At the office of Bahri Dental Group, we provide skilled and experienced dental care to help every patient enjoy the benefits of optimal oral health and a beautiful smile. For individuals who are missing teeth due to extensive decay, periodontal disease, trauma, the result of an illness, or side effect of medical treatment, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services to rebuild complete, attractive, and functional smiles.
Missing teeth do more than cause embarrassing gaps in your smile. In the absence of a replacement, they can affect the health and function of your smile in the following ways:
Although the consequences of missing teeth can compromise your dental health and overall well-being, modern dentistry offers effective dental solutions for reestablishing a complete, attractive, and well-functioning smile.
Today, thanks to advances in dental materials, technology, and treatment methods, it's easier than ever before to replace missing teeth and achieve aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting results.
Of course, each smile is different, and every patient has unique needs and individual expectations of dental care. Helping a patient rebuild a complete and beautiful smile may involve partial or full dentures, fixed dental bridges, or dental implants.
As skilled and experienced providers of dental care, the office of Bahri Dental Group offers expert guidance on choosing the most suitable dental treatment option. Whatever type of tooth replacement method you select, you can feel confident that your smile will look good and feel great!
A dental bridge offers a highly effective, stable, and fixed solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike removable partial dentures that clasp on to the remaining teeth, a dental bridge relies on the support of crowns attached to teeth adjacent to the edentulous area (space without teeth) or strategically placed dental implants. In addition to restoring the look, feel, and function of a natural smile, they also prevent the teeth from shifting, thereby protecting the alignment of a patient's bite.
Far from a new idea, the history of replacing teeth with a fixed dental bridge goes back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations made impressive use of available materials, including animal and human teeth, bones, gold, and ivory, to fill gaps in a person's smile.
Fortunately, over the millennia, dental materials and technology have evolved. Today, dental bridges are fabricated from the highest quality of dental materials, including porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and engineered ceramic products like zirconia. Now, in addition to being stronger and more durable than ever before, they appear more attractive and naturally beautiful.
Depending on the number of missing teeth, the health of the remaining dentition, and other factors, a dental bridge can replace a single missing tooth or multiple ones.
Although most resources list a traditional fixed bridge, an implant-supported bridge, a cantilever bridge, and a Maryland bridge as the four main types of bridges, the most commonly recommended ones are the first two.
Traditional fixed bridge
A traditional fixed bridge typically requires the preparation and crowning of teeth on either side of the edentulous space. These crowned teeth function to support the artificial ones, known as “pontics,” that span the gap. In much the same way a bridge that extends over a body of water relies on the support of strong, sturdy pillars at each end, a dental bridge garners strength and stability from the terminal crowned teeth fused to a single or multiple pontics.
Although related and similar to a traditional fixed bridge, a cantilever fixed bridge differs in one significant way. Only one side of the pontic will get attached to a crown for support.
Implant-Supported Bridges
As the most advanced method for the replacement of missing teeth, dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of a natural smile. For this reason, an implant-supported bridge often represents the best option in care.
With an implant-supported bridge, there's no need to prepare, crown, or involve any adjacent natural teeth. Because dental implants behave in much the same way as the roots of natural teeth, they provide all the support a bridge requires.
In addition to providing a self-supporting solution for the replacement of missing teeth, Implant-supported bridges offer the most versatile approach for rebuilding a complete smile. Strategically placed dental implants can support any number of replacement teeth up to an entire set of upper or teeth.
Furthermore, as dental implants provide the same stimulation as actual roots to the surrounding jawbone, implant-supported bridges also help prevent the bone shrinkage that naturally occurs when teeth have been lost. This feature helps maintain normal facial contours.
At the office of Bahri Dental Group, our mission is to help every patient enjoy good oral health and the benefits of a beautiful smile. We provide skilled, experienced care and offer the most advanced dental implant-based solutions to transform incomplete smiles into ones that look great, function well, and inspire confidence.
Successful treatment outcomes rely upon many things, including a careful assessment of a patient's oral health, overall well-being, smile goals, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you're a candidate for a traditional fixed bridge, an implant-supported bridge, or a removable denture will be determined following a comprehensive assessment and discussion with our office. We value patient input and strive to fulfill your expectations of dental care.
Before the fabrication and placement of a dental bridge, it's essential that your mouth is free from gum disease. If you have gum disease, it will need to get treated in advance of fabricating your bridge.
For traditional fixed bridges, the crowned teeth need to be strong and have sufficient bone surrounding them to offer strong support. Sometimes, a bone-grafting procedure to boost bone volume and provide a solid foundation is required before the fabrication of an implant-supported or traditional bridge.
At the office of Bahri Dental Group, the dental care and comfort of our patients are our top priorities. Our goals are to create healthy and beautiful smiles and make every dental experience a positive one.
Fixed bridges are typically fabricated over the course of multiple visits. The process involves the preparation of the supporting teeth, impression taking, the placement of a temporary bridge, and the try-in and cementation of the permanent restoration.
