Albuquerque Dental Bridges

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restorative dentistry solution used to replace missing teeth. They are designed to look just like your natural teeth. We provide two primary types of dental bridges:

Traditional Bridge

A traditional bridge consists of dental crowns placed on two anchoring teeth, one on either side of the gap. These anchoring teeth support one or more artificial teeth called pontics.

Implant-Supported Bridge

A bridge can also be supported by dental implants. Dental implant-supported dental crowns are placed on either side of the gap to support the pontics. This avoids the need to crown healthy teeth.

The Benefits of a Dental Bridge

The two most important benefits of dental bridges are:

Restored Function
When you are missing multiple teeth, it can be difficult to eat the foods you love and speak properly. A dental bridge fills in the gap so you can eat and speak with confidence once more.

Restored Appearance
By replacing your missing teeth, a dental bridge can give you a more youthful appearance and enhance the overall look of your smile. Patients also report boosted self-esteem.

Why Choose Us For Your Dental Bridge?

Comprehensive Treatment
Our Albuquerque dental practice provides comprehensive treatment options so you can get the care you need in one location.

Beautiful Restorations
We partner with a local lab that crafts hand-layered porcelain dental bridges. This allows us to provide you with restorations that look just like natural teeth.

Experienced Care
For over 40 years, our dentist has helped numerous patients restore the health, function, and appearance of their smiles with bridges and other custom solutions.

Concerned About Costs?

We do not want financial barriers to prevent patients from enjoying the benefits of a beautifully restored smile. Here is how we can help:

Insurance
We accept Delta Dental, United Concordia, UnitedHealthcare, MetLife, and Cigna dental insurance plans.

Financing
To help those without insurance, or to help cover what insurance does not, we accept LendingPoint financing.

Other Payment Options
We also accept payment options such as Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.

Dental Bridge Candidacy

You may be a good candidate for a dental bridge if you:

• Have one or more consecutive missing teeth
  Whether you are missing one tooth or multiple teeth, a dental bridge can fill the gap. However, if you have several isolated areas of missing teeth, a partial denture may be a better treatment option for you.
• Are in good oral health
  You must be in good oral health and free from tooth decay or gum disease. This ensures a healthy foundation for your restoration. If you have oral health issues, this must be addressed before your dental crown is placed. We can resolve these issues at our practice.

Traditional Dental Bridge Timeline

Traditional dental bridge treatment is faster than a bridge supported by implants because no surgery is needed. Here is what a typical dental bridge procedure looks like:
A dental bridge replaces one or more consecutive missing teeth to restore your oral function and appearance.

Consultation
You will first meet with your dentist so he can examine your mouth and discuss your goals. This allows him to develop a custom treatment plan to fit your unique needs.

Tooth Prep
Dr. Kelly will prepare the anchoring teeth for the dental crowns that will support the pontics.

Impressions
Your dentist will then take impressions of your mouth. This allows our trusted lab to craft your bridge. Our Albuquerque practice uses digital technology instead of messy and uncomfortable putty impressions.

Dental Bridge Placement
Your dentist will bond a temporary dental bridge in place. Once your permanent bridge is ready (usually in about five business days), you will return to our office to have it attached, and we will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridge Treatment

If you and your dentist decide that dental implants are the best option for you, treatment is a little different. After your consultation and impressions, your dental treatment will involve:

Anesthesia
Dr. Kelly will begin treatment by thoroughly numbing the area. If you require an extra level of care, we offer sedation dentistry to ensure you are completely comfortable during your procedure.

Implant Placement
A small incision is made in the gums and dental implants are placed in the jawbone. These implants will anchor the bridge.

Healing
Your mouth will be given time to heal. This allows the dental implants to fuse to the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, which takes about three to six months.

Bridge Placement
Once your mouth is healed, your dentist will secure the dental bridge to the implants.

Maintaining Your New Smile

With proper care and maintenance, your bridge can last for 15 years or more. Caring for your new smile is easy. Follow these tips to keep your restoration beautiful for years to come:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush for two or more minutes. Don’t forget to floss!

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Do not open packages with your teeth or bite your nails. This can damage the porcelain as well as your natural teeth.

Be Mindful of Certain Foods
If possible, use your natural teeth instead of your bridge to bite or chew hard or sticky foods like raw vegetables or caramel.

Continue Routine Dental Visits
Continue to visit our Albuquerque dental practice for routine exams, cleanings, and preventative care