At the office of M. Kurt Berky, DDS, PC, we help patients regain comfortable function and a natural-looking smile after tooth loss. Dental bridges remain a predictable and widely used option for replacing one or more missing teeth. This page explains how bridges work, why timely replacement matters, the bridge types you may encounter, what preparation involves, and what to expect during treatment — all in straightforward, patient-friendly language.
Missing teeth do more than change the way your smile looks — they can alter the balance of your entire mouth. When a tooth is gone, neighboring teeth may begin to drift toward the empty space, which can change your bite and create new areas that are difficult to clean. Over time these shifts can contribute to increased wear, sensitivity, and a greater risk of decay and gum problems.
Beyond the teeth themselves, the jawbone and surrounding soft tissues respond to the absence of a tooth. Without regular stimulation from chewing, bone levels can slowly decline, which may subtly change facial support and make later restorative work more complicated. Replacing teeth earlier helps preserve jaw structure and keeps adjacent teeth from taking on extra stress.
Function is another key issue. Gaps in the teeth often interfere with chewing efficiency and clear speech. Restoring missing teeth with a fixed solution like a bridge can reestablish stable biting surfaces, distribute chewing forces more evenly, and make daily activities like eating and speaking easier and more comfortable.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the empty space with replacement teeth called pontics. The bridge is supported either by prepared natural teeth on each side of the gap or by dental implants placed into the jawbone. When designed and placed correctly, a bridge restores the visual continuity of the smile and the functional contact needed for efficient chewing.
Modern materials allow bridges to look very lifelike. Porcelain and advanced ceramic materials are commonly used because they can be matched to the color and translucency of adjacent teeth. For areas that require extra strength, such as back teeth, options like zirconia provide durability without sacrificing appearance.
Because bridges are fixed in the mouth, they feel more like natural teeth than many removable alternatives. They also help prevent the drifting and extrusion of surrounding teeth, which preserves bite alignment and reduces the likelihood of future dental problems caused by shifting tooth positions.
There are several bridge designs, and the best choice depends on the number and location of missing teeth, the condition of the neighboring teeth, and whether implants are an option. A traditional fixed bridge uses crowns on adjacent teeth to anchor the pontics, making it a reliable choice when those teeth are healthy enough to support crowns.
Implant-supported bridges replace the need to alter neighboring teeth. Dental implants act like roots and provide strong, independent support for multiple replacement teeth. This approach is often recommended when adjacent teeth are unrestored or when long-term preservation of bone is a priority.
Other designs, such as cantilever or resin-bonded (Maryland-style) bridges, may be suitable in specific circumstances where only limited support is needed or where minimizing tooth preparation is important. Your dentist will explain the pros and cons of each option and recommend the one that best meets your functional and aesthetic goals.
Successful bridge treatment begins with a thorough evaluation. We assess the health of the gums and remaining teeth, examine tooth alignment and bite relationships, and review any medical conditions that could affect healing. Imaging, including digital x-rays or 3D scans when appropriate, helps our team determine bone support and visualize the best placement for restorations or implants.
If gum disease, decay, or existing dental problems are present, those issues must be addressed before a bridge is fabricated. Healthy supporting teeth and tissues are essential for predictable long-term results. In some cases, additional procedures such as root canal therapy, periodontal treatment, or bone grafting are recommended to create an optimal foundation.
When implants are part of the plan, treatment is staged to allow for surgical placement and healing. The process may include temporary restorations to maintain appearance while bone integrates with the implant. Throughout planning and preparation, we focus on solutions that balance durability, function, and aesthetics while respecting each patient's priorities.
For a traditional fixed bridge, treatment typically involves preparing the anchor teeth, taking precise impressions, and placing a temporary restoration while the final bridge is fabricated. The permanent bridge is tried in and adjusted for fit, bite, and shade before being permanently cemented. Minor sensitivity or gum tenderness is common initially and usually improves as the mouth adapts.