It begins with a complete diagnostic workup to develop an appropriate dental treatment plan. For patients getting a traditional fixed bridge, the next step in the procedure involves preparing the abutment (supporting) teeth for full-coverage crowns. Depending on the number of teeth involved and other factors, an impression for the permanent bridge can get taken this visit or the next one. Either way, a temporary bridge or temporary crowns to cover the prepared teeth will get placed to protect the prepared teeth.
Following the preparation of the involved teeth, it's not unusual to experience some sensitivity and gum soreness. This discomfort typically subsides. However, since the fit of a temporary restoration is often less precise than the final permanent crown or bridge, you may still feel some residual sensitivity until treatment is completed.
Until the permanent crown or bridge is placed, it's essential to be extra careful. Temporary restorations are far less durable than permanent ones. If your temporary gets damages or comes off, please hold on to it. Contact our office, and we will set up an appointment to replace it. Do not attempt to do this on your own.
Before cementing your new bridge, the shade, contours, fit, and occlusion are checked. Once that is done, your new, permanent restoration is placed. Since you have been wearing a temporary, your bite may feel slightly different, and you may feel some pressure as the new restoration reestablishes appropriate contact with the adjacent teeth. If the bite still feels slightly off after a couple of days or any discomfort persists, get in touch with our office. You may still require a minor adjustment.
Surgery to place the dental implants is typically considered a minor surgical procedure and performed on an outpatient basis. However, the exact extent of the procedure depends upon the type and number of dental implants and whether or not any additional procedures are required to prepare the supporting bone.
As your trusted partner in dental care, you can count on our office to keep you well informed every step of the way. To facilitate the precise placement of dental implants for your implant-supported bridge, we'll take several detailed diagnostic records, including 3D images of your jaws and the involved area.
Patient care and comfort are our top priorities. We do everything we can to put you at ease and make every visit to our office both comfortable and stress-free. Prior to placing your dental implants, we'll discuss the anesthesia, options in dental sedation, and provide detailed pre-op and post-op care instructions.
Once the dental implants for your bridge are placed, it can take a few months for them to fully integrate with the surrounding bone. In some cases, a same-day temporary bridge can get placed to provide an immediate and cosmetically pleasing look. However, the permanent bridge typically gets placed when healing and osseointegration (fusion) with the surrounding bone are complete.
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device designed to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap and restoring the appearance and function of your smile. It typically consists of one or more artificial teeth called pontics that are held in place by crowns attached to adjacent natural teeth or by implants. Bridges restore chewing efficiency, help maintain proper speech patterns and support the surrounding teeth to prevent unwanted shifting.
Bridges are custom fabricated to match the color, shape and size of your natural teeth so they blend seamlessly with your smile. The chosen design depends on the number and location of missing teeth, the condition of neighboring teeth and the health of the supporting bone and gums. Your clinician will recommend the most appropriate type after a thorough evaluation and discussion of your goals.
The common types of dental bridges include traditional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland (resin-bonded) bridges and implant-supported bridges. A traditional bridge uses crowns on both sides of the gap as support, a cantilever attaches to one side only, and a Maryland bridge uses a metal or ceramic framework bonded to adjacent teeth for minimal tooth alteration. Implant-supported bridges use dental implants to support the replacement teeth and do not rely on neighboring natural teeth for support.
Materials have advanced considerably and bridges are now made from durable, tooth-colored options such as porcelain, porcelain fused to metal and high-strength ceramics like zirconia. The material selected influences strength, esthetics and wear characteristics, so your dentist will discuss the best choice for your location in the mouth and functional needs. Proper material selection and precise lab work help ensure a natural appearance and long-lasting performance.
Candidacy for a dental bridge depends on several factors including the number and position of missing teeth, the health and strength of adjacent teeth, the condition of the gums and the amount of supporting bone. Patients with stable periodontal health and strong neighboring teeth are often good candidates for traditional bridges, while those who prefer to avoid altering adjacent teeth or who lack sufficient tooth support may be better served by implant-supported options. Overall health, healing capacity and any chronic conditions are also considered when planning treatment.
Evaluation typically includes a clinical exam, dental X-rays and, when appropriate, 3D imaging to assess bone volume for implants or to evaluate root and crown status for tooth-supported bridges. During your consultation, the dentist will review alternatives, explain expected outcomes and recommend the approach that best meets your functional and esthetic goals. At Bahri Dental Group we prioritize a personalized assessment to help you choose the most suitable and predictable solution.
The traditional bridge process usually begins with preparing the abutment teeth by removing a portion of enamel to accommodate crowns that will support the bridge. An impression or digital scan of the prepared teeth is then taken to fabricate the permanent bridge, and a temporary restoration is placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain function and esthetics while the final prosthesis is made. You may experience some sensitivity or mild soreness after preparation, which typically resolves in a few days.
When the final bridge is ready, your dentist will check the fit, shade and bite before permanently cementing the restoration in place, making any minor adjustments needed to ensure comfortable occlusion. You should expect a short adaptation period as you become accustomed to the feel of the new bridge, and follow-up visits may be scheduled to confirm comfort and function. Long-term success depends on good oral hygiene, routine dental visits and protecting the supporting teeth from excessive forces.
