Dental Bridges
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a dental restoration that bridges the gap where you have lost a tooth or several teeth. Artificial teeth, called pontics, then act as stand-ins for missing teeth. These bridges can be supported by natural teeth or dental implants, which are small posts inserted into the jaw.
When designing your dental bridge, we create highly realistic restorations by using advanced digital scanning technology. This allows us to create a precise impression of your mouth — an essential step in creating a bridge that gives you a comfortable, healthy bite. Using high-quality dental materials, each fake tooth will be crafted to resemble natural teeth and blend in seamlessly.
We Offer a Full Selection of Dental Bridges
Our team in Amarillo, TX, has the advanced training and state-of-the-art technology needed to offer a full suite of bridge options. With this broad selection, patients can choose a bridge that best suits their needs.
Traditional Dental Bridges
A traditional bridge is supported by a tooth on either side of the gap that is altered to support crowns. These crowns then support pontics between them that replace missing teeth. This type of bridge can replace one tooth or up to three missing teeth while blending in beautifully with your natural teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge doesn’t rely on other teeth for support. Instead, small posts called dental implants are inserted into the jaw to support the bridge. A single implant can replace one tooth and multiple implants can support several teeth or dentures.
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
We know cost is an important consideration for our patients. However, dental bridges are highly customized which means pricing can vary widely from person to person. Some of the variables that affect price include:
- The number of pontics in the restoration
- The materials used, which can range from composite resin to porcelain to zirconia
- The complexity of the placement
- The type of bridge chosen, traditional or with implants
The only accurate way to find out what a bridge would cost you is to request a consultation with Dr. Tyler Pendergrass or Dr. Eric Wilkie.
Our Amarillo dentists will perform a thorough examination and offer an estimate based on your needs. We can also help you understand your insurance benefits as well as explain our cash discounts and flexible financing options
(806) 358-8801
If You Are Missing a Tooth, You Are Not Alone
"We are committed to furthering our knowledge of dentistry and staying abreast of the latest technological developments and emerging treatment processes in order to continue to provide our patients with the best care available."
Drs. Tyler Pendergrass and Eric Wilkie
Better Technology & Advanced Training Lead to Better Results
Because of extensive training and the investment in state-of-the-art equipment, Pendergrass and Wilkie Dentistry in Amarillo is able to offer patients a full range of choices when it comes to replacing missing teeth. This ensures our patients get the treatment that is uniquely suited to their needs.
Advanced Training
Drs. Pendergrass and Wilkie have both received advanced training in the placement and restoration of dental implants, which gives them the skills needed to design and create implant-supported bridges. Implant-supported bridges are widely considered the best solution for missing teeth.
Advanced Technology
State-of-the-art technology in the hands of a skilled user allows for better outcomes. Drs. Pendergrass and Wilkie use advanced digital technology to capture a precise impression of the treatment area. This highly accurate representation is the basis for designing a comfortable, natural-looking dental bridge.
A Closer Look at Traditional Bridges ...
In order to hold a traditional bridge in place, a tooth on either side of the gap is reshaped to fit a crown. Your dentist will then capture a highly detailed digital impression of your bite to design a comfortable, secure dental bridge.
Traditional vs. Implant-Supported Bridges Which One is Better?
Everyone's needs are different, so determining which is the best choice for replacing your missing teeth will vary. Traditional bridges are a fast and more affordable solution for missing teeth, but while they are reliable, they do have shortcomings.
- Healthy teeth must be dramatically reshaped to support a traditional bridge. This increases the risk of damage to these teeth in the future. In contrast, implant-supported bridges stand on their own, held in place by implants inserted into the jaw.
- There is a limit to how many teeth a traditional bridge can replace. In most cases, a bridge supported by natural teeth can replace only three teeth. Implants can support a longer row of missing teeth or even an entire denture.
- While both types of bridges will need to be replaced over time, with implant-supported bridges, only the bridge itself will need to be replaced. The implants themselves can last for decades, or even a lifetime, with proper oral hygiene. Unfortunately, with a traditional bridge, there is an increased risk that decay will damage the supporting teeth and lead to extraction, which would complicate the bridge restoration.
Learn more about implants and the dental implant process:
"Our goal is to provide patients with the world-class dental care they deserve." Drs. Tyler Pendergrass and Eric Wilkie
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges
What's an Alternative to a Dental Bridge?
Partial dentures are another option to replace missing teeth. A partial denture is a framework that has one or more false teeth attached to it. It often uses clips to attach it to neighboring teeth. Like a traditional denture, it has a gum-colored base and is removable. Wearers need to be careful about what they eat as some foods will cause the partial denture to slip or damage it.
Why Do Dental Bridges Fail?
The main reason that dental bridges fail is poor oral care, the daily brushing and flossing that keeps all your teeth healthy. Without proper hygiene, bacteria attack the teeth supporting the bridge. Other causes of bridge failure include changes to the supporting teeth that reduce the stability of the bridge, habits like chewing on pens or bruxism, and lack of regular dental appointments to catch dental problems before they cause damage.
