Bridge the Gap in Your Smile

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A traditional dental bridge consists of two crowns supporting one or more pontics (replacement teeth) in between. It can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of those materials. Patients who undergo dental bridge placement at our dental clinic can also choose to have their bridge supported by dental implants rather than dental crowns. This option eliminates the need to crown healthy teeth. Implants also stop the jaw atrophy that takes place following tooth loss. During your consultation, Dr. Liberman can help determine which option is best for you.

Dr. Liberman has been recognized with the Quintessence Publishing Award for Clinical Excellence in Periodontics, among other awards.

Are You a Candidate?

A dental bridge is one of three common restorations that are used to replace missing teeth. A dental crown and dental implant combination is often used to restore individual teeth. Patients who are missing an entire dental arch are good candidates for a denture. Dental bridges are usually recommended for individuals who are missing one to three consecutive teeth.

Candidates for a traditional dental bridge should have two healthy teeth on either side of the gap in their smile that can support a dental bridge. Patients who desire the superior stability of dental implants will need to undergo an oral surgery procedure in which the implants are placed in the jawbone.

In order to gain candidacy for implant placement, Dr. Liberman will need to determine if you have adequate jawbone density to support the implants. Patients who have experienced jawbone atrophy as a result of tooth loss may require a bone graft or sinus lift surgery to gain candidacy for implant placement.

Benefits of a Dental Bridge

Patients who undergo dental bridge placement at our Great Neck dental practice can benefit from:

• A restored smile
• Restored oral function
• Improved clarity of speech
• Prevention of teeth shifting

Patients who undergo dental implant placement can enjoy further benefits, such as prevention of jawbone recession and superior support for their bridge.

How Are Dental Bridges Placed?

There are basically two steps in placing a traditional bridge. During your first visit to our dental practice, Dr. Liberman will prepare the two teeth on either side of the gap. After administering local anesthesia, dental tissue will be removed. This allows the dental crown to fit properly. Once your teeth have been prepped, a mold of your bite will be made. We will then send it to a trusted laboratory. A temporary bridge will be placed while you wait for your custom dental bridge to be manufactured.

During your second visit, your custom bridge will be placed, checked, and adjusted before a strong bonding agent is used to secure the bridge in place.

Patients who seek implant-supported bridges will first have to have dental implants placed. Dr. Liberman will refer you to a trusted oral surgeon who will place the implants. The placement of each implant usually takes one hour. After your implants are placed, you will begin a healing process that can take three to six months as the implants fuse with the bone tissue. After this process is complete, your custom dental bridge can be manufactured and placed. 

Schedule Your Dental Bridge Consultation Today

If you are suffering due to missing teeth, let Dr. Liberman recommend a treatment option to restore your smile. To schedule your appointment, please contact our Great Neck office online or call (516) 482-9140.