Is a Dental Bridge at Today’s Dentistry the Right Choice for You?
Tooth loss affects more than just your appearance—it can impact your speech, chewing, and confidence. Fortunately, a dental bridge can help fill the gap and restore normal function. But how do you know if you’re a good candidate?
At Today’s Dentistry, our experienced dentist in Ashland, OR, Dr. James Burneson helps patients from Medford, Talent, Phoenix, and the nearby areas make informed decisions about their tooth replacement options. To learn more about what makes someone a strong candidate for a dental bridge, contact our Ashland office today by calling (541) 482-7771.
Why Today’s Dentistry is the Best Choice for Dental Care
At Today’s Dentistry, we believe in restoring more than just smiles—we restore comfort and confidence. As a top dentist in Ashland, OR, Dr. James Burneson provides high-quality, personalized care to help each patient make the right choice for their needs.
We proudly serve patients throughout Ashland, Medford, Talent, Phoenix, and Jacksonville, OR, and we’re known for offering compassionate, judgment-free dental care in a relaxed setting.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or ready for a treatment plan, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Bridges?
You’re Missing One to Three Consecutive Teeth
Dental bridges are designed to “bridge the gap” left by one or more missing teeth in a row. If your missing teeth are spread out, another option may be more suitable.
Your Surrounding Teeth Are Strong
Traditional bridges rely on support from neighboring teeth. These anchor teeth—called abutments—need to be healthy and strong enough to bear the pressure of the bridge.
Your Gums Are in Good Shape
Healthy gums are essential for any dental restoration. If you have untreated gum disease, it must be addressed before moving forward with a bridge.
You’re Not the Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants
Not everyone wants or qualifies for dental implants due to bone density, health concerns, or cost. Bridges offer an excellent alternative when implants aren’t ideal.
You Practice Good Oral Hygiene
To ensure long-term success, you need to be committed to brushing, flossing, and keeping up with regular dental checkups. A bridge relies on the health of the surrounding teeth and gums to stay in place.
If you’re unsure if you’re a good candidate for dental bridges, contact our Ashland dentist by calling (541) 482-7771 to schedule a consultation.
When a Dental Bridge May Not Be Right for You
While bridges are a great option for many, you may need to consider alternatives if:
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You’re missing multiple non-adjacent teeth
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Your anchor teeth are severely decayed or weak
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You have uncontrolled gum disease or tooth decay
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You’re looking for a removable tooth replacement
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You’re interested in a more permanent solution, like implants
If this sounds like you, Dr. Burneson will help explore other effective options that fit your goals and oral health condition.
Alternatives to Dental Bridges
If dental bridges aren’t right for you, there are other restorative solutions our Ashland dentist may recommend.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as artificial tooth roots. Once integrated with the bone, they can support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Offering the feel and function of natural teeth, implants help preserve jawbone integrity and don’t affect adjacent teeth.
Dentures
Dentures are removable dental prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They come in two primary types: complete, for those missing all teeth in an arch, and partial, for those with some natural teeth remaining. While offering a quick solution for tooth loss, dentures require periodic adjustments and may not provide the same stability as other replacement options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you can get dental bridges with underlying dental issues depends on the specific nature and severity of the issues. In some cases, it may be possible to address the underlying problems before proceeding with the dental bridge procedure. Your Ashland, OR dentist will thoroughly evaluate your oral health to determine the best course of action.
Before placing a dental bridge, any underlying dental issues like gum disease or decay must be addressed. If the adjacent teeth are severely compromised, they may need treatment or restoration first. In some cases, if the supporting teeth are not salvageable, alternative tooth replacement options may be recommended.
Let’s Find Out If a Dental Bridge in Ashland,OR Is Right for You
If you’ve lost a tooth, a dental bridge may be the perfect solution to restore your smile and protect your long-term oral health. The best way to find out is with a personalized consultation.
Contact our top dentist in Ashland, OR to schedule an appointment by calling (541) 482-7771. We proudly care for patients from Ashland, Medford, Talent, Phoenix, and Jacksonville.