At Paulussen Dental, we restore more than teeth — we restore confidence, comfort, and long-term oral health. Missing teeth can change how you speak, how you eat, and even how your jaw performs. Our approach to replacing lost teeth focuses on predictable dentistry that blends durable materials, careful planning, and attention to how your smile functions within the whole mouth.
When a tooth is lost, the gap doesn’t simply sit idle — it triggers a chain reaction. Neighboring teeth can begin to tilt or drift into the empty space, gradually changing the alignment of your bite. Those shifting forces alter chewing patterns and can create pressure points that lead to premature wear on other teeth.
Beyond alignment, the lack of a root or a root-analog can cause changes in the jawbone over time. Without stimulation from chewing, bone volume can slowly diminish in the area of the missing tooth. This bone loss affects facial contours and can complicate future restorative options if left unaddressed.
Oral hygiene can become more difficult when teeth move out of their ideal positions. Crowded or tilted teeth develop tight spots that are harder to clean, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. Addressing missing teeth promptly helps protect the overall health and stability of the mouth.
Restorative dentistry today aims to replace missing teeth in ways that look natural and perform like the original tooth. Dental bridges are a reliable option when a patient seeks a fixed solution — one that doesn’t need to be removed and blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth. Materials such as high-strength ceramics and advanced porcelain give restorations lifelike translucency and durability.
Beyond aesthetics, the ideal restoration restores function. A well-designed bridge redistributes biting forces evenly across the arch, helping prevent overload of neighboring teeth. Properly designed occlusion and contouring allow for efficient chewing and help the jaw muscles work without compensatory strain.
When a bridge is supported by implants rather than natural teeth, the restoration can mimic the biomechanics of a natural tooth even more closely. Implant support preserves adjacent teeth by avoiding crown preparation and helps maintain bone by transmitting functional forces into the jaw.
Regardless of the chosen method, the best outcomes start with precise planning. Digital imaging and careful diagnostic records let us design restorations that harmonize with your bite, gum architecture, and smile line, producing results that are both functional and visually pleasing.
Dental bridges come in several forms, and the right choice depends on how many teeth are missing, the condition of adjacent teeth, and the health of the jawbone. A traditional fixed bridge uses crowns on neighboring teeth to anchor one or more pontics (replacement teeth). This approach is well-established and effective when adjacent teeth are strong and healthy.
Implant-supported bridges replace missing teeth using dental implants as anchors rather than altering adjacent natural teeth. Because implants integrate with the jawbone, they offer excellent stability and help protect bone volume. Implant-supported options are especially useful when multiple adjacent teeth are missing or when long-term preservation of surrounding structures is a priority.
Cantilever and resin-bonded (often called Maryland) bridges are additional techniques used in select situations. Cantilevers are supported on one side by an abutment tooth and can work well when space or tooth position limits more traditional designs. Resin-bonded bridges use metal or ceramic frameworks bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth and may be a conservative option for certain front-tooth needs.
Each type has its tradeoffs in terms of invasiveness, durability, and how they affect neighboring teeth. During a consultation, your dentist will review the pros and cons of each approach and recommend the option that aligns best with your oral health goals and long-term expectations.
Successful bridgework begins long before impressions or lab work — it starts with a comprehensive oral health assessment. This includes examining gum health, checking for decay in neighboring teeth, and evaluating the bone levels around the proposed restorative site. If periodontal disease is present, it must be treated first to provide a stable foundation for any bridge.
When implants are part of the plan, bone quality and quantity are critical. Some patients require bone grafting or minor augmentation procedures to create a stable base for implant placement. These preparatory steps protect the long-term success of the restoration and are planned carefully to minimize discomfort and healing time.
Your overall health and habits also play a role. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or tobacco use can affect healing and implant integration. A frank, collaborative discussion about health history, medications, and habits helps the dental team optimize the treatment plan and anticipate any necessary precautions.
The path to a finished bridge varies with the technique. For a traditional fixed bridge, treatment typically involves preparing the abutment teeth, taking detailed impressions, and placing a temporary restoration while the permanent bridge is crafted. The temporary protects the prepared teeth and maintains appearance and function until the final restoration is ready.
Implant-supported bridges involve a surgical phase followed by a healing period. After implant placement, a period of several weeks to months allows the implant to integrate with the jawbone. In many cases a temporary prosthesis provides immediate aesthetics and function while osseointegration occurs, with the definitive bridge placed once healing is complete.
After placement of the permanent bridge, there is an adjustment period while your mouth adapts. Minor sensitivity or changes in bite awareness are common and typically resolve quickly. Your dentist will ensure the restoration fits comfortably, checks bite contacts, and makes small refinements as needed.
Long-term success depends on regular care: consistent brushing and flossing, professional cleanings, and routine dental reviews. Bridges are designed to last many years, and with proper hygiene and periodic checkups, they can provide dependable function and a natural appearance well into the future.
Whether you’re considering a traditional fixed bridge or an implant-supported solution, thoughtful planning and precise execution make the difference. If you’d like to learn more about how a bridge could restore your smile, contact Paulussen Dental for additional information and guidance on the best next steps for your oral health.
Your new bridge is customized to the exact specifications of your smile. Before cementing to the underlying teeth or affixing it to the supporting implants, the shade, occlusion, and all aspects of its fit are carefully checked. In addition to being designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, it's also made to suit your bite and withstand all manner of oral function. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and that your bite feels comfortable.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment in the look, health, and function of your smile. While many dental insurances offer coverage for a dental bridge, and some toward the cost of implants, the benefits and amounts can vary significantly from plan to plan. At the office of Paulussen Dental, we understand the financial considerations involved in care and do all we can to help patients begin treatment without any additional stress or delay. In addition to doing our best to optimize your dental benefits, we also offer several payment and financing options. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions on the cost of care, dental insurances, financing plans, or acceptable forms of payment.
Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We'll show you how to floss under your dental bridge to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.
The standard answer is that with routine dental visits and good home care, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years, and in many cases, much longer.
At the office of Paulussen Dental, we fabricate your bridge from the highest quality dental materials to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing and lifelike results of care. It's also customized to the exact specifications of your smile and designed for optimal aesthetics, strength, and stability. Once fabricated and cemented into place, you'll feel confident sharing your smile, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.
As your trusted partner in care, we analyze every aspect of your smile to develop a treatment plan that provides aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and long-lasting results of care.
For more information on dental bridges, or any services we provide, give us a call today.
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth, called a pontic, to adjacent support teeth or implants. The bridge restores the visible tooth structure and helps re-establish normal chewing, speech and the symmetry of the smile. Bridges are custom designed to match surrounding teeth in shape, color and function so they integrate naturally with the rest of the mouth.
Beyond appearance, a well-designed bridge redistributes biting forces across the dental arch to reduce overload on neighboring teeth and help maintain proper jaw function. Modern materials such as high-strength ceramics and advanced porcelain provide lifelike translucency and long-term durability. At Paulussen Dental we emphasize careful planning and precision restoration to ensure the bridge performs comfortably and predicts long-term success.
Several bridge designs are used depending on clinical needs: traditional fixed bridges that use crowns on adjacent teeth, implant-supported bridges anchored to dental implants, cantilever bridges supported on one side, and resin-bonded (Maryland) bridges that use a bonded framework. Traditional bridges are well suited when adjