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Dental Bridges
with Dr. Ben Tindal in Sarasota, FL

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dental bridges
sturdy reliable tooth replacement option

Are you missing one or more teeth? Fixed bridges are a great treatment option to restore your dental appearance and chewing efficiency. Dr. Ben Tindal, a skilled prosthodontist, can create a bridge that fits in seamlessly with your smile and allows you to regain full dental function. In just a couple of appointments, you could once again be the owner of a complete, confident, and healthy set of teeth

What is a fixed bridge?

A fixed bridge is a cemented restoration that functions to replace missing teeth. The adjacent teeth, also called abutments, are prepared for crowns, which are permanently connected to a false tooth. After cementing the prosthesis to the abutment teeth, the patient does not need to remove it for oral hygiene procedures.

Bridges may be made out of various materials, including gold, silver, and other metals. However, many patients prefer a dental bridge in Sarasota that is made out of porcelain. Porcelain bridges match the color of the teeth around them, providing tooth replacement that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is effective.

When are fixed bridges used?

Generally, fixed bridges are used to replace between one and three missing teeth in a row. If you already have a few missing teeth, or you need to get a tooth extracted, you can start talking to your dentist right away about filling in the gap in your smile. If a traditional fixed bridge is not a fit for your circumstances, you may be a candidate for an implant-supported restoration.

You may be a good candidate for a fixed bridge if:

You are missing one or more teeth in a row.

Your abutment teeth are healthy enough to support the bridge. They should be free of serious decay and have strong roots.

You have an old bridge that needs to be replaced.

After your dentist examines your mouth, they will let you know for sure whether a bridge is the right way to rebuild your smile.

benefits of a dental bridge

A dental bridge is a dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth (or teeth) to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges offer several benefits, including:

 

Improved aesthetics: By filling the gap left by missing teeth, dental bridges restore the appearance of your smile, making it more attractive and boosting your self-confidence.

Restored function: Bridges enable you to chew and speak more effectively, as they replace the missing teeth needed for these functions.

Evenly distributed bite force: By replacing missing teeth, dental bridges help distribute the force of your bite more evenly across all your teeth, preventing undue stress on the remaining teeth.

Prevention of teeth shifting: When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth may gradually shift into the gap, causing misalignment and potential bite problems. A dental bridge helps maintain the proper alignment of your teeth by filling the gap.

Maintaining facial structure: Tooth loss can cause the facial muscles to sag over time, altering your appearance. Dental bridges help maintain your facial structure by providing support to the surrounding tissues.

Convenience: Unlike removable dentures, dental bridges are fixed in place, providing a more convenient and stable solution for replacing missing teeth.

Long-lasting: With proper care and maintenance, dental bridges can last for many years, making them a durable and cost-effective solution for tooth replacement.

Easier to adapt: Many people find dental bridges easier to adapt to compared to full or partial dentures, as they feel more natural and stable in the mouth.

It's important to consult with Prosthodontist, Dr. Ben Tindal, to determine if a dental bridge is the best option for you, as individual circumstances and oral health conditions can vary

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implant supported dentures

Are you tired of dealing with loose, uncomfortable dentures that limit your ability to enjoy life to the fullest? If so, it's time to explore a reliable and long-lasting solution: implant-retained dentures. At Tindal Prosthodontics in Sarasota, FL, Dr. Ben Tindal and his expert team specialize in providing high-quality, custom implant-retained dentures and bridges that can restore your smile, confidence, and quality of life.

What are Implant-Retained Dentures?

Implant-retained dentures are a modern alternative to traditional dentures. They consist of a denture (either full or partial) that is securely anchored to your jawbone using dental implants. These implants are made of biocompatible materials, such as titanium, which fuse with your jawbone to create a strong and stable foundation for your denture.

Implant-retained dentures offer several advantages over traditional dentures:

Improved stability: Implant-retained dentures are securely anchored to your jawbone, providing exceptional stability, comfort, and natural-feeling function.

Better chewing efficiency: The enhanced stability allows you to chew and enjoy a wider range of foods with confidence.

Jawbone preservation: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that typically occurs after tooth loss.

No impact on adjacent teeth: Unlike dental bridges, implants do not require the support of neighboring teeth, preserving their natural structure.

Long-lasting solution: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.

How long does the implant-retained bridge procedure take?

The entire procedure, from implant placement to final bridge placement, can take several months. This includes the time needed for the dental implants to fuse with the jawbone (osseointegration), which typically takes 3-6 months. Additional time may be needed if bone grafting is required.

Dr. Ben Tindal is a highly skilled prosthodontist with years of experience in providing advanced dental solutions to patients in Sarasota, FL. At Tindal Prosthodontics, we understand the impact that missing teeth can have on your life, and we are dedicated to offering state-of-the-art treatments to restore your smile.

Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, ensuring that your implant-retained dentures meet your specific needs and provide lasting comfort and functionality. We utilize the latest dental technology and techniques to deliver exceptional results for our patients.

Understanding the difference between a fixed bridge and an implant-supported bridge.

Fixed bridges and implant-retained bridges are two popular tooth replacement options. Each has its own set of pros and cons, which can help you make an informed decision about which option is best for you.

Pros of Fixed Bridge

Improved aesthetics: By filling the gap left by missing teeth, fixed bridges restore the appearance of your smile, making it more attractive and boosting your self-confidence.

Restored function: Bridges enable you to chew and speak more effectively, as they replace the missing teeth needed for these functions.

Evenly distributed bite force: By replacing missing teeth, fixed bridges help distribute the force of your bite more evenly across all your teeth, preventing undue stress on the remaining teeth.

Prevention of teeth shifting: When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth may gradually shift into the gap, causing misalignment and potential bite problems. A fixed bridge helps maintain the proper alignment of your teeth by filling the gap.

Maintaining facial structure: Tooth loss can cause the facial muscles to sag over time, altering your appearance. Fixed bridges help maintain your facial structure by providing support to the surrounding tissues.

Pros of Implant-Supported Bridge

Aesthetically pleasing: Implant-retained bridges closely resemble natural teeth, providing a visually appealing and seamless restoration.

Improved chewing function: With a stable foundation provided by implants, patients can enjoy improved chewing efficiency and a broader range of foods.

No impact on adjacent teeth: Unlike traditional bridges that require filing down neighboring teeth for support, implant-retained bridges rely on implants, preserving the natural structure of adjacent teeth.

Enhanced stability: Implant-retained bridges are anchored to dental implants, which are fused to the jawbone, providing excellent stability and comfort.

Preservation of jawbone: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that often occurs after tooth extraction.

Long-lasting: Dental implants have a high success rate and can last a lifetime with proper care, making implant-retained bridges a durable solution for tooth replacement.

Cons of Fixed Bridge

Limited lifespan: Fixed bridges generally have a lifespan of around 10-15 years, after which they may need to be replaced. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups can help extend their lifespan.

Not a solution for extensive tooth loss: Bridges are not ideal for replacing multiple teeth in different areas of the mouth or when there is a lack of healthy teeth for support.

Root canal risk: In some cases, preparing the adjacent teeth for a fixed bridge may expose the tooth's nerves, increasing the risk of needing a root canal treatment in the future.

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Cons of Implant-Supported Bridge

Surgical procedure required: Dental implants require surgery, which may not be suitable for all patients due to health concerns, dental phobia, or insufficient bone density.

Longer treatment time: The implant placement process can take several months to complete, including healing time and potential bone grafting, before the final bridge can be placed.

Higher initial cost: Implant-retained bridges typically have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional fixed bridges, although they may be more cost-effective in the long run due to their durability.

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