Emergency Dental Bridges St. Louis

A dental bridge typically lasts between 5 to 15 years with several factors influencing its longevity.

Your oral hygiene routine
The teeth that support the dental bridge can become weakened by gum disease, which leads to the loss of the bone supporting the teeth. That’s why proper brushing and flossing are essential.

Materials used
Porcelain and ceramic bridges are durable but they can still wear down or chip with time. Bridges made from materials like zirconia are highly resilient and may last longer.

Location of your dental bridge
Bridges in areas with more biting force may experience greater wear and tear.

Regular dental check-ups
With regular checkups that provide hygiene maintenance and early detection of cavities on the abutment teeth, your dentist can address any issues early on.

Overall, modern dental techniques and anesthesia ensure that the experience of getting a dental bridge is as comfortable as possible for patients.​

Some patients may experience minor discomfort, sensitivity or tenderness in the gums after the procedure (manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers) that should go away within a few days as your mouth heals.

Before beginning the procedure, your dentist administer’s a local anesthetic to numb the area where the bridge will be placed to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible during the procedure.

Choosing between the different types of dental bridges depends on many factors including the number of missing teeth, the health of your remaining teeth and your oral health goals. Overall, a healthy bite (a nearly-full complement of teeth) is important for the longevity of your dental bridge.

With a traditional dental bridge (fixed bridge)
You’ll typically need at least two healthy teeth on either side of the gap where the missing tooth or teeth are located to act as supports for the bridge. Your natural teeth are prepared as supports by shaping them to accommodate the dental crowns that anchor the bridge in place.​

When several teeth in a row are missing
With multiple missing teeth longer bridges may be needed, requiring additional healthy teeth to support them.

With an implant-supported bridge
Implant-supported bridges don’t need natural teeth as anchors because implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as stable foundations for the bridge. This is the ideal solution for replacing several missing teeth in a row without affecting adjacent natural teeth.​

The choice between a bridge and implants depends on factors such as your oral health, missing teeth, adjacent teeth condition and your personal preferences. Both solutions are effective for replacing missing teeth.

Dental bridge pros and cons
Dental bridges can quickly restore your chewing function and aesthetic appearance, are less invasive compared to implants and are usually less expensive upfront.

The downside of dental bridges are that they require the alteration of adjacent healthy teeth. Additional tooth loss could occur in the future if those supporting teeth are not well cared for, requiring further dental treatment.

Dental implant pros and cons
Dental implants provide a stable foundation for a crown, bridge or denture while helping to preserve bone density in your jaw and the integrity of your natural teeth. However, dental implants require surgery, take longer to heal and are usually more expensive than dental bridges.