At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we believe a missing tooth is never just a cosmetic issue — it changes how your mouth works and how you feel in everyday life. Gaps can make chewing less efficient, alter speech patterns, and put uneven pressure on neighboring teeth. Over time those changes can accelerate wear, contribute to gum problems, and subtly shift the way your bite comes together. Replacing missing teeth helps preserve oral function, supports facial structure, and restores confidence in simple activities like eating and speaking.
Beyond immediate function, untreated tooth loss affects the health of surrounding tissues. When a tooth is absent, the supporting bone loses stimulation and can slowly resorb, which changes the contours of your jaw and face. Adjacent teeth tend to tilt or drift into the empty space, creating new problems with alignment and making cleaning more difficult. These secondary effects are often preventable when a stable replacement is placed in a timely manner.
Choosing the right replacement method is not a one-size-fits-all decision. A dental bridge can offer a dependable, fixed solution for many patients who want a long-lasting restoration without removable appliances. Our approach begins with listening to your priorities — appearance, function, timeline, and oral health — so we can recommend a treatment plan that addresses both immediate needs and long-term wellbeing.
A dental bridge is a restorative appliance that fills the space left by one or more missing teeth, restoring both the look and function of the mouth. In essence, a bridge recreates the missing tooth structure (the pontic) and anchors it to reliable support — either adjacent teeth prepared with crowns or implant posts placed in the jaw. This fixed connection prevents the neighboring teeth from drifting and reestablishes contact with opposing teeth to normalize chewing forces.
Modern bridge materials are designed to mimic natural tooth color and translucency while offering strength under normal chewing loads. Porcelain, advanced ceramics like zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal options are commonly used to balance aesthetics and durability. The right choice depends on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of supporting teeth, and your aesthetic goals.
Functionally, a well-designed bridge distributes biting forces across healthy structures so you can chew comfortably and speak clearly. It also makes daily oral hygiene more straightforward than certain removable solutions, because bridges are permanently attached and do not need to be taken in and out. Properly maintained, they can provide many years of reliable service.
There are several bridge designs, each with advantages that suit different clinical scenarios. A traditional fixed bridge relies on crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap. This approach is widely used when those neighboring teeth need crowns already or are sufficiently strong to bear the load. It offers a secure, natural-looking result but does require alteration of the supporting teeth.
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants as anchors instead of natural teeth. Because implants act like tooth roots and are embedded in the jaw, they provide a self-supporting solution that preserves adjacent teeth. Implant-supported bridges are particularly valuable when multiple teeth are missing in a row or when the supporting natural teeth are not healthy enough to serve as anchors.
Less common designs, such as cantilever or resin-bonded bridges, have specific indications. A cantilever bridge supports the pontic on a single crowned tooth when only one side is available, while a resin-bonded (Maryland-style) bridge uses a bonded framework to attach a pontic to adjacent teeth with minimal alteration. Each option has trade-offs in strength, longevity, and preparation requirements, so we evaluate the full picture — occlusion, oral health, and your goals — before recommending a design.
Success begins with a thorough assessment. We perform a complete oral examination, take detailed images when necessary, and discuss your health history to identify any factors that influence treatment. Healthy gums and stable supporting teeth or bone are essential for a reliable bridge. If periodontal disease, cavities, or infection are present, those issues must be addressed first to create a predictable foundation for the restoration.
When implants are part of the plan, we use precise diagnostic tools — including three-dimensional imaging — to evaluate bone volume and determine optimal implant placement. Sometimes grafting or other preparatory procedures are needed to build a stable base. For traditional bridges, we assess the strength and shape of adjacent teeth to confirm they are suitable as abutments; if they are not, an implant solution may be a better long-term choice.
Throughout planning, we prioritize clear communication so you understand the timeline, the steps involved, and the reasons behind recommendations. Whether the course involves preparing natural teeth for crowns or placing implants under local anesthesia with sedation options discussed, we tailor the plan to your comfort and clinical needs.
The pathway to a finished bridge varies with the chosen method but typically follows a predictable pattern: diagnosis and planning, preparatory treatments as needed, fabrication of temporary restorations when appropriate, and placement of the final bridge. For a conventional fixed bridge, the supportive teeth are prepared and temporary work protects them while the laboratory fabricates the final piece. The permanent bridge is tried in, checked for color, fit, and bite, then carefully cemented into place.
When implants are used, the process includes implant placement and a healing period that allows bone to integrate with the implant surface. Temporary teeth may be provided so you never have to go without a functional smile. Once integration is complete and the site is stable, the laboratory-crafted bridge is attached to the implants and fine-tuned for comfort and occlusion.
