704 NE Evans Street, McMinnville, OR 97128
New Patients Call (503) 472-1403
Existing Patients Call (503) 472-1402
If you have lost one or more teeth, it is important that you fill in those empty spaces. Not only will doing so improve your smile’s appearance, but it will also lower your risk of future oral health complications and make it easier for you to eat and speak. At Evans Street Dental, we are proud to offer a number of tooth replacement options, including traditional dental bridges in McMinnville. On this page, you will learn more about dental bridges and how one may benefit you.
A traditional dental bridge is a multi-unit prosthetic. It has a crown on each end, which get placed over the teeth on either side of the empty space (the abutment teeth). One or more artificial teeth (called pontics) “bridge” the gap between the crowns. It is also possible in some cases for a dentist to place a cantilever bridge, which has a crown over only one abutment tooth. Dental bridges can be made out of various materials, including metals, all-porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal.
You may be a candidate for a dental bridge if:
Dr. Ramsay will carefully evaluate your oral health and let you know whether a bridge would work for you. If you have adequate bone density in your jaw, she might recommend that you opt for a dental implant instead. Dental implants replicate the natural structure of a tooth and do not depend on nearby teeth for support.
The dental bridge process usually takes two appointments. At the first appointment, Dr. Ramsay prepares the abutment teeth by removing a bit of enamel from them. This step is necessary to make sure that the crowns will fit well. Then, our team takes some impressions of your mouth. Those impressions, along with detailed design notes from Dr. Ramsay, get sent to a dental laboratory.
You’ll wear a temporary restoration to protect your teeth while the laboratory fabricates your permanent bridge. When the bridge is ready, you’ll return to our office for your second appointment, wherein Dr. Ramsay will verify the bridge’s fit before she attaches it to the abutment teeth.
Dental bridges offer numerous advantages, including:
Would you like to learn more about dental bridges? Contact our team today. We are eager to serve you!
Every tooth is crucial to the health of your smile. It’s best to replace them quickly to preserve your remaining teeth. When you lose a tooth, there isn’t a root stimulating the jawbone in the area, so it will lose density. You can lose as much as 25% of your jaw’s density within the first year. Over time, your remaining teeth won’t have the support they need. They can drift out of position, increasing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. A dental bridge can provide your teeth with the stability they need to stay in place.
You have more options than ever to treat consecutive tooth loss. Your dentist will explain all your options during your initial consultation, which can include:
There isn’t a flat fee for a bridge because various factors affect the amount you’ll pay, such as the number of teeth you’re replacing, the materials used, and the type of bridge. After examining your mouth and creating a treatment plan, we’ll provide you with an estimate and explain the fees. A member of our team will discuss your payment options. We strive to keep a complete smile within everyone’s budget. We accept several payment methods, including third-party financing.
Although every plan differs, most offer coverage for tooth replacement, including dental bridges. By paying your monthly premiums, you can use your policy to offset the amount you’ll pay out-of-pocket. After reaching your deductible, your insurance can pay up to 80% of the cost until hitting your yearly limit. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your benefits, so you have one less thing to worry about.