Dental Bridges in Tampa, FL

Missing teeth are a more widespread problem than you might think. Did you know that around 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth, and 36 million are missing all their teeth? Failure to replace missing teeth, even a single one, can result in potential oral health complications in the future. Jawbone loss, tooth misalignment, and changing facial structure are all long-term issues that stem from missing teeth, and that’s in addition to the immediate difficulty of chewing and speaking. Luckily, dental bridges can solve many of these issues and are a versatile option to replace one tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire upper or lower arch.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are appliances that offer both restorative and cosmetic benefits, making you look and feel better. The easiest way to describe dental bridges is that they “bridge” the gap between two healthy teeth where one or more teeth are missing.

Bridges can help restore functionality after you lose a tooth. Not replacing a missing tooth can affect the following:

  • Biting and chewing ability
  • Speech clarity
  • Alignment of remaining teeth
  • Facial aesthetics
  • Jawbone health
  • Confidence and self-esteem

Types of Dental Bridges

The most commonly used type of bridge is a traditional bridge. This process uses two dental crowns as anchors to support an artificial tooth known as a “pontic.” The crowns sit atop two healthy teeth on either side of the gap, and the pontic fits into the empty space between.

Traditional bridges serve their purpose, but they’re not suitable for every situation, and dental technology has come a long way since their invention. Other types of bridges offer different solutions:

  • Cantilever bridge: This variation uses only one crown instead of two to stabilize the pontic. Think of it like a balcony rather than a bridge, connected only on one side.
  • Maryland bridge: These bridges don’t attach with crowns but with tiny metal wings bonded to the back side of the surrounding teeth. They are often used to replace front teeth, as they’re not strong enough to handle the chewing force generated by the back teeth.
  • Implant-supported bridges: These are similar to traditional bridges but connect to dental implants rather than crowns. This gives them different advantages over other bridges. They are the most stable and secure option and have a very high success rate.

At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions, our specialty is using mini dental implants to support dental bridges. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or all 32, implant-supported bridges are the superior choice.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges offer excellent stability and durability when compared to traditional options. First and foremost, the dental implants are directly attached to your jaw. This stimulates the jaw to prevent tissue loss and maintain the bone’s strength—a feature lacking in traditional bridges.

The implant-supported bridge also fills the missing space, preventing shifting that could cause misalignment, all without damaging the remaining healthy teeth. With a traditional bridge, your natural tooth enamel must be shaved down to make room for the attached crowns. With implant-supported bridges, no such alteration is necessary.

Mini Implant Advantages

At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions, we prefer the pioneering mini dental implant for implant-supported bridges. Dr. Cabrera is an expert in the field of mini implants and prefers them thanks to the numerous advantages they offer over their traditional counterparts:

  • Smaller size: As their name implies, mini dental implants come in a small package. They measure approximately half the size of traditional implants, coming in at under 3 millimeters wide. This makes them a better option for tight spaces and patients with less jawbone density.
  • Easier placement procedure: Due to their size, traditional implants often require a bone graft, which adds another procedure that requires months of healing. In contrast, we can typically place mini implants in a single visit, saving you time and money.Dental-Bridges-in-Tampa-FL-Luz-Cabrera-DMD
  • Quicker recovery: Because the procedure is less invasive, most patients recover within 24-48 hours.
  • Better durability: Mini implants are made of a single-piece titanium design that is not only strong but resistant to bacterial buildup as well.
  • More cost-effective: The smaller size, fewer components, and less time in the office means a smaller price tag. Mini implants often amount to half the cost of traditional dental implants.

While mini implant bridges are more affordable than bridges supported by traditional implants, we understand that cost is a concern for many patients. At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions, we’re here to help you find a plan that works for your budget. Our experienced team will help you navigate the world of dental insurance so you get the most from your benefits. If additional financing is needed, we partner with multiple lenders to get you the best rate possible. Everyone should have access to quality dental care; we’re here to make that a reality.

What Is the Process for Getting a Dental Bridge?

When considering a tooth replacement procedure, the first step is to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Cabrera. At your consultation, she will take X-rays and check the health of your teeth and mouth. You can ask any questions you have about bridges, other restorative procedures, and financing options. We use all the information gathered during your consultation to help chart a course forward that’s tailored to your needs.

On the day of the procedure, Dr. Cabrera will use local anesthesia to numb your gums and jaw. She will drill a small hole into the jawbone and screw the mini implant securely into place. Since the process is so minimally invasive, Dr. Cabrara can mount a restoration immediately, and you can walk out the door with a functional smile.

Recovery and Aftercare

The recovery process is quick, usually taking just a day or two. However, watching what you eat and caring for your new bridges is important. For a few days, avoid hard or sticky foods. Chew around the implant sites and maintain your brushing and flossing routine. Should you experience any discomfort, you can manage it with over-the-counter medication and a cold compress.

Your implant-supported bridge can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. A thorough oral hygiene routine and regular checkups with Dr. Cabrera are essential. We also recommend avoiding certain habits, like chewing your nails, biting on ice, opening packages with your mouth, and grinding your teeth. These can impact the lifespan of your new smile.

Dental Bridges Can Repair Your Smile

Implant-supported dental bridges offer a solution for missing teeth with all the advantages and benefits of mini dental implants. This powerful implant and bridge duo can help you whether you’re missing one tooth or a section of teeth. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Cabrera is proud to offer the latest advancements in dental techniques and technology.

Are you seeking a stable, natural-looking, and affordable solution to tooth loss? Implant-supported bridges might be just what you’re looking for. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and see how mini dental implants can restore your smile.