Get back your smile appeal with Dental Bridges
As a family dentist, Dr. Mark Martindale gets to know you and your family. And at Martindale Family Dentistry, we treat our patients like family. The close bonds that we form with our patients allow us to identify problems early into the disease process when they are easiest to resolve. Thus, we are often able to save or preserve even severely damaged or decayed teeth. However, we will promptly discuss your options if you need to have a tooth extracted or are involved in an accident that requires a dental bridge.
Dental bridges can be used to complete the smile; maintain chewing comfort, efficiency, and proper nutrition; and largely to uphold or restore self-confidence. Gaps in the smile can wreak havoc on our self-image and the many functions that can either be hampered or helped by the state of our teeth; for instance, the ability to speak clearly and pronounce words correctly can suffer when teeth are lost.
Bridge basics
Dental bridges are a time-tested way to replace a single tooth or a grouping of teeth. A standard bridge involves a replacement tooth (pontic) and neighboring anchor teeth (abutments). The pontic is fused to two crowns. This crown/pontic combination is then cemented as one piece over the abutment teeth. Any time teeth are crowned, they must be reduced in size to ensure that the crown fits precisely over the natural tooth.
Why are crowns necessary?
The crowns play an essential role in the long-term health and success of your bridge. Since the pontic depends on the neighboring anchor teeth for its support, those abutments must have sufficient strength. Dental crowns offer support to the anchoring teeth to ensure that they provide support for the pontic over the lifespan of the bridge.
Information that is good to know
Bridges generally require healthy anchoring teeth because the replacement tooth (or teeth) depend on them for their stability. Additionally, you may wear a temporary bridge while our dental lab makes your permanent bridge. Once it’s completed, you will return to our practice and Dr. Martindale will ensure the bridge fits well, and is aesthetically pleasing before cementing it securely to the abutments. Dental bridges can last a lifetime with proper care. It is vital that you clean well underneath the bridge. We can discuss cleaning techniques and products, from floss threaders to dental picks, to aid in keeping the bridge free of decay-producing bacteria and plaque.
Dental Bridges FAQs
1. What is a dental bridge? Why would someone need one?
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth slowly drift toward the space. A dental bridge is a custom restoration designed to stop that shifting by replacing the missing tooth with an artificial one connected to its neighbors. The new tooth restores your ability to chew comfortably and keeps your bite properly aligned. Dr. Mark Martindale designs every bridge so that it fits securely and looks completely natural within your smile.
2. How is a bridge made and placed?
The process begins with shaping the teeth beside the gap so they can support the restoration. Next, digital scans are taken and sent to a dental lab that fabricates your bridge from strong, tooth-colored materials. A temporary bridge protects your prepared teeth until the final piece is ready. At your follow-up visit, Dr. Martindale ensures the fit feels right and bonds it into place with long-lasting dental cement.
3. Are dental bridges comfortable?
Yes. Once your mouth adjusts to the new restoration, a bridge feels much like your natural teeth. Because it’s permanently fixed, you won’t have to remove it for cleaning or worry about movement while you speak or eat. Most patients forget they even have one after a few days.
4. What materials can a bridge be made from?
Modern bridges are typically crafted from porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia for durability and lifelike color. These materials resist staining and mimic the natural translucency of enamel. In areas requiring extra strength, such as molars, porcelain may be fused to a metal base to ensure long-term stability without compromising appearance.
5. How long can a dental bridge last?
With attentive care, a well-made bridge often lasts 10 – 15 years, and many exceed that timeline. Longevity depends on the health of the supporting teeth and gums. Brushing twice daily, cleaning under the bridge with floss threaders or water flossers, and maintaining your professional cleanings at Martindale Family Dentistry will all extend its lifespan.
6. How much does a bridge cost in Griffin, GA?
Costs vary depending on the materials used and the number of teeth being replaced. In general, a traditional bridge ranges from about $1,800 – $3,500. During your consultation, our staff provides a clear estimate before treatment begins and reviews payment or financing options to make your care affordable.
7. Is a bridge covered by dental insurance?
In most cases, yes. Since a bridge restores function by replacing missing teeth, many dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of the procedure. Our administrative team verifies your benefits in advance and helps you understand any copays or out-of-pocket amounts before scheduling treatment.
8. How should I clean and maintain my bridge?
Keep brushing and flossing as usual, but add special attention beneath the false tooth. A floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser can remove plaque in places a regular toothbrush can’t reach. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy, and schedule biannual exams so Dr. Martindale can check that both your bridge and surrounding teeth remain healthy.
9. Can a bridge help improve how I speak or chew?
Absolutely! Missing teeth can cause slurred speech and make chewing uneven or uncomfortable. Once your bridge is in place, your bite becomes more balanced, and you’ll notice clearer speech and easier chewing almost immediately. It’s a restoration that enhances both comfort and confidence.
Where can I get a custom dental bridge near me in Griffin, GA?
Martindale Family Dentistry provides high-quality, natural-looking dental bridges for patients in Griffin, Georgia, and nearby areas, including Sunny Side, Orchard Hill, and Milner. Whether you’ve recently lost a tooth or want to replace an older restoration, Dr. Mark Martindale and his team can create a personalized treatment plan that restores your smile beautifully. Call or request an appointment online to get started.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Martindale today. Call us at 770-637-5876. We are also happy to discuss alternatives, such as bridges supported by dental implants placed in the jaw (instead of by neighboring anchor teeth).
