’s oral condition and personal priorities to arrive at a predictable, durable solution.
Several bridge designs address different clinical needs. Traditional fixed bridges use crowns on adjacent teeth to support pontics and are reliable when abutment teeth are strong, while cantilever bridges are anchored on a single adjacent tooth and are reserved for limited situations where space and load permit.
Resin-bonded bridges, often called Maryland bridges, use a minimally invasive metal or ceramic wing bonded to the back of an adjacent tooth for small replacements, and implant-supported bridges use dental implants as anchors to preserve bone and avoid altering neighboring teeth. The final design depends on clinical factors like span length, tooth condition, and esthetic goals.
Preparation begins with a thorough oral exam, X-rays or 3D imaging, and treatment planning to address any decay, gum disease, or structural concerns before restorative work. Healthy gums and a stable foundation are essential, so any active periodontal issues or infections are treated first to improve long-term outcomes.
During the planning visit you will discuss material options, the expected sequence of appointments, and temporary restoration needs if crowns are required on abutment teeth. Clear communication about sensitivity, esthetic expectations, and home care helps reduce surprises and supports a smooth treatment experience.
For a traditional bridge, the process often involves tooth preparation, impressions for the laboratory, and placement of a temporary bridge while the final restoration is fabricated. Some sensitivity and soft-tissue tenderness around prepared teeth are common initially, and careful oral hygiene plus avoiding very hard or sticky foods helps protect temporary restorations.
At the final appointment the permanent bridge is tried in, adjusted for fit, color, and bite, and then cemented or secured. Your dentist will review home care instructions and schedule follow-ups to confirm comfort and function as you adapt to the new restoration.
Regular professional cleanings and exams allow the dental team to monitor the bridge, check margins, and address early signs of wear or gum inflammation. Avoiding excessively hard or sticky foods and following any specific instructions from your dentist will help maintain both function and appearance over time.
The lifespan of a dental bridge varies depending on material, oral hygiene, the health of supporting teeth, and the forces placed on the restoration. With excellent home care and regular dental visits, many bridges remain functional for years, while other factors such as decay of abutment teeth or periodontal disease can shorten that lifespan.
Routine maintenance visits allow your dentist to identify issues early and perform repairs or adjustments when appropriate, which helps extend the service life of the bridge. Staying proactive with preventive care is the most reliable way to preserve a restoration and the surrounding natural structures.
Potential complications include decay or fracture of the abutment teeth, loosening or failure of the cement, gum inflammation around the restoration, and occasional problems with bite or fit. If abutment teeth are altered to support a bridge, those teeth may require future restorative work if they weaken over time.
Implant-supported bridges carry surgical considerations such as healing time, the need for adequate bone, and the risk of peri-implant inflammation if hygiene is insufficient. Open discussion of these risks during planning helps set realistic expectations and guides decisions that reduce the likelihood of complications.
Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth, which preserves underlying bone and avoids reducing healthy adjacent tooth structure. Because implants act as artificial roots, they can provide excellent stability for longer spans and often feel more like natural teeth once osseointegration is complete.
Implant treatment involves surgical placement and a healing period for bone integration, followed by restoration of the prosthetic teeth, and requires careful hygiene around implant interfaces to prevent inflammation. The choice between implant-supported and tooth-supported bridges depends on bone availability, the condition of neighboring teeth, and the patient’s overall treatment goals.
Material selection balances esthetics, strength, and the location of the bridge in the mouth; porcelain and layered ceramic materials are often chosen for visible areas because they closely mimic natural tooth color and translucency. For posterior restorations where chewing forces are higher, high-strength ceramics or metal-ceramic combinations may be recommended to resist fracture and wear.
The dentist considers bite dynamics, opposing dentition, and the patient’s esthetic expectations when recommending a material, and the laboratory’s fabrication techniques also influence the final result. The team at The Dental Loft at Perry Hall will review these factors with you and help select a material that provides the best combination of durability and appearance for your situation.
Our practice helps every patient achieve a healthy, confident smile with personalized, compassionate care in a comfortable, modern environment.
