What Are Dental Bridges?
Losing a tooth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. A gap can make chewing more difficult, affect the way nearby teeth come together, and allow surrounding teeth to shift into the open space over time. A dental bridge can fill that gap with an artificial tooth supported by the teeth or implants next to it, restoring function while creating a more complete smile. At Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team offers custom-made dental bridges crafted from high-quality materials to help Warwick, RI patients regain the comfort and confidence that comes with a beautifully restored smile. If you're looking for a long-lasting solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, reach out to our experienced dentists to learn if a dental bridge is the right choice for you.
How Are Dental Bridges Placed?
After examining your mouth and preparing the surrounding teeth by gently reshaping them, a member of our team will take impressions or digital scans of the area, which will be used to create a custom-made restoration. In the meantime, we may place a temporary bridge to support your smile.
Once the finished bridge is ready, we'll remove the temporary restoration and carefully check the new bridge for fit, appearance, and bite. After making any necessary adjustments, we'll secure the bridge in place and show you how to clean it so you can maintain a healthier smile that lasts.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
A bridge can do more than replace the visible portion of a missing tooth. By restoring the space, it can make everyday activities like eating and speaking more comfortable while helping maintain the alignment of the surrounding teeth. The benefits of custom bridges provided at our Warwick, RI practice include:
- Restoring comfortable chewing and normal speech
- Preventing nearby teeth from shifting into the open space
- Supporting a more balanced bite
- Improving the appearance of a smile affected by tooth loss
- Blending with surrounding teeth for a natural-looking result
- Maintaining the shape and spacing of your smile
Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Reviews
Dr. Pavlotski has been my families dentist over 25 years. She is very efficient and I have never had a bad experience what so ever!
New Dentist and the best I've had - Dr. Pavlotsky, the dental hygienist & receptionist were all incredibly kind & professional. They made me feel at ease & I can actually say I had a very pleasant & even enjoyable experience. As a woman recovering from a long term eating disorder, I've always had fear &anxiety to the point of tears when visiting dentist, but all of that washed away the moment I met Dr. Pavlotsky. She was kind, patient, understanding, and gave me advice as well as words of comfort. She asked all the right questions & let me voice my concerns & share my story. I felt at ease & at peace for the 1st time in my adult life, at 38 yrs old, sitting in a dentist chair! I am very happy to be a new patient and I look forward to remaining a patient there. Absolutely the best dentist practice I've been to. 5 starts and more!!
Always available, alway attentive, always helpful, great work, love them
Excellent Dentist, restored my earlier damaged crown beautifully. Also a lovely lady with an amazing comedic style…She could moonlight as a stand up comedian…
Dr. Pavlotsky and her staff are wonderful! Thank you for taking care of my filling.
12
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
How long does it take to get a dental bridge?
Traditional dental bridges generally require two appointments. During the first visit, we'll prepare the supporting teeth and take impressions or digital scans so the new bridge can be made. The new bridge typically takes about 2 – 4 weeks to be fabricated.
How long does a dental bridge last?
A dental bridge typically lasts about 5 – 15 years, although some can last longer with proper care. Brushing twice a day, cleaning beneath the bridge every day, avoiding habits that could damage the restoration, and keeping up with regular dental visits can all help extend the life of your restoration.
Should I get a dental implant or a bridge?
Dental implants and bridges can both replace missing teeth, but they work differently — a bridge connects to the neighboring teeth for support, while an implant replaces the root of the missing tooth to support a crown. During your consultation, we'll review your options and help you decide based on the health of your surrounding teeth and gums, the amount of bone available, and the location of the missing tooth.
Can a dental bridge be removed and recemented?
If a bridge becomes loose, our team will need to determine why it has loosened and whether the bridge and supporting teeth are still in good condition. In some cases, we can remove the bridge, address the underlying problem, and recement the existing restoration. If the bridge or supporting teeth are damaged, however, a new restoration may be necessary. If you notice that your bridge feels loose, contact our practice right away so we can evaluate it and help prevent additional damage.
Does dental insurance cover bridges?
Dental insurance often provides coverage for bridges, but benefits can vary between plans. Our team can help you understand the expected cost of your bridge and provide information to review your benefits. We recommend confirming your specific coverage with your insurance provider before treatment.
Restore the Space Left by a Missing Tooth
A missing tooth can change the way your smile looks and functions, but replacing it can help you feel more comfortable eating, speaking, and smiling. A dental bridge offers a fixed way to restore that space while supporting the surrounding teeth and maintaining a more natural-looking smile. Our friendly providers at Dr. Anna Pavlotsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry are happy to help you understand your tooth replacement options and determine whether a bridge fits your needs. Schedule an appointment at our Warwick, RI office to discuss dental bridges with our team.