Dental Bridges: Solutions for Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can affect everything from your confidence to your bite to the long-term stability of your oral health. At Camelot Dental Group in Columbus, OH, Dr. Paul King, Dr. Chris King, and Dr. Maria Zulliger offer high-quality dental bridges designed to restore function, enhance your smile, and protect your remaining teeth. As a full-service dental office that prioritizes modern care and patient comfort, our team helps you choose the type of dental bridge that best fits your needs while making the process as smooth as possible.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a reliable solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. It literally “bridges” the space by anchoring an artificial tooth to the adjacent teeth or dental implants on both sides of the gap. These supporting teeth, known as abutment teeth, are carefully prepared before receiving dental crowns that hold the false tooth securely in place.

Dental bridges work by restoring the natural shape of your face, improving your bite, and preventing remaining teeth from drifting into the space left by the missing tooth. This helps maintain your oral health, protect the gum tissue, and ensure your smile stays functional and balanced.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are several types of dental bridges to choose from, and each one supports a different level of tooth loss, strength, or aesthetic need. At Camelot Dental Group in Columbus, OH, our dentists will recommend the type of bridge that best aligns with your anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Traditional Bridge

The most common type of bridge, a traditional bridge, uses two adjacent natural teeth—one on each side of the gap—to support a replacement tooth. These abutment teeth receive custom dental crowns, which are bonded to the false tooth in the middle.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge attaches to only one side of the missing tooth. While not appropriate for every situation, it can work well when only one healthy tooth is available for support.

Maryland Bridge

A Maryland bridge uses metal wings or a porcelain framework bonded to the back of the surrounding teeth. It offers a conservative option for front teeth, since it requires less removal of natural enamel.

Implant-Supported Bridge

For patients with multiple missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge attaches to two or more dental implants rather than to nearby teeth. This option preserves healthy teeth, provides excellent stability, and helps prevent bone loss after tooth loss.

Benefits of a Dental Bridge

Choosing a dental bridge to replace missing teeth provides numerous advantages for your oral health, appearance, and overall quality of life. At Camelot Dental Group in Columbus, OH, Dr. Paul King and Dr. Chris King help patients understand how this restorative solution can restore function and confidence.

Dental bridges are designed not only to fill gaps but also to support surrounding teeth and maintain proper alignment. Some of the main benefits include:

Restored Ability to Chew and Speak Properly: Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat certain foods or pronounce words clearly. A dental bridge fills the gap, allowing you to chew comfortably and speak without slurring or hesitation.
Maintained Facial Shape and Smile Appearance: Missing teeth can cause your face to appear sunken or aged. Dental bridges restore your natural facial contours and enhance the aesthetics of your smile.
Prevention of Teeth Shifting: Gaps from missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift into improper positions, leading to bite problems and uneven wear. A bridge keeps your remaining teeth stable.
Even Distribution of Bite Forces: Dental bridges help distribute bite pressure evenly across your teeth, reducing the risk of damage or excessive wear on your natural teeth.
Long-Term Oral Health Support: By filling gaps, bridges reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay associated with misaligned or exposed teeth, promoting better dental health overall.

With proper care, dental bridges provide a durable and reliable solution for restoring both function and appearance, helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile for years to come.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge can be an excellent solution for many patients at Camelot Dental Group in Columbus, OH, especially when tooth loss affects your ability to eat, speak, or feel confident about your smile. Dr. Paul King, Dr. Chris King, or Dr. Maria Zulliger will evaluate your oral health, review your dental history, and determine whether a bridge is the best option based on your specific needs. While every patient is unique, certain qualities make someone an ideal candidate for this type of tooth replacement.

You may be a strong candidate if you have:

One or more missing teeth in a single area with healthy adjacent teeth on either side of the gap
Good oral hygiene habits that help protect your natural teeth, gum tissue, and supporting structures
Healthy teeth are strong enough to serve as abutment teeth for a traditional bridge, Maryland bridge, or cantilever bridge
A desire for a fixed, stable alternative to partial dentures
No active gum disease or untreated tooth decay, which must be addressed before the procedure
A fully developed jaw and no ongoing orthodontic movement that would interfere with the bridge placement

When you are looking for a reliable, long-term way to restore function and preserve the shape of your face, you may find that a bridge offers precisely what you need. If you’re unsure whether this is the best option, the team will guide you through the different types of dental bridges and help you choose the one that’s right for your smile.

What to Expect During the Dental Bridge Procedure?

Getting a dental bridge is a straightforward, well-organized process designed to restore your smile with comfort and confidence. At Camelot Dental Group, your journey begins with a detailed exam to evaluate the abutment teeth, surrounding gum tissue, and the overall condition of the remaining teeth. This helps determine which bridge type will work best for your smile. Once your treatment plan is confirmed, the procedure typically takes place over two visits.

During the first visit, the supporting teeth are reshaped to hold the new dental crowns properly. This step ensures the final restoration fits securely on both sides of the gap. Our team then takes precise impressions to guide the creation of your custom bridge. While your permanent bridge is being crafted, you’ll wear a temporary restoration to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your bite.

At the second visit, your personalized new bridge is carefully checked for fit, color, and comfort. We’ll make any necessary adjustments and confirm that your bite feels natural and balanced before cementing the bridge in place. The result is a durable dental restoration that blends beautifully with your smile and allows you to return to normal chewing and speaking right away.

How to Care for Your Dental Bridge

With proper care, your new bridge can last many years. Taking care of it is much like taking care of your natural teeth. Good oral hygiene helps maintain the adjacent teeth, protect the gum tissue, and support the overall strength of the bridge.

We may recommend:

Brushing twice a day with attention to the sides of the bridge.
Flossing with a floss threader to clean under the false tooth.
Avoiding sticky or extremely hard foods, especially right after placement.
Scheduling routine dental visits for cleanings and exams.

Keeping the area around the bridge clean prevents tooth decay, protects your abutment tooth, and ensures your restoration stays secure for years to come.

Why Choose Camelot Dental Group in Columbus, Ohio

Camelot Dental Group offers patient-centered care backed by experience, precision, and the latest in restorative dentistry. With a focus on both comfort and quality, Dr. Paul King, Dr. Chris King, and Dr. Maria Zulliger ensure every patient receives a personalized, predictable result.

Patients choose our team because we prioritize clear communication, advanced materials, and a gentle approach to every dental procedure. Whether you need a temporary bridge, a permanent bridge, or guidance on the next step in your tooth replacement journey, you’re cared for by dental professionals who understand how important your smile is. Our Columbus, OH, dental office creates a supportive atmosphere where your treatment plan, comfort, and long-term dental health are always the top priorities.

Say Good Bye to the Gap in Your Smile

Replacing a missing tooth is one of the best things you can do for your long-term oral health, confidence, and everyday comfort. A dental bridge offers a dependable, natural-looking way to restore your smile while preventing shifting teeth, bite problems, and future dental complications. At Camelot Dental Group, our experienced dentists use high-quality materials and trusted, modern techniques to give you a restoration that genuinely feels like your own.

If you’re ready to explore your options or want to learn whether a dental bridge is the best solution for you, our team is here to help guide you each step of the way. To get started, call us at 614-654-5112 to schedule an appointment!