Maintaining a bridge involves daily cleaning and regular checkups. While the pontic itself cannot decay, the supporting teeth and surrounding gum tissue remain vulnerable. Daily flossing beneath and around the bridge, use of interdental brushes or specialized floss, and routine professional exams and cleanings keep the area healthy and help the restoration last. If you notice looseness, persistent sensitivity, or changes in how your bite feels, contact our office promptly so we can evaluate and address any issues before they escalate.
Dental bridges offer a reliable path to restoring appearance and function after tooth loss. Thoughtful planning, careful preparation, and consistent follow-up care are the keys to long-term success. If you’d like to learn more about whether a bridge is the right solution for your smile, please contact us for more information and to schedule a consultation.
Your new bridge is customized to the exact specifications of your smile. Before cementing to the underlying teeth or affixing it to the supporting implants, the shade, occlusion, and all aspects of its fit get carefully checked. In addition to being designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, it's also made to suit your bite and withstand all manner of oral function. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and that your bite feels comfortable.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment in the look, health, and function of your smile. While many dental insurances offer coverage for a dental bridge, and some toward the cost of implants, the benefits and amounts can vary significantly from plan to plan. At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we understand the financial considerations involved in care and do all we can to help patients begin treatment without any additional stress or delay. In addition to doing our best to optimize your dental benefits, we also offer several payment and financing options. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions on the cost of care, dental insurances, financing plans, or acceptable forms of payment.
Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We'll show you how to floss under your dental bridge to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.
The standard answer is that with routine dental visits and good home care, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years, and in many cases, much longer.
At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we fabricate your bridge from the highest quality dental materials to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing and lifelike results of care. It's also customized to the exact specifications of your smile and designed for optimal aesthetics, strength, and stability. Once fabricated and cemented into place, you'll feel confident sharing your smile, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.
As your trusted partner in care, we analyze every aspect of your smile to develop a treatment plan that provides aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and long-lasting results of care.
For more information on dental bridges, or any services we provide, give us a call today.
A dental bridge is a fixed restorative appliance that fills the space left by one or more missing teeth, restoring both appearance and function. The replacement tooth, called a pontic, is anchored to adjacent natural teeth prepared with crowns or to dental implants, which act like artificial roots. By reconnecting the gap, a bridge prevents neighboring teeth from drifting and helps reestablish normal chewing contacts.
Modern bridges are made from tooth-colored materials such as porcelain or advanced ceramics to mimic natural translucency and shade. The design distributes biting forces across healthy structures so you can chew comfortably and speak clearly. With appropriate planning and care, a bridge can offer a stable and natural-looking solution for tooth replacement.
Common bridge designs include traditional fixed bridges, implant-supported bridges, resin-bonded (Maryland) bridges, and cantilever bridges, each suited to different clinical situations. A traditional fixed bridge uses crowns on adjacent teeth as anchors, while implant-supported bridges attach to implants placed in the jaw. Resin-bonded bridges use a bonded framework to attach a pontic to neighboring teeth with minimal alteration, and cantilever bridges are supported from only one side when space is limited.
Each design has trade-offs in strength, longevity, and tooth preparation requirements, so the choice depends on occlusion, the condition of neighboring teeth, bone health, and aesthetic priorities. Your dentist will weigh these factors and recommend the design that best balances function and preservation of natural tooth structure. In many cases, implants are preferred when adjacent teeth are healthy and bone volume allows for reliable implant placement.
Candidacy for a bridge depends on the health of the adjacent teeth and supporting tissues, the number and location of missing teeth, and your overall oral health. Strong, healthy abutment teeth or sufficient jawbone for implants are important prerequisites, and conditions such as active periodontal disease or uncontrolled decay should be treated before restoration. Your dentist will perform a clinical exam and take imaging to evaluate these factors and determine the most predictable option.
Other considerations include your bite dynamics, aesthetic goals, and daily oral hygiene habits, since proper care directly influences the longevity of a bridge. If adjacent teeth are already crowned or need crowns for other reasons, a traditional bridge may be ideal; if those teeth are intact, an implant-supported or resin-bonded option may better preserve tooth structure. A personalized consultation clarifies which approach will provide the best long-term outcome.
Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants placed in the jaw and do not rely on neighboring natural teeth for support, while traditional bridges use crowns on adjacent teeth as abutments. Because implants act like tooth roots, they help preserve jawbone volume by transmitting functional forces to the bone, which can reduce the likelihood of bone resorption over time. Implant solutions are often preferred when multiple adjacent teeth are missing or when the supporting natural teeth are not strong enough to bear bridge loads.
