Dental Bridges
Are you missing one tooth or several teeth and not sure what’s the best option to replace them? You’re right to wonder.
While all dental bridges can restore your smile, not all bridges are the best fit for every situation. Some are even better for your health.
To bring back the beauty and function of your smile, let Robert Hawke, DDS, in Tucson, AZ, point you in the right direction.
Are You Ready to Replace Missing Teeth?
If you are missing teeth, no one needs to tell you how difficult the simple pleasures of smiling and eating are. Fortunately, dental bridges can create a beautiful, natural-looking smile that lets you enjoy life again.
Dr. Hawke, who has remained at the forefront of dental innovations since opening his Arizona practice in 1976, will work closely with you to determine the best type of dental bridge for your situation.
Types of Dental Bridges
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Traditional Dental Bridge
Traditional bridges have been used for decades and are a simple, quick fix for missing teeth. The dental bridge itself is a set of artificial teeth, called pontics, that are held up at either end by dental crowns attached to your natural teeth. While reliable, traditional bridges have shortcomings. First, healthy teeth need to be reshaped to hold the crowns. In addition, there is a limit to how many teeth a traditional bridge can replace. If you are replacing several teeth, an implant-supported bridge offers more stability and reliability.
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Implant-Supported Bridge
Implant-supported bridges don't require altering nearby abutment teeth for support. Instead, these advanced bridges rely on small titanium posts, called dental implants, that are embedded in the jaw. Once the dental implants fuse with the bone, they are secure enough to support even dentures. Implant-supported bridges can replace a long stretch of missing teeth. They are also ideal for patients who lack a supporting tooth on one side and rely on outdated cantilever bridges, which are prone to failure.
"So Glad I Found This Practice" 5-Star Reviews
Cheryl Alter
2020
Both the dentist and hygienist are excellent at what they do! That’s paramount for me. As well, all the staff is friendly, respectful of my time, and professional. The specific issue that brought me to this office is getting resolved. So glad I found this practice!
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Mary Stout
2021
Dr. Hawke has been our family dentist for the past 30 some years. He is technologically current, very knowledgeable, a great problem-solver, and his support staff is second to none.
View On GoogleThe Traditional Bridge Procedure
A traditional dental bridge is anchored using dental crowns placed on the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile.
Traditional Dental Bridge Treatment A Fast, Affordable Option
Dental treatment for a traditional bridge at our Tucson, AZ, practice is fairly straightforward and can be completed in just a couple of weeks. To begin, Dr. Hawke simply reshapes abutment teeth to prepare them for the dental crowns holding the pontic teeth. One caveat: The supporting teeth shouldering the load need to be strong, which means teeth that been treated with a root canal or have been weakened by large cavities are probably ineligible.
After shaping the abutment teeth, Dr. Hawke will create an impression of the treatment area. This precise impression will be sent to our trusted dental lab in order to guide the creation of your dental bridge. We will provide you with a temporary bridge until your next appointment. When your permanent bridge is ready to be attached, the dentist will check to ensure the fit is comfortable and that it seamlessly blends in with your natural teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge Treatment The Long-Lasting Solution
The timeline for an implant-supported bridge is more involved, but as they say, good things take time. In general, your treatment will be similar to this timeline. However, if you need preparatory dental treatment such as bone grafts or treatment for gum disease, these steps occur before the implant surgery.
We handle every aspect of implant dentistry at our Tucson office.
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