Dental Bridge Procedure in Knoxville, TN
Replace Missing Teeth at Our Knoxville Dental Office
A missing tooth can affect more than just your smile—it can impact your confidence, oral health, and overall quality of life. At Fountain City Smiles, we provide personalized dental bridge procedures in Knoxville to help restore your smile, functionality, and comfort. Whether your tooth was lost due to injury, decay, or other reasons, a dental bridge can fill the gap seamlessly, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently again.
Restore your smile today! Call our Knoxville dental office at (865) 687-8670. We proudly serve patients in East Tennessee, including Amherst, Marble City, West Knoxville, and nearby communities.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-made restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth. The bridge “bridges” the gap in your smile using artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to adjacent natural teeth (abutment teeth) or dental implants. Bridges not only restore the appearance of your smile but also improve chewing, speaking, and overall oral health.
Types of bridges include:
- Traditional dental bridge: uses crowns on adjacent teeth.
- Cantilever bridge: supported by a single adjacent tooth.
- Maryland dental bridge: uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to neighboring teeth.
- Implant-supported bridge: anchored directly to dental implants for a permanent solution.
How the Dental Bridge Procedure Works
1. Consultation and Planning
Your journey starts with a thorough dental examination. Our Knoxville dentist near you will:
- Examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone using X-rays or 3D imaging.
- Discuss your goals and evaluate your oral health to determine if a dental bridge is the best option.
- Recommend the most suitable type of bridge for your needs.
- Take dental impressions to create a custom-made bridge.
What to Expect: This visit is painless and focused on planning. We’ll discuss costs, procedure details, and timeline to ensure confidence every step of the way.
2. Preparation of Abutment Teeth
For traditional or cantilever bridges, your adjacent teeth will be prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for dental crowns. If you choose an implant-supported bridge, the implants are surgically placed during a separate procedure, requiring three to six months for healing before bridge placement.
What to Expect: Local anesthesia ensures comfort. You may receive a temporary restoration to protect your teeth while your permanent bridge is made.
3. Bridge Creation
Our dentist sends your dental impressions to a dental lab, where technicians craft your custom bridge. Materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys are selected to match your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless, natural-looking restoration.
What to Expect: Fabrication typically takes one to two weeks. Your temporary bridge maintains function and appearance during this time.
4. Fitting and Placement
Once ready, you’ll return for bridge placement. Our dentist will:
- Ensure proper fit, alignment, and color match.
- Make necessary adjustments for comfort and aesthetics.
- Secure the bridge using dental cement (for traditional or Maryland bridges) or attach it to implants for implant-supported bridges.
What to Expect: This visit is comfortable and quick. You’ll leave with a fully functional, natural-looking dental bridge.
5. Follow-Up and Care
We may schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure your bridge functions properly and your surrounding teeth are healthy. Proper dental bridge care extends the life of your dental bridge.
Post-Procedure Care:
- Oral hygiene habits: Brush, floss, and attend regular dental checkups.
- Dietary adjustments: Stick to soft foods initially; avoid sticky or hard foods.
- Maintenance: Use proper cleaning techniques around your abutment teeth to prevent decay or gum disease.
Timeline: Non-implant bridges usually take two to four weeks. Implant-supported bridges may take several months due to healing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of dental bridges varies based on the type of bridge, materials, and complexity of tooth replacement. Our dentist can provide a personalized estimate during your consultation.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the dental bridge procedure. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable, and any mild soreness typically subsides in a few days.
A dental bridge can last 10–15 years or longer with proper care and good oral hygiene. Regular checkups are key.
Yes, partial dentures and dental implants are effective alternatives depending on your needs and oral health.
Schedule Your Dental Bridge Procedure in Knoxville, TN!
Don’t let a missing tooth affect your smile or confidence. Our Knoxville dental team is ready to help you restore your teeth with a custom dental bridge. Call Fountain City Smiles at (865) 687-8670 today to schedule a consultation and explore tooth replacement options near you. We proudly serve patients throughout Knoxville, Amherst, Marble City, West Knoxville, and surrounding areas.
