A missing tooth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. It can also change how you chew and how the surrounding teeth function together. At Excellence in Dentistry, our dentists provide dental bridges in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to replace missing teeth with a fixed restoration designed around your bite, oral health and individual treatment needs.
Dr. Curtis Godfrey has completed approximately 7,000 crown and bridge treatments throughout his career. Dr. Brock Russell also has focused restorative experience, including more than 15 bridges and more than 300 crowns. Their combined background allows our dentists to evaluate both the missing tooth and the teeth that may support the restoration.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It fills the open space with an artificial tooth or teeth that are supported by neighboring teeth or, in some treatment plans, dental implants.
Unlike a removable appliance, a traditional bridge remains in place during eating, speaking and daily oral hygiene. The design of the bridge depends on the location of the missing tooth, the condition of the supporting teeth and the way your bite functions.
When Might You Need a Dental Bridge?
Our dentists may discuss a bridge when a missing tooth is affecting function, appearance or the stability of the surrounding teeth. A bridge may be considered when:
- One or more teeth are already missing
- A tooth needs to be removed and replacement is recommended
- The neighboring teeth are suitable to support a bridge
- You want a fixed replacement rather than a removable option
- An implant is not the preferred treatment for your situation
- The missing tooth is affecting your bite or ability to chew comfortably
If a damaged tooth has not yet been removed, our dentists will first determine whether it can be predictably restored. When saving the tooth is not appropriate, tooth extraction and replacement options can be discussed as part of the same treatment plan.
How a Traditional Dental Bridge Works
A traditional bridge typically uses teeth on either side of the missing space for support. Those supporting teeth are prepared for dental crowns, which are connected to the replacement tooth between them.
Because the supporting teeth play an important role in the strength and stability of the bridge, our dentists carefully evaluate their condition before treatment. Existing decay, fractures, large restorations or periodontal concerns may affect whether a traditional bridge is the right option.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants
Both bridges and implants can replace missing teeth, but they use different methods of support. A traditional bridge relies on neighboring teeth, while an implant-supported restoration uses an implant placed in the jawbone.
A bridge may be appealing when the neighboring teeth already need crowns or when implant treatment is not preferred. An implant may be considered when preserving the adjacent teeth is a priority and the bone and oral health are suitable for surgical treatment.
There is not one replacement option that is best for every patient. Our dentists can compare the advantages, limitations, treatment process and long-term considerations of each approach based on your specific needs.
Dental Bridges vs. Removable Dentures
A bridge is fixed in place, while dentures are generally removable. Bridges are commonly used when a smaller number of teeth are missing and suitable support is available, while dentures may be considered when several or all teeth in an arch need replacement.
The number and location of missing teeth, the health of the remaining teeth and your treatment preferences all influence which option may be appropriate.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge
Treatment begins with an examination of the missing-tooth area and the teeth that may support the bridge. Our dentists will also evaluate your bite and any existing restorations before confirming the treatment plan.
If a traditional bridge is selected, the supporting teeth are prepared so the restoration can fit over them. Impressions or digital records are then used to help create the bridge. A temporary restoration may be used while the final bridge is being made, depending on the treatment plan.
When the final bridge is ready, our dentists evaluate the fit, bite and appearance before it is secured in place. We will also explain how to clean around and underneath the restoration.
Why Bite and Fit Matter
A dental bridge needs to fit the supporting teeth while also working comfortably with the opposing teeth. An uneven bite can place unnecessary stress on the restoration or surrounding teeth, which makes careful planning important.
Dr. Godfrey has advanced training in occlusion through Spear Education and considers bite relationships as part of restorative treatment planning. His extensive crown and bridge experience includes both individual restorations and more complex cases involving multiple teeth.
Dr. Russell also has a strong restorative background and has completed Spear Education’s Treating the Worn Dentition course, adding to his experience evaluating tooth wear and restorative function.
Caring for a Dental Bridge
Although a bridge cannot develop a cavity itself, the supporting natural teeth can still be affected by decay or gum problems. Good home care is important for protecting the teeth and tissues around the restoration.
Our team can show you how to clean around and underneath the bridge and may recommend specific tools based on the design of your restoration. Regular dental cleanings also give our dentists an opportunity to monitor the bridge and supporting teeth over time.
Dental Bridge FAQs
How many missing teeth can a dental bridge replace?
A bridge can replace one or more missing teeth, depending on the location of the space, the condition of the supporting teeth and the overall treatment plan. Our dentists can determine whether a bridge is appropriate after evaluating the area.
Is a dental bridge removable?
A traditional dental bridge is fixed in place and is not removed by the patient. It is supported by neighboring teeth and designed to function as part of your everyday bite.
How is a bridge different from a dental implant?
A traditional bridge uses neighboring teeth for support, while a dental implant replaces the missing tooth root and supports a restoration independently. The better option depends on your oral health, bone, surrounding teeth and treatment goals.
Do the teeth next to the gap need crowns for a bridge?
With a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth are generally prepared for crowns that connect to the replacement tooth. Other bridge designs may work differently, so our dentists will explain the specific approach being considered.
How long can a dental bridge last?
The lifespan of a bridge varies based on the supporting teeth, bite forces, oral hygiene, restoration design and other individual factors. Regular care allows our dentists to monitor the bridge and surrounding teeth over time.
How do I clean under a dental bridge?
Cleaning beneath the replacement tooth is an important part of bridge care. Our team can show you techniques and recommend tools that help clean underneath and around the restoration.
Where can I get dental bridges in Idaho Falls, Idaho?
Excellence in Dentistry provides dental bridges for patients who need to replace missing teeth. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule an evaluation with our dentists and compare your tooth replacement options.
Replace a Missing Tooth With a Dental Bridge
If a missing tooth is affecting your smile or ability to chew comfortably, dental bridges in Idaho Falls, ID, may provide a fixed replacement option. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule an evaluation at Excellence in Dentistry and discuss your treatment options with our dentists.