If decay or gum disease is present, it must be addressed before bridge placement to ensure a stable foundation; this may involve periodontal treatment or restorative procedures. In some cases, root canal therapy on an abutment tooth may be recommended if internal tooth structure requires additional treatment. Your dentist will review these possibilities during the treatment planning phase so you know what to expect before fabrication begins.
An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants as the foundation for the replacement teeth rather than relying on crowned adjacent teeth for support. Because implants act like artificial tooth roots anchored in the jawbone, they provide independent, long-term support that preserves neighboring natural teeth and often improves chewing stability. Implant-supported bridges can replace multiple adjacent missing teeth and are especially useful when the adjacent teeth are healthy or when several teeth are missing in a row.
Implant treatment typically involves surgical placement of implants followed by a healing period during which the implants integrate with the bone, a process called osseointegration. In some cases, temporary restorations can be used during healing, but final restorations are attached once integration is complete to ensure strength and longevity. Implant-supported solutions also help maintain jawbone volume and facial contours by providing the stimulation natural tooth roots normally deliver.
The lifespan of a dental bridge varies but many can last 10 years or longer with proper care, and some well-maintained restorations function for decades. Longevity depends on factors such as the quality of the bridge materials, the skill of restoration design and fit, the health of the supporting teeth and gums, and the patient’s oral hygiene and habits. Avoiding excessive forces, such as using teeth as tools or chronic bruxism, also helps extend the life of a bridge.
Regular dental checkups allow the team to monitor the condition of the bridge and the health of the abutment teeth, catch early signs of decay or periodontal issues and perform maintenance when needed. Good daily care—thorough brushing, interdental cleaning and attention to the gumline—reduces the risk of problems that can compromise a bridge. At Bahri Dental Group we emphasize preventive care and routine follow-up to help patients maximize the longevity of their restorations.
Caring for a dental bridge combines standard oral hygiene practices with attention to areas beneath and around the pontic to prevent plaque buildup and gum inflammation. Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and use interdental brushes, floss threaders or water flossers to clean the spaces between the bridge and adjacent teeth, ensuring you remove debris from under the pontic. Maintaining healthy gums and preventing decay on supporting teeth are essential to the long-term success of the bridge.
Routine dental visits for professional cleanings and exams are critical so the dentist can inspect the margins of the crowns, check for signs of wear and evaluate gum health. If you have night grinding or other parafunctional habits, discuss protective options like a night guard with your dentist to reduce damaging forces on the bridge. Promptly report any looseness, persistent sensitivity or changes in bite so adjustments or repairs can be made before more significant issues develop.
Potential risks associated with dental bridges include decay of the abutment teeth, gum disease if oral hygiene is inadequate, and mechanical problems such as loosening or fracture of the restoration. Tooth-supported bridges can place additional stress on the abutment teeth, which may lead to failure if those teeth are weakened or have large restorations. Implant-supported bridges carry surgical risks common to implant placement, including infection, inadequate integration and the need for further procedures if bone support is insufficient.
Some patients experience transient sensitivity or mild soreness after preparation, and rare allergic reactions to certain materials may occur. Careful case selection, thorough preoperative assessment and strict adherence to postoperative instructions reduce the likelihood of complications. If any concerning symptoms arise after placement, contacting the dental office promptly allows timely evaluation and management to protect both oral health and the restoration.
Most patients adapt quickly to a dental bridge and return to normal speech and eating within days to a few weeks as they become accustomed to the restoration. Initially, you may notice subtle differences in the way your tongue contacts the new restoration or experience mild changes in chewing patterns, but these typically resolve as you practice speaking and eating with the bridge in place. Bridges are designed to restore proper occlusion and chewing efficiency, allowing most foods to be eaten comfortably once healing and adjustments are complete.
For implant-supported bridges, the stability provided by implants often enhances chewing ability compared with removable options and can closely mimic the function of natural teeth. If you experience persistent difficulty speaking clearly or problems with chewing after a reasonable adjustment period, contact the dental office so your dentist can evaluate the fit and make minor adjustments as needed. Ongoing follow-up ensures the restoration meets your functional and comfort expectations.
Preparation for bridge treatment begins with a comprehensive dental evaluation that may include X-rays and, for implant planning, 3D imaging to assess bone volume and anatomy. Any active dental or periodontal disease should be treated prior to fabrication or implant placement to create a healthy foundation for the restoration, and the dentist will review anesthesia or sedation options to ensure your comfort during procedures. Treatment planning also covers material choices, the sequence of appointments and realistic expectations for appearance and function.
Recovery after a traditional bridge is generally brief, with minor soreness or sensitivity resolving within a few days; temporary restorations should be handled carefully until the final bridge is placed. Implant-supported treatments require a longer healing period while the implants integrate with bone, and your dentist will provide specific post-operative care instructions to optimize healing and minimize complications. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor recovery, confirm fit and occlusion and provide professional maintenance to support long-term success.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental and orthodontic needs and expectations of care.
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