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Dental BridgesAnnapolis, MD

Dental BridgesAn Overview

A dental bridge can replace one or more consecutive missing teeth, giving you back a functional, healthy and beautiful smile. Annapolis dentist Dr. Vernon Sheen places all types of dental bridges for restoring dental health and enabling patients to enjoy the benefits of good oral health.

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace teeth that a patient has lost or will need extracted. It is made up of two crowns on each end with the false teeth in the middle. These false teeth are called pontics.

The most common type of dental bridge recommended and placed today is a fixed bridge, anchored by your existing healthy teeth or dental implants. A dental bridge completes your smile after losing teeth and supports a functional bite for long term dental health.

Dental Bridge VS Dental Implants

When replacing one missing tooth, choosing between a dental bridge and a dental implant supported crown can seem overwhelming. If you have two or more missing teeth, then you will need to decide between a dental bridge fixed to your natural teeth or one that that will be secured by dental implants. Dr. Sheen will evaluate your oral health condition and discuss your concerns and goals before recommending the option that will best meet your needs.

Many patients are a candidate for both treatment options and should consider the following:

  • Stability of your smile: both treatment options can offer a stable and secure smile, but using dental implants to either secure a bridge or as the tooth replacement will provide the most secure and lasting result.
  • Bone retention: only a dental implant will offer the benefit of reduced bone loss in the jaw because the implanted post acts like a tooth root.
  • Time and cost: dental implants, either as anchor or tooth replacement, will require a larger up front commitment of time and money. However, most patients report that the long term satisfaction outweighs the cost and effort required.

Dental Bridges What to Expect

Dr. Sheen will meet with you to do an evaluation and to develop a personalized treatment plan. He will take into consideration your needs and goals as well as your oral health to give you back the smile you desire. Over the course of several visits, your new smile will be put into place and we will make personalized recommendations for keeping it healthy for years to come.

If the placement of dental implants is part of your dental bridge process, Dr. Sheen will coordinate the surgical phase of the implant post with a local specialist and follow up with you to place your final restoration and attach your new bridge. Once your implants are surgically placed, you will about three to six month to fully heal and allow the post to fully integrate with the surrounding jaw bone.

Once you have healed, a small pieced called an abutment is attached to each implant. Impressions will be taken and a dental lab will use those to fabricate your custom bridge.

Once that is ready, you will return to our Annapolis dentist office where Dr. Sheen will permanently attach the bridge.

If you choose to have a traditional bridge placed, Dr. Sheen will need to prepare the abutment teeth (the two teeth that will anchor the bridge). This will require significant reduction of those teeth to accommodate the crowns. Dental Impressions will be taken and a dental lab will use those to fabricate a custom bridge. When they are ready, Dr. Sheen will permanently cement the bridge into place.

Dr. Vernon Sheen, DMD

Why choose Annapolis Center For Dental Health & Wellness?

Vernon Sheen, DMD has been serving patients in the Annapolis area for over 20 years. Dr. Sheen is dedicated to providing the highest standard of dental care, using advanced technology, quality materials and staying up to date on the latest techniques. Our team strives to ensure that each patient receives personalized care that focuses on their oral health needs while helping them achieve cosmetic goals for their smile.

From comprehensive preventive care to advanced restorative treatments that address tooth damage or loss, our Annapolis dentist office is your dental home for the long term maintenance of a healthy, comfortable smile. We want you to enjoy your best quality of life with optimal oral health.

Related Procedures

Dental Concerns Dental Implants Restorative Dentistry Tooth Extractions