Accepting New Patients
For Dental Bridges in Dayton, OH
At Ryan Long Dental, we know that losing a tooth affects more than just your smile. It can change how you chew, how you speak, and even how the rest of your teeth line up. That’s why we take the time to sit down with every patient and walk through their dental care options. If you’re missing one or more teeth and considering a dental bridge in Dayton, OH, Ryan Long Dental can help. We’re currently accepting new patients and would love to help you get back to a smile that feels whole again.
Why Choose Us
Why Patients Trust Us for Dental Bridges
Every Recommendation is Personalized
Before recommending any treatments, Dr. Long and Dr. Soto look at your bone health, the condition of the neighboring teeth, and what you're hoping to get out of treatment. Our team advises you on whether a bridge, implant, or other solution would work best for your situation.
Multiple Bridge Material Options
Most of our bridges are crafted from porcelain for a natural look, but we'll recommend porcelain-fused-to-metal when a longer span needs extra strength to resist fracturing. The material is chosen to fit your specific case, not a standard template.
Transparent Answers, Real Results
We believe informed patients get better outcomes. That's why we're upfront about what determines how long your dental bridge will last, and we'll give you a clear, practical plan for keeping it in great shape for years to come.
Your Bridge is Built and Placed by the Dentist
From the first appointment to the final placement, your treatment is handled personally by Dr. Long or Dr. Soto rather than passed off to support staff.
Overview
What Is a Dental Bridge, and Is It Right for You?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth (or teeth) to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Those anchor teeth are fitted with crowns, and the crowns are fused together with the replacement tooth suspended in between. You can imagine it like a small suspension bridge holding everything in place.
A bridge may be a good option if:
- You’re missing a tooth, and the teeth on either side already need crowns for other reasons
- You’d prefer to avoid the surgery, bone grafting, or healing time that can come with a dental implant
- You have an older bridge that needs replacing, but not enough bone remains to comfortably support an implant
- Cost considerations make a bridge a better fit for your budget
A bridge requires a healthy tooth on both sides of the gap for support, so it isn’t the right fit for every location in the mouth. If the tooth beside your gap is completely healthy with no fillings or prior work, we’ll often recommend an implant instead so we’re not cutting down a tooth that doesn’t need it. This kind of case-by-case evaluation is part of how we approach every patient considering dental bridges in Dayton, OH.
The Process
What to Expect at Your Dayton Dental Bridge Appointment
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Step 1: Initial Preparation
We shape and reduce the anchor teeth on either side of the gap so the crowns will fit properly. This visit also includes taking impressions and fitting you with a temporary bridge. We use a full temporary bridge rather than separate temporary crowns so nothing shifts out of place while your permanent restoration is being made. This appointment typically takes about three hours.
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Step 2: Your Bridge Is Custom-Made
Your impressions are sent to a dental lab, where your dental bridge is crafted to match the size, shape, and color of your surrounding teeth. This process usually takes two to three weeks.
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Step 3: Final Placement
During your second visit, which takes about 45 minutes, we remove the temporary bridge, check the fit of your new one, and cement it permanently in place. You'll be numbed just as you were during your first visit, so you shouldn't feel any pain.
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Step 4: A Short Adjustment Period
While the cement sets rapidly, we still recommend being cautious with eating for one or two days after placement. After that, you can go back to your normal routine.
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Step 5: Adjust Your Flossing Routine
Bridges require a small change in how you floss. Instead of going straight down between the teeth, floss needs to be threaded underneath the false tooth to prevent food debris from becoming trapped under the bridge.
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Step 6: Stay on Schedule with Cleanings and Exams
We recommend coming in twice a year so we can check the fit and condition of your bridge. Proactive, regular dental care helps prevent small issues from turning into bigger ones.
ALSO OFFERED
Additional Services
Dental Crowns
Dental Implants
Dentures & Partials
Fillings & Preventive Care
Teeth Whitening
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Extractions & Oral Surgery
Emergency Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
Reviews
What Our Patients Say
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Dayton, Ohio Dental Bridge Service
Does getting a dental bridge hurt?
No. The procedure is done with local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during either appointment. It’s normal to notice some temporary tenderness around the treated teeth for a day or two afterward. Our team will let you know what to expect and will work with you to manage any discomfort you may experience.
How long does a dental bridge last?
It varies quite a bit from patient to patient. Some bridges hold up for well over a decade, while others need attention sooner. It depends on factors like whether you grind or clench your teeth, along with how consistently the area underneath gets cleaned. We recommend getting professional cleanings and exams every six months to keep your bridge in the best possible shape.
Can I still eat normally with a bridge?
Yes. Once your bridge is placed and any initial cementing time has passed, you can eat your normal diet without restriction. The main adjustment is in how you clean around the bridge, not what you eat. We will teach you how to properly clean your bridge so you can keep your smile healthy and enjoy your favorite foods without worry.
Will a bridge or an implant be the better option for me?
It depends on your dental situation. If the teeth next to your gap already need crowns, a bridge is often the more efficient choice. If those teeth are healthy, we’ll usually recommend an implant instead so we’re not altering a tooth that doesn’t need any work. We’ll go over what makes sense for your specific case at your visit.
Can a bridge replace more than one missing tooth?
In many cases, yes. The number of teeth a bridge can replace depends on having enough healthy support from the anchor teeth on either side. We’ll evaluate your specific situation to determine what’s possible.
Do I need to change how I care for my teeth after getting a bridge?
Yes, slightly. Instead of flossing vertically like you would with untreated teeth, you’ll need to thread floss underneath the false tooth to keep that area clean. This is one of the most important habits for helping your dental bridge hold up over time. We’ll review the cleaning procedure with you and answer any questions you may have so you feel confident caring for your new bridge.
What if I have an old bridge that needs to be replaced?
We can evaluate your existing bridge and discuss whether replacing it with a new bridge or switching to an implant-supported restoration makes more sense for your current situation.
What if I don't have dental insurance?
Cost shouldn’t keep you from getting the treatment you need. Ask our team about payment options and our Smile Membership Program, which makes dental care affordable for patients without insurance coverage.
No Insurance? We Have You Covered.
We believe cost shouldn't stand between you and a healthy smile. Our Smile Membership Program gives uninsured patients access to quality dental care for a one-time annual fee — often a better value than traditional insurance plans.
Learn More About Our Membership