Filling the Gap From a Missing Tooth
Losing a tooth changes more than your smile. The teeth on either side can start to lean into the empty space over time, and the tooth above or below it has nothing to bite against. Chewing on that side often feels different too.
A bridge is one of the most familiar ways to close that gap. It is fixed in place, so you don't take it out at night, and it is shaped and shaded to blend in with the teeth around it.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge has two parts. The replacement tooth in the middle is called a pontic. On each side, crowns hold it in place. Those crowns can sit on your own natural teeth, on dental implants, or on one of each.
When natural teeth are used, they have to be shaped so the crowns fit over them. That is the trade-off with a traditional bridge, and it is something Dr. Kaceli weighs carefully.
Bridge, Implant or Partial Denture?
Dr. Kaceli puts a lot of weight on keeping healthy tooth structure. If the teeth next to your gap are strong and untouched, shaping them for a bridge means removing enamel that would otherwise stay put. In that case she may talk with you about a dental implant, which replaces the tooth without involving its neighbors.
If those neighboring teeth already have large fillings or crowns, a bridge can protect them and replace the missing tooth at the same time. A partial denture is another option when several teeth are missing in different spots.
She will go through each choice with you, including timeline and cost, and help you settle on what fits your goals.
Getting a Bridge at Our Newton Office
- Exam and X-raysDr. Kaceli checks the gap, the supporting teeth and your gums to confirm a bridge is a good fit.
- Preparing the supporting teethWith the area numbed, she shapes the teeth on either side of the gap so crowns can fit over them.
- ImpressionsImpressions of your teeth are used to make a bridge that matches your bite.
- Fitting the bridgeDr. Kaceli checks the fit, bite and shade, makes any adjustments, and bonds the bridge in place.
Dr. Kaceli will tell you at the start how many visits your bridge needs.
Caring for a Bridge
Food can collect under the replacement tooth, so cleaning there matters. A floss threader or water flosser helps you reach under the bridge. Brush twice a day and keep up with your professional cleanings so the supporting teeth and gums stay healthy.
Why Choose Kaceli Dental Studio in Newton?
Choosing between a bridge and an implant often comes down to cost and timing. Amy Orsini, our Newton front desk coordinator, prepares pretreatment estimates and answers insurance benefit questions so you can compare options with real numbers.
If implants are on the table, periodontist Dr. Milagros Serrano, DDS, is part of our team. We see patients from Newton Centre, Wellesley, Needham, Brookline and Dedham at 1400 Centre St.
