Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a set of prosthetic teeth used to fill the gap left by one or more consecutive missing teeth. At our Merritt Island, FL, practice, Family Dentistry & Prosthodontics provides traditional and implant-supported bridges.
Benefits of Filling a Gap in Your Smile
Missing teeth can affect every aspect of your life. A dental bridge can:
- Restore your ability to chew and speak properly
- Prevent other teeth from shifting out of place
- Maintain the fullness of your facial features
- Improve the overall appearance of your smile
- Protect remaining teeth from excessive wear and tear
In addition, a pontic supported by dental implants offers a wide range of other advantages. Implants prevent tissue loss in your jawbone and provide an exceptional level of support and stability for larger restorations.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges fill in the gap left by a missing tooth or consecutive missing teeth. A traditional bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth, also known as the pontic, supported by dental crowns. The dental crowns fit over the tops of each neighboring natural tooth to support the bridge.
In contrast, implant-supported bridges attach to small titanium posts embedded into the jawbone, leaving adjacent teeth untouched. Both options are available at our Merritt Island office and offer great results closely resembling natural teeth.
Replace Missing Teeth With a Dental Bridge Contact Our Dentistry Practice
Leaving missing teeth untreated can cause a range of oral health issues, including gum disease and further tooth loss. At our practice, we offer a variety of tooth replacement options, including traditional and implant-supported bridges. Learn more about our state-of-the-art dental treatments today.
Contact our Merritt Island, FL, dentistry office online to ask a question or request a consultation. You can also reach us by phone at:
Our Commitment to Quality Dental Bridges
Trusted Dental Lab
We partner with a trusted, local dental laboratory to craft custom bridges that look natural and fit comfortably. In most cases, your custom bridge can be fabricated in less than a week to restore proper oral function and the appearance of your smile.
Multiple Options
Whether you want a quick solution with a traditional bridge, are a better candidate for dentures, or want the advanced stability of an implant-supported restoration, we can find the right option to tailor treatment to your unique needs.
Hear From Our Patients
Brenda Cox
2021
How can I say this .. Wow I was truly blessed to have found this team! The atmosphere there, the music playing in the background, the positive energy and their dedication to the client and approaching each issue very professionally was just so reassuring. I left there after 2 hours and I felt relaxed rather than stressed. I am going back soon and I will be calm and collected and I trust that it will go well!!
View on GoogleLeah Nichols
2021
I have been going to Dr. Wilkhu since he started his practice in Merritt Island, taking over from Dr. Thompson. I liked him immediately and have enjoyed watching he and his wife grow their family, and him grow his dental practice. Over the years I have referred my friends to him with the confidence they are getting a good dentist. It is and always has been a pleasure to visit his office because the staff and assistants are all so good and friendly.
View on GoogleTraditional Bridges
If you choose to proceed with a traditional bridge, our dentist will prepare your adjacent teeth for crowns to hold the bridge in place. He will remove a small portion of enamel from the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. This process ensures your crown fits properly without appearing unnatural.
Once your teeth are prepared, we will take digital impressions of your mouth and work with our dental lab to craft a custom pontic that resembles your natural teeth. It may take a couple of weeks to craft your dental bridge and the supporting crowns, during which time you will wear a temporary restoration. During your final visit, one of our dentists will bond your dental crowns in place, taking care to ensure that the prosthetic fits comfortably, the pontic rests naturally on the gums, and the restoration looks great.
Implant-Supported Bridges
If you decide on a dental implant-supported restoration, you will first need to undergo implant placement at our Merritt Island, FL, office. We will carefully select the optimal location for your dental implant posts using advanced 3-D cone beam scans. During the procedure, our dentist will create small incisions in your gums and embed the dental implants into your jaw.
It typically takes four to six months to fully heal from implant placement. During this time, your implant posts will fuse with the surrounding jawbone tissue to create a stable base for your bridge. Once you are completely healed, we can attach your bridge to your implants for a fully restored smile.
Dental Bridges vs. Dentures
Dental bridges and dentures share some similarities in that they can be used to replace multiple missing teeth.
- Traditional bridges only replace one to three missing teeth in a row and are secured with dental crowns.
- Traditional full dentures rely on a combination of good fit over the patient's dental arch, suction, and dental adhesives to stay in place.
- Traditional partial dentures are held in place with metal or acrylic clasps that secure to adjacent teeth. They can replace teeth that are missing from different locations throughout the mouth.
Patients can choose to have bridges, partial, or full dentures secured to dental implants placed at our Merritt Island, FL, practice.
5-Star Reviews of Our Dental Work
Summer Patterson
2021
This office is expertly staffed with practice always treats my mom with kindness, respect, and awesome dental work. If you are looking for a dentist, you should definitely consider Dr. Wilkhu! Every employee of the office is great at what they do! Thank you so much!!! :)
View on GoogleKaren Hrkach
2021
Best local dentist in Merritt Island, Florida. Extremely friendly and family oriented practice. Dr. Wilkhu and staff are top notch and have been going to them for years. Thank you all for taking great care of your patients throughout the years! You guys are the best!
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What to Expect
When Getting a Dental Bridge
If you opt for an implant-supported bridge, your dentist will place your implants in an initial surgery. These will take several months to fuse with your jawbone.
In Need of a New Bridge?
WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED
A damaged or otherwise compromised bridge can lead to a host of issues, including infection, gum disease, and more.
Here are a few of the most common signs your dental bridge needs replacing:
- If your dental bridge does not fit correctly, it can cause severe discomfort in your mouth.
- Cracks, chips, or even missing pieces signify a dental bridge needs repair or a full replacement.
- If your dental bridge has dulled in appearance or no longer matches your natural teeth, replacing it is recommended.
If you’re wondering if it’s time to replace yours, turn to Family Dentistry & Prosthodontics to get ahead of any oral health complications.
"Always a good experience with Dr Wilkhu" 5-Star Reviews For Our Merritt Island Dentistry Practice
Barbara Camody
2022
Always a good experience with Dr Wilkhu, his wonderful hygienist Demi, and the office staff. Everything is 5-star.
View on GoogleJennifer Segner
2022
Love this office!!! The entire staff is kind, knowledgeable and professional. It's a beautiful, modern office that provides top notch care.
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