Trust Our Pineville Dentist With Your Smile
If you’re missing one or several adjacent teeth, dental bridges may be the ideal restorative solution for you.
At Locke Family Dentistry, our dentist in Pineville, LA, Dr. Virginia Locke, and our expert dental team can fit you with a durable and natural-looking dental bridge to restore your smile’s function and appearance. Read on to learn more about this treatment and how we strive to provide the best dental care to patients in Alexandria, LA, and the Rapides Parish area.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges help close the gap left by up to four missing teeth, bridging this space with fake teeth known as pontics. Dental crowns are placed on either side of the bridge to act as an anchor and ensure a stable fit.
Unlike dental implants, you won’t need to undergo any invasive procedure to receive a dental bridge. Bridges also provide a more secure fit compared to dentures. Best of all, you may be able to receive your customized restoration in as few as two appointments with our Pineville dentist.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Aside from providing a stable solution to tooth loss, other benefits of dental bridges include:
- Restoring your ability to speak and eat with comfort
- Maintaining face shape
- Natural-looking appearance
- Preventing surrounding teeth from shifting out of place
- Decreasing wear and tear of surrounding teeth
When Are Dental Bridges Necessary?
You may require a restoration like a dental bridge if you have:
- One or more missing teeth
- Severely damaged or decayed teeth
- Significant teeth gaps
Our Pineville restorative dentist will determine if a dental bridge is right for you at your initial consultation. To learn if this restoration is a good fit for your needs, schedule an appointment with Dr. Locke by calling (318) 448-3804.
The Dental Bridge Process
Depending on your personalized treatment plan, you may be able to receive your dental bridge and crowns in just two visits to our Pineville dental office. You’ll first undergo a consultation with Dr. Locke, where she’ll determine if dental bridges will be an effective treatment for you.
If approved, Dr. Locke can begin shaping your teeth in preparation for your restorations. She’ll begin by administering a local anesthetic so you don’t feel any pain while she works. Dr. Locke will then gently remove a small portion of your targeted teeth’s enamel to make room for crowns. Finally, she’ll take an impression of your mouth and send it to a dental lab, where they’ll create your customized bridge and crowns.
Once we receive your restorations, which could take about two weeks, you’ll return to our office for a final fitting. Dr. Locke will place and make any necessary adjustments to your crowns and bridge before fixing them into place. You’re then ready to showcase your restored smile!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long after tooth extraction can I get a bridge?
Sometimes, decayed or structurally compromised teeth will be removed before placing a dental bridge. In this case, you’ll need to wait for your mouth to fully heal before receiving a restoration, which could take five to six months depending on your oral health. Dr. Locke can provide you with an accurate treatment timeline at your initial consultation.
How long do dental bridges last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental bridges can last up to 15 years before needing to be replaced. Proper care includes practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice each day and flossing once each day.
We also encourage all patients to schedule biannual appointments at our Pineville office for regular dental exams and cleanings. Routine dental visits can keep your oral health and restorations in good condition for years to come.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
The cost of your dental bridge will depend on several factors, such as how many teeth you’re replacing. Dr. Locke will provide you with a cost breakdown of your treatment plan at your initial consultation. We suggest contacting your dental insurance provider ahead of time to learn what your plan will cover.
We also recommend looking into CareCredit, a third-party financing company designed to help patients cover the costs of their treatments. Applying online is fast and easy, and you may qualify for financial aid regardless of your dental insurance status.