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Dental Bridges

Are missing teeth making it difficult for you to eat and speak?

A dental bridge can improve your oral health by replacing up to four consecutive missing teeth and keeping your remaining teeth aligned.

Berger Dental Group in Columbia, SC has extensive experience in providing natural-looking solutions such as dental bridges.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restoration that spans the gap left by one or more missing teeth, restoring your smile and giving you back a functional bite. Each replacement tooth within a bridge is called a pontic.

Bridges can be held in place either by cementing crowns to nearby teeth or with dental implants, which are small posts inserted into the jaw. In the case of implant-supported bridges, the implants not only support the bridge but they also stimulate rejuvenating bone growth in the jaw, preventing atrophy. Implants are the preferred method for supporting a bridge because they avoid the need to alter and crown nearby healthy teeth.

The type of bridge, the number of pontics needed, and the materials used to create the bridge will vary based on the patient’s unique dental needs and preferences. This will be determined after a full dental exam.

With a traditional bridge, nearby healthy teeth are reshaped so that crowns supporting the bridge can be attached. A traditional bridge can be used if you are missing one tooth or up to four in a row.

What are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?

Restores the Ability to Properly Speak and Chew

A missing tooth can create a host of dental issues, including problems eating and speaking. When the dental bridge is placed and the gap filled, your ability to properly speak and chew will be restored.

Helps to Prevent Other Teeth from Shifting

When a tooth is missing, it creates a space along the gums for the other teeth in the mouth to shift. This can cause other problems and further alter your bite. A bridge will fill the gap caused by the missing tooth and stabilize the surrounding teeth to prevent shifting.

Implants Maintain the Structure of Your Jaw

By filling in the gap a missing tooth creates, implant-supported dental bridges prevent further deterioration of the jaw and help to prevent future issues such as TMJ, which can be caused by an unbalanced bite. Dr. Robert Berger, who has been placing implants since 1989 and is a fellow in the International Congress of Implantology, is a master of implant dentistry.

Is a Dental Bridge Right For Me? Contact Us Today to Learn More

At Berger Dental Group, we understand the pain and frustration caused by missing teeth. We have the tools and training to help you move forward and smile confidently again.

Learn whether a dental bridge is the right choice for your dental needs. If you have questions, leave us a message or call:

(803) 787-9793


Our office is located in Columbia, SC

5-Star Reviews For Our Columbia Office

1

Dan Simmons

2020

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These dental professionals are top notch. Let me start by saying that the office is clean environment. The staff treats you with dignity and respect. The dental professionals are just that...professional in every way. They talk to you as if you're family and make you feel so at ease in every way. Dr. Berger is one of the best dentist that I've ever had in my lifetime. I was referred to the Berger Dental Group by the VA and am I glad! Thanks to all of you and I am definitely referring everyone that I know to Berger.

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1

Erinn Drake

2018

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I have to agree with many of the reviews here...this place is great. They do a great job, but they are all so friendly and will talk to you and actually be interested in talking to you. And yes, the staff are like a family as someone else mentioned. It is pretty cool. It seems like it would be a great place to work. The techs and dentists also remember me, though I only recently became a patient of theirs. I definitely recommend these guys.

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How is a Dental Bridge Placed?

Multiple visits are often required to place a dental bridge. The number of visits and duration of your treatment will depend on your dental requirements. During a consultation, one of our skilled dentists will assess your mouth and then recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our dentists take the time to explain your choices thoroughly so you feel confident in your dental care.

First Appointment

If you have opted for a traditional dental bridge, the anchor teeth, often called abutment teeth, are prepared. Portions of the enamel are removed so that a crown can be placed over each anchoring tooth. If you choose an implant-supported bridge, the implants will be surgically placed, without disturbing neighboring teeth. The jaw will need about three to six months to allow bone to grow around the implants and secure them in place so they can support the bridge.

Impressions 

In order to design your bridge, we will take impressions of your bite so that we can craft the bridge, crowns, and pontics. In most cases, we will create a temporary bridge to wear until your permanent bridge is ready.  

Permanent Bridge Placement

When the permanent bridge is ready, we will place it during another appointment. Our dentists will test fit the bridge to ensure the bridge and your bite is comfortable. When the fit is confirmed, the bridge is permanently cemented into place.  

Do You Have Questions?

Does the Dental Bridge
Procedure Hurt?

A local anesthetic is used so that you will not feel any pain during treatment. Our dentistry practice also offers oral conscious sedation and IV sedation for patients who prefer deeper relaxation.

There may be some tooth or gum sensitivity after crowning the support teeth. Dental implant placement is followed by a period of swelling and easily controlled discomfort. Our skilled dentists and team will work with you to ensure that pain is controlled and subsides quickly.

Your needs will be discussed during the initial exam. Both Dr. Robert Berger is certified in IV sedation, which makes surgical procedures quite painless.

If you experience lasting pain, it is important to inform your dentist so they can ensure the bridge is fitting properly and that there are no other issues.

How Long Will a Dental Bridge Last?

With proper care, including regular checkups from a dentist, a dental bridge can last a decade or longer. Dental bridges can be created with materials such as porcelain, gold, or other materials. Porcelain is often chosen as it can be matched with your natural teeth, but all options are designed to last.

What is the Cost of a Dental Bridge?

Because each patient’s dental needs are different, the cost will vary. At Berger Dental Group in Columbia we offer multiple payment options to fit your budget. Patients can pay as the work progresses versus paying all the costs upfront, and we estimate the full fee, giving patients more financial transparency. 

We also accept CareCredit® for more financing options.

More 5-Star Reviews

1

Richard

2020

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I was referred to Dr. Berger from the VA. It is definitely a family at this clinic! I received top notch care from Dr. Berger (The Big Guy) and Jesse. Everyone was always super friendly; a real down to earth office. Keep doing what you do Sir!

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1

Celina Scarborough

2017

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This is hands down THE best dentist office I’ve been to. The receptionist are always friendly and welcoming. The techs do everything to make you feel comfortable. Dr. Berger and Dr. Pincello are the best! They answer any questions I have and make sure all my needs are met. The whole staff is like a family and it makes you feel comfortable and at home. I love this place!

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Berger Dental Group dentists

Berger Dental Group

Berger Dental Group has been serving the community for over 50 years. Our dentists work hard to provide advanced dental procedures at affordable rates, and we offer sedation dentistry to help patients feel comfortable from start to finish. We are members of many notable organizations, including: 

  • American Dental Association
  • South Carolina Dental Association
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • American Academy of General Dentistry

Schedule a consultation today by requesting an appointment online or calling our Columbia office at (803) 787-9793.

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