Traditional bridges remain a reliable option when adjacent teeth require crowns or when implants are not feasible due to medical or anatomical limitations. The implant route typically requires additional steps such as implant placement and a healing period for osseointegration, while a traditional bridge can often be completed in fewer surgical phases. Your dentist will discuss the clinical benefits and procedural differences to help you choose the option that aligns with your oral health and goals.
The process for a conventional fixed bridge usually begins with diagnosis and tooth preparation, where the abutment teeth are shaped to receive crowns and a digital or physical impression is taken for the laboratory. A temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth while the final restoration is fabricated, and the permanent bridge is then tried in, adjusted for fit and bite, and cemented in place. The entire sequence is planned to preserve occlusion and aesthetics while minimizing discomfort.
When implants are part of the plan, the timeline includes implant placement, a healing period for bone integration, and subsequent attachment of the final bridge to the implant posts. Temporary restorations are often provided so you do not go without function or appearance during healing. Throughout treatment, clear communication about each step, anesthesia options, and postoperative care helps ensure a comfortable, predictable experience.
Daily hygiene is essential for bridge longevity and the health of supporting teeth and gums; this includes brushing twice a day and cleaning under and around the pontic with floss, floss threaders, or interdental brushes. Special techniques may be needed to remove plaque from beneath the bridge, so your dental team will demonstrate the most effective methods tailored to your restoration. Avoiding habits that place excessive force on the bridge, such as chewing hard objects, will reduce the risk of fracture or loosening.
Regular professional exams and cleanings allow your dentist to monitor the condition of the bridge, check the fit, and treat any emerging issues early. If you notice looseness, persistent sensitivity, or gum inflammation near the restoration, contact your dental office promptly for evaluation. Consistent home care combined with routine dental visits is the best strategy for long-term success.
The lifespan of a dental bridge varies with material choice, oral hygiene, bite dynamics, and overall dental health, but many bridges provide many years of reliable function when well maintained. Durable materials like zirconia and properly designed frameworks contribute to longevity, while uncontrolled decay or gum disease around abutment teeth can shorten service life. Regular maintenance and prompt treatment of underlying oral health issues help maximize the restoration's durability.
Warning signs that a bridge needs attention include mobility of the restoration, persistent or new sensitivity in the abutment teeth, changes in how your bite feels, and gum recession or chronic inflammation around the bridge. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek evaluation so underlying causes can be addressed and repairs or replacement can be planned if necessary. Early intervention often preserves more natural tooth structure and prevents larger problems.
Potential complications include decay or fracture of abutment teeth, gum disease around the restoration, loosening of the cement bond, and wear or fracture of the bridge material itself. Preparing adjacent teeth for crowns requires removal of enamel, which can increase sensitivity or risk to those teeth over time if not properly managed. Implant-supported bridges carry procedure-specific risks such as surgical complications or inadequate bone for implant stability, which are assessed during planning.
Many risks are minimized through thorough pre-treatment evaluation, appropriate choice of materials and design, meticulous laboratory fabrication, and ongoing oral hygiene and professional care. Treating periodontal disease and decay before placing a bridge, and following postoperative instructions closely, reduce the likelihood of complications. Your dentist will explain potential risks specific to your case and the steps taken to mitigate them.
Most patients adapt quickly to a well-fitted bridge and regain comfortable chewing and clear speech once the restoration is adjusted to the bite. Initially you may notice slight differences in how certain words sound or how food contacts your teeth, but these changes typically resolve as you become accustomed to the prosthesis and minor occlusal adjustments are made. Properly designed pontics and accurate occlusion help restore normal function without interfering with daily activities.
If persistent speech changes, difficulty chewing, or discomfort occur after delivery of the bridge, your dentist can evaluate the fit and make necessary adjustments to the occlusion or contours. Temporary modifications may be made to improve comfort while the tissue adapts. Ongoing communication with your dental team ensures that function and comfort are optimized after placement.
Choosing between a bridge and an implant restoration involves evaluating the health of adjacent teeth, bone volume, long-term oral health goals, and the desire to preserve natural tooth structure. Diagnostic tools such as digital radiographs and three-dimensional imaging help assess bone availability and reveal underlying conditions that influence predictability. The decision also takes into account your functional needs, aesthetic expectations, and any medical or surgical considerations.
At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we review these findings with you and outline the clinical advantages and practical implications of each option so you can make an informed choice. This patient-centered discussion includes the steps required for each approach and how we will protect your oral health throughout treatment. Together we develop a plan that prioritizes long-term function, appearance, and comfort.
