What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dentist Grants Pass
A dental bridge is a custom prosthetic used to replace one or more missing teeth, restoring both aesthetics and oral function. The bridge works by anchoring an artificial tooth (or teeth) to the neighboring natural teeth or implants, which are fitted with crowns for support. This helps restore your ability to chew and speak clearly while maintaining proper bite alignment. Filling the space left by missing teeth also prevents surrounding teeth from shifting, which can otherwise lead to misalignment and jaw discomfort.
Each bridge is carefully designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth for a seamless look. Crafted from durable materials such as porcelain or zirconia, dental bridges are strong enough to withstand everyday wear and tear while maintaining a lifelike appearance. With proper hygiene and regular dental visits, a well-maintained bridge can last many years. This reliable restorative option helps patients regain full function, confidence in their smile, and long-term stability. Bridges not only improve your appearance, they also play a vital role in maintaining a healthy, balanced bite.
Why Trust Dr. Niklaus Spendlove?
Dentist Grants Pass
Dr. Niklaus Spendlove offers extensive experience in restorative dentistry, including the precise planning and placement of dental bridges. His process begins with a detailed evaluation of your dental health, bite alignment, and smile goals to ensure your bridge fits precisely and functions naturally. Known for his commitment to quality, he uses advanced techniques and trusted materials to create restorations that are both strong and aesthetically pleasing.
Patients benefit from Dr. Spendlove’s personalized approach, where comfort, communication, and clinical precision go hand-in-hand. He takes time to explain treatment options clearly and ensure every step, from tooth preparation to final placement, is handled with care and accuracy. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, he designs each bridge to blend beautifully with your existing teeth while restoring proper chewing ability and bite stability. His attention to fine detail and long-term results means you’ll receive a solution that looks great, feels comfortable, and supports your oral health for years to come.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dentist Grants Pass
Restored Functionality
Dental bridges replace missing teeth, restoring your ability to chew properly and speak clearly. This contributes to improved nutrition, better oral health, and a more natural bite, all of which support everyday comfort and confidence.
Preventive Care
Bridges prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space, which protects your bite alignment and reduces the risk of future dental complications. They help maintain a stable and functional smile long after tooth loss occurs.
Aesthetic Enhancement
Each bridge is custom-designed to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, creating a cohesive, natural-looking smile. The result is an enhanced appearance that helps you smile more confidently in every situation.
What Our Patients Have to Say
Reported Survival of Tooth-Supported and Implant-Supported Dental Bridges
Tooth-Supported Bridges at 5 Years
93.8
Tooth-Supported Bridges at 10 Years
89.2
Implant-Supported Bridges at 5 Years
95.2
Implant-Supported Bridges at 10 Years
86.7
Tooth-Supported Bridge Patients Without Reported Complications at 5 Years
84.3
Implant-Supported Bridge Patients Without Reported Complications at 5 Years
61.3
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| Dental Bridge Finding | Percentage | What the Data Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth-supported bridge survival at 5 years | 93.8% | A systematic review estimated that 93.8% of conventional tooth-supported fixed dental bridges remained in service after five years. |
| Tooth-supported bridge survival at 10 years | 89.2% | The estimated survival rate for conventional tooth-supported bridges was 89.2% after 10 years. |
| Implant-supported bridge survival at 5 years | 95.2% | Implant-supported fixed dental bridges had an estimated five-year survival rate of 95.2%. |
| Implant-supported bridge survival at 10 years | 86.7% | The estimated survival rate for implant-supported bridges was 86.7% after 10 years of function. |
| Tooth-supported bridge patients without complications at 5 years | 84.3% | Because 15.7% of patients with conventional bridges experienced a complication, 84.3% had no reported complication during the five-year period. |
| Implant-supported bridge patients without complications at 5 years | 61.3% | Because 38.7% of patients with implant-supported bridges experienced a complication, 61.3% had no reported complication during the five-year period. |
Sources: Pjetursson BE, Brägger U, Lang NP, Zwahlen M. “Comparison of Survival and Complication Rates of Tooth-Supported Fixed Dental Prostheses and Implant-Supported Fixed Dental Prostheses and Single Crowns.” Clinical Oral Implants Research. 2007;18 Suppl 3:97-113.
What Grants Pass Patients Should Know About Dental Bridges
Dental bridges replace missing teeth
A bridge uses one or more artificial teeth to fill a gap and restore a continuous biting surface.
Different support options are available
Depending on the patient’s oral health, a bridge may be supported by prepared natural teeth or dental implants.
Supporting teeth require careful evaluation
Dr. Spendlove examines the strength, existing restorations, gum support, and position of neighboring teeth before recommending a tooth-supported bridge.
Bridge design affects daily cleaning
Patients must clean beneath the replacement tooth and around each supporting crown or implant to control plaque and protect the supporting structures.
A bridge can improve oral function
Replacing a missing tooth may make chewing easier, support clearer speech, and help distribute biting forces across the dental arch.
Ongoing examinations protect the restoration
Routine visits allow the dental team to check the bridge, supporting teeth or implants, crown margins, gums, and bite for changes.
Read Our 5-Star Reviews
Dentist Grants Pass
“When a patient is missing a tooth, I evaluate the surrounding teeth, gums, bone support, and bite before recommending a dental bridge. My goal is to create a restoration that feels comfortable, supports normal chewing, and fits naturally with the patient’s existing teeth.”
Dr. Niklaus Spendlove
Questions Grants Pass Dental Patients Ask
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. The replacement tooth or teeth are connected to crowns placed on neighboring teeth or attached to dental implants.
Who may be a candidate for a dental bridge?
A patient may be a candidate when one or more teeth are missing and the surrounding teeth, gums, and bone can support the planned restoration. Dr. Spendlove evaluates these factors before recommending treatment.
What is the difference between a tooth-supported bridge and an implant-supported bridge?
A tooth-supported bridge is anchored to crowns placed over neighboring natural teeth. An implant-supported bridge connects to dental implants placed in the jawbone and does not depend on adjacent natural teeth for support.
How long can a dental bridge last?
Bridge longevity depends on its design, supporting structures, bite forces, oral hygiene, and regular dental care. Clinical evidence reports strong five-year and 10-year survival for both conventional tooth-supported and implant-supported bridges.
How does a patient clean beneath a dental bridge?
A patient must clean under the replacement tooth using floss threaders, specialized floss, interdental brushes, or another method recommended by the dental team. Regular brushing and professional cleanings are also important.
Can a dental bridge be repaired if it becomes loose or damaged?
The appropriate treatment depends on the cause and extent of the problem. Dr. Spendlove examines the bridge and its supporting teeth or implants to determine whether it can be recemented or repaired, or whether replacement is necessary.