Implant-supported bridges require a surgical stage to place implants, followed by a healing period during which the implants fuse with the bone. Temporary teeth may be provided during this time. Once integration is complete, the final bridge is attached to the implants. This approach often yields exceptional stability and long-term preservation of bone and facial contours.
Aftercare focuses on excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Bridges need daily cleaning at the gumline and between pontics and adjacent teeth to prevent plaque buildup. Your dentist or hygienist will demonstrate effective cleaning techniques and recommend a recall schedule to monitor the restoration and surrounding tissues over time.
Dental bridges remain a versatile, effective way to restore smiles that have been altered by tooth loss. Whether supported by natural teeth or implants, a well-planned bridge can return function, protect adjacent teeth, and improve appearance. If you have questions about replacing missing teeth or want to explore whether a bridge is right for you, please contact us for more information.
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 M. Kurt Berky, 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 M. Kurt Berky, 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 solution that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap with artificial teeth called pontics. The pontics are anchored to the mouth either by crowns on adjacent natural teeth or by dental implants that act like tooth roots. Bridges restore chewing and speaking ability while improving the appearance of the smile.
Because a bridge is permanently attached, it provides greater stability than a removable partial denture and helps prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space. A well-designed bridge distributes biting forces across the supporting structures to reestablish proper function. Your dentist will review options and recommend the type of bridge best suited to your needs and oral health.
Common types of bridges include traditional fixed bridges that use crowns on natural abutment teeth, cantilever bridges that rely on a crown on one side, resin-bonded (Maryland) bridges that use a metal or ceramic framework bonded to adjacent teeth, and implant-supported bridges that are anchored to dental implants. Implant-supported bridges are often preferred when adjacent teeth are healthy or when multiple teeth are missing because they do not require altering natural tooth structure. Each type offers distinct advantages depending on the number of missing teeth, the condition of neighboring teeth, and jawbone health.
Modern bridge materials include porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and high-strength ceramics such as zirconia, which combine durability with natural-looking color and translucency. Material choice influences longevity, aesthetics, and suitability for specific locations in the mouth. Your dentist will discuss material recommendations based on function, esthetic goals, and the characteristics of your bite.
Good candidates for a bridge include patients with one or more missing teeth whose adjacent teeth are healthy enough to serve as abutments or who have sufficient bone for dental implants. Candidates should have good overall oral health, with gum disease treated before bridge placement so the supporting teeth and tissues are stable. The decision also considers bite alignment, the location of the missing tooth, and the patient’s oral hygiene habits.
A comprehensive clinical exam and diagnostic records, including X-rays or 3D imaging when needed, will determine candidacy and identify any prerequisites such as periodontal therapy or bone grafting. The dental team will review your medical history and daily habits such as bruxism that could affect the outcome. Together you and your dentist will choose the most appropriate restorative plan that balances function, appearance, and long-term oral health.
Preparation for a traditional bridge begins with a detailed examination, diagnostic imaging, and a personalized treatment plan that addresses oral health issues and establishes appropriate timelines. If gum disease or tooth decay is present, those conditions must be treated first to ensure a healthy foundation for the bridge. In some cases, additional procedures such as root canal therapy or minor tooth restorations may be completed prior to bridge preparation.
On the day of tooth preparation, the abutment teeth are shaped to receive crowns and impressions are taken to create the permanent restoration, while a temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth. You may experience short-term sensitivity and mild soreness, which typically resolves as tissues heal and you become accustomed to the temporary. Your dentist will provide care instructions to protect the temporary restoration until the final bridge is fitted and cemented.
An implant-supported bridge begins with a surgical phase to place titanium implants into the jawbone at strategic positions to support the prosthesis, guided by diagnostic imaging such as 3D CBCT scans for precision. The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia and, if needed, sedation options to enhance comfort. After implant placement, a healing period follows to allow osseointegration, during which the implants fuse to the surrounding bone and provide a stable foundation.
