Cosmetic & Restorative Dental Bridges
Losing one or more teeth can affect both the appearance and function of your smile. Missing teeth may leave some patients feeling self-conscious and can also make it more difficult to chew certain foods or speak comfortably. Over time, tooth loss can also contribute to changes in the surrounding teeth, gums, and jawbone, making it important to consider options for restoring your smile.
Dental bridges are a common tooth replacement option for patients who are missing one or more teeth. A bridge typically consists of one or more artificial replacement teeth, known as pontics, along with a structure that holds them securely in place. Depending on your oral health, the location of the missing teeth, and other factors, different types of dental bridges may be considered.
A traditional dental bridge is supported by natural teeth on both sides of the gap, which are typically fitted with crowns to hold the restoration in place. A cantilever bridge is supported on only one side, while a Maryland bridge generally uses a framework bonded to the backs of neighboring teeth rather than relying on dental crowns. Implant-supported bridges use dental implants for support and may be an option when multiple adjacent teeth are missing.
As a Greenville native and fourth-generation dentist, Dr. Preston Hamrick is proud to continue his family’s tradition of serving the community. He takes the time to build personal relationships with his patients, understand their individual needs and goals, and recommend treatment options suited to their oral health.
Read on to learn more about dental bridges, or call our Greenville, South Carolina practice today at 864.292.5125 to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services, including dental crowns.
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Dental Bridge Process
The dental bridge process begins with an initial consultation with Greenville, South Carolina dentist Dr. Preston Hamrick, who will conduct a thorough oral examination to determine whether dental bridges are a viable treatment option for you. Depending on your particular needs, treatment goals, and general oral health, a dental implant may be recommended. There are a number of important differences to consider when choosing between a dental bridge or a dental implant, such as the maintenance required, durability, cost, aesthetics, and procedural commitment necessary. Dr. Hamrick will discuss these areas with you to make sure you are aware of all available treatment options and can make an informed decision as to which procedure is best for you.
If it is determined that dental bridges are your best treatment option, your next appointment will begin by cleaning your mouth, then numbing the area to reduce or eliminate discomfort. Dental sedation will also be available to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Next, Dr. Hamrick will reshape the surrounding teeth to ensure the bridge fits properly. Once this is complete, Dr. Hamrick will take a dental impression that will be used to design a dental bridge that is customized to your unique mouth to look natural and feel comfortable.
Once the dental bridge is ready, you will return to our office for one final visit to ensure the fit is correct and that you are satisfied with the appearance of your dental bridge. If so, the dental bridge is permanently adhered to the surrounding teeth with dental bonding cement. Once in place, the dental bridge process will be complete, and you can begin to enjoy having a bright, full smile right away!
Healing Process and Maintenance
The healing process following placement of a dental implant generally takes 1-2 weeks. It is common to experience mild bleeding, swelling, and bruising for the first 1-3 days following your procedure. Swelling and discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter medicine or prescribed painkillers and ice therapy, placing the ice on the area for 10-minute intervals. Once the healing process is complete, you can resume your normal daily oral hygiene habits of brushing and flossing twice daily; however, you will need to use a water pik or interdental brush to clean under the bridge. It is also a good idea to limit or avoid eating hard foods with your dental bridge to reduce the risk of damaging it.
We also encourage our clients to schedule regular dental cleanings at least every six months to ensure the health and sustained brightness of your smile. In addition to giving your teeth a professional cleaning, these visits are also an opportunity for Dr. Preston Hamrick to evaluate your overall oral health, as he looks for any indications of gum disease or any other underlying issue that may require treatment, and to monitor the health of your dental bridges.
Cost of Dental Bridges
The total cost of treatment will depend on the type of bridge that is used and whether additional procedures such as tooth extraction, bone grafting, or treatment of periodontal disease are necessary.
For patients with dental insurance, the total cost of treatment will depend on whether the procedure is covered under your plan, and if so, how much is covered. Our staff is happy to review your coverage to determine whether your plan does cover the procedure and ensure you maximize your benefits and have minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
If you are a patient at our practice and do not have dental insurance, consider joining our membership club. Because we value your loyalty, we have launched this club to help save you money on treatment and simplify payments for preventative care. We offer three levels of membership: child, adult, and perio membership. Professional dental cleanings, doctor exams, necessary X-rays, and a 5% discount on all other treatment (some exclusions apply) are included in all membership packages.
You can sign up today and start saving money on treatment online or call us at (864) 292-5125.
For your convenience, we accept all forms of credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
Fall in Love with Your Smile Again
At Heritage Dentistry in Greenville, South Carolina, we are committed to providing exceptional, relationship-based dental care tailored to your individual needs. With a comprehensive range of treatment options, our goal is to help you maintain optimal oral health while giving you a smile you can feel confident about.
To schedule an appointment for a dental bridge treatment, or learn more about our dental services, contact our Greenville dental team today at (684) 292-5125.
Learn More About Our Services
- All on 4 Dental Implants
- Bone Grafting
- Children's Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Dental Bonding
- Dental Bridge
- Dental Cleanings
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Exams
- Dental Fillings
- Dental Implants
- Dentist
- Dentures
- Family Dentistry
- Full Mouth Dental Implants
- Gum Contouring
- Gum Grafting
- Implant Supported Dentures
- Invisalign
- Periodontal Therapy
- Porcelain Veneers
- Root Canals
- Scale and Root Planing
- Sedation Dentistry
- Teeth Whitening
- Tooth Extractions