At the office of Edward J. Sharkey, DMD, we help patients restore healthy, confident smiles after tooth loss. Missing teeth affect more than appearance — they change how your bite works, how you chew, and how long nearby teeth remain healthy. Our goal is to explain your options clearly, outline what to expect from treatment, and help you choose a long-lasting solution that fits your oral health and lifestyle.
When a tooth is lost, the immediate visual gap is only part of the story. Over time the neighboring teeth may tilt or drift toward the empty space, which can alter your bite and create uneven chewing forces. These shifts often make it harder to maintain proper hygiene, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease on the adjacent teeth.
Beyond the teeth, the jawbone in the area of the missing tooth can begin to remodel and shrink without stimulation from a tooth root. That bone change can affect facial contours and reduce the structural foundation for future restorations. Addressing tooth loss sooner rather than later preserves bone and keeps your bite stable.
Replacing a missing tooth also restores function. Properly restored teeth allow you to chew comfortably and speak normally, which supports better nutrition and day-to-day comfort. In short, a timely and appropriate replacement protects both the appearance and the long-term health of your smile.
Dental bridges are fabricated from modern materials designed to balance strength and esthetics. Porcelain and high-strength ceramics closely mimic natural tooth translucency and color, making them a popular choice when a natural appearance is important. Porcelain fused to metal offers durability and is often selected when greater strength is needed in the back of the mouth.
Engineered ceramics, such as zirconia, provide exceptional fracture resistance while still offering a pleasing appearance. These materials can be milled with digital precision for a tight fit and consistent contacts with the neighboring teeth. The material choice will depend on the location of the missing tooth, the forces in your bite, and your cosmetic goals.
In addition to the crown materials, modern adhesive systems and cements enhance the long-term success of bridges. When combined with careful preparation and precise laboratory work, these advances help bridges function reliably for many years while maintaining a natural look.
Choosing the right restoration starts with a thorough clinical exam and a frank discussion about your priorities. We evaluate the condition of the teeth adjacent to the gap, the volume of supporting bone, your bite, and overall oral health. We also consider whether you prefer a fixed solution or one that is removable for cleaning and maintenance.
For patients with strong adjacent teeth, a traditional fixed bridge may provide a predictable solution. When the supporting teeth are not ideal or when we wish to minimize alteration of healthy teeth, an implant-supported bridge can often be the superior option. Dental implants replace missing tooth roots and provide a stable foundation without relying on neighboring teeth for support.
Every treatment plan is individualized. We take additional diagnostic records as needed — including digital radiographs and 3D imaging when appropriate — to map out the options and explain the benefits and trade-offs. This process ensures your bridge will be functional, durable, and aligned with your expectations.
Traditional fixed bridge treatment typically unfolds over multiple visits. The first steps are diagnostic: assessing the teeth that will support the bridge, confirming that the surrounding gums are healthy, and preparing a treatment plan. If periodontal issues or active decay exist, those conditions are addressed before proceeding.
To prepare the abutment teeth, a portion of enamel is shaped to accommodate crowns that will anchor the bridge. Precise impressions or digital scans are then taken to create a bridge that matches the contours and shade of your natural teeth. A temporary restoration protects the prepared teeth while the final bridge is fabricated.
At the placement appointment, the temporary is removed and the new bridge is evaluated for fit, color, and bite. Adjustments are made as needed to achieve comfortable chewing and proper occlusion. After cementation, a short follow-up ensures the restoration is functioning well and that you are comfortable with care and maintenance instructions.
Implant-supported bridges replace missing teeth by anchoring to dental implants rather than relying on adjacent crowns. The process begins with a surgical phase to place implants into the jawbone. These minor outpatient procedures are planned carefully using imaging to ensure precise positioning and long-term stability.
After implant placement the body needs time to integrate with the implant surfaces — a period known as osseointegration. During healing, temporary restorations can often be provided to maintain appearance and function. Once the implants are stable, the final bridge is attached, delivering a secure, natural-feeling replacement.
One of the key advantages of implant-supported bridges is preservation of bone and tissue contours. Because implants stimulate the jawbone much like natural tooth roots, they help prevent the bone loss that follows tooth extraction. That structural benefit contributes to a healthier long-term result and often a more natural facial profile.
At the office of Edward J. Sharkey, DMD, our approach is to provide clear information, careful diagnostics, and skillful treatment so patients can choose the bridge option that best meets their needs. If you would like to learn more about dental bridges and which solution is right for your smile, please contact us for more information.
Your new bridge is customized to the exact specifications of your smile. Before cementing to the underlying teeth or affixing it to the supporting implants, the shade, occlusion, and all aspects of its fit get carefully checked. In addition to being designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, it's also made to suit your bite and withstand all manner of oral function. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and that your bite feels comfortable.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment in the look, health, and function of your smile. While many dental insurances offer coverage for a dental bridge, and some toward the cost of implants, the benefits and amounts can vary significantly from plan to plan. At the office of Edward J. Sharkey, DMD, we understand the financial considerations involved in care and do all we can to help patients begin treatment without any additional stress or delay. In addition to doing our best to optimize your dental benefits, we also offer several payment and financing options. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions on the cost of care, dental insurances, financing plans, or acceptable forms of payment.
Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We'll show you how to floss under your dental bridge to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.
The standard answer is that with routine dental visits and good home care, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years, and in many cases, much longer.
At the office of Edward J. Sharkey, DMD, we fabricate your bridge from the highest quality dental materials to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing and lifelike results of care. It's also customized to the exact specifications of your smile and designed for optimal aesthetics, strength, and stability. Once fabricated and cemented into place, you'll feel confident sharing your smile, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.
As your trusted partner in care, we analyze every aspect of your smile to develop a treatment plan that provides aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and long-lasting results of care.
For more information on dental bridges, or any services we provide, give us a call today.