Depending on the case, a temporary restoration may be provided for aesthetics and function while the implants heal, and the final bridge is fabricated and attached once integration is complete. Implant-supported bridges can replace multiple adjacent teeth or an entire arch without altering neighboring natural teeth, and they help preserve jawbone volume by transmitting normal chewing forces. At M. Kurt Berky, DDS, PC, the team uses modern diagnostic tools and protocols to plan implant placement and support predictable outcomes.
In addition to daily care, maintain regular professional cleanings and dental exams so your dentist can monitor the fit and condition of the bridge and the health of supporting teeth and gums. Address issues such as increased sensitivity, mobility, or discomfort promptly to prevent complications. Good oral hygiene and routine dental visits greatly increase the lifespan and success of a bridge.
The lifespan of a dental bridge varies based on the type of bridge, the materials used, oral hygiene practices, and individual risk factors such as bruxism or untreated gum disease. Traditional bridges commonly last a decade or longer with proper care, while implant-supported bridges can last many years and often have a longer functional lifespan because they do not rely on adjacent natural teeth for support. Regular maintenance, good home care, and timely dental visits are key to maximizing longevity.
Factors that can shorten a bridge’s service life include recurrent decay at the margins, gum disease, poor fit, or trauma from excessive biting forces. Your dentist will review preventive strategies, identify any early signs of wear or failure, and recommend adjustments or repairs when needed. Timely intervention can preserve the restoration and protect your oral health.
Common issues associated with bridges include tooth sensitivity following preparation, decay beneath or around supporting crowns if oral hygiene is inadequate, and gum inflammation if plaque accumulates at the margins. Traditional bridges can place added stress on abutment teeth, which may increase the risk of fracture or the need for future restorative treatment. Implant-supported bridges carry surgical risks such as infection or delayed healing, though these complications are relatively uncommon with proper planning and care.
Careful treatment planning, thorough preoperative evaluation, and good oral hygiene practices reduce the likelihood of complications. If problems such as looseness, persistent pain, or changes in bite occur, prompt evaluation allows the dental team to address the issue before more extensive treatment is required. Your dentist will explain the specific risks for your situation and outline steps taken to minimize them.
Yes, bridges can replace multiple adjacent teeth and, when supported by implants, can restore larger spans or even a full arch of missing teeth. Traditional fixed bridges are generally best for replacing one to a few adjacent teeth when strong abutment teeth are available. For longer spans or full-arch reconstruction, implant-supported prostheses provide superior support and help maintain jawbone structure.
When planning a multi-tooth or full-arch restoration, the dental team evaluates bone volume, occlusion, facial support needs, and long-term maintenance considerations to determine the optimal number and placement of implants. A carefully designed implant-supported bridge can provide stable function and natural appearance while avoiding the need to alter healthy neighboring teeth. Your dentist will review all appropriate options and the diagnostic findings that support the recommended approach.
A predictable and comfortable treatment experience starts with a thorough diagnostic workup that may include clinical exams, digital impressions, and 3D imaging to plan the restoration precisely. The dental team discusses anesthesia and sedation options when appropriate, provides clear pre- and postoperative instructions, and uses modern materials and lab communication protocols to achieve accurate fit and esthetics. Attention to periodontal health and bite dynamics before placing a bridge improves long-term outcomes and patient comfort.
Follow-up care, routine cleanings, and timely adjustments are part of the process to maintain comfort and function after placement. The practice emphasizes patient education so you understand home care steps and signs to report if adjustments are needed. By combining careful planning with ongoing maintenance, M. Kurt Berky, DDS, PC seeks to deliver reliable, long-lasting restorative results that support oral health and confidence.
Have questions or need to book your next appointment?
Our friendly staff at M. Kurt Berky, DDS, PC is ready to assist. Whether by phone or our online contact form, contacting us is simple and convenient. Start your journey to a healthier, brighter smile today by reaching out to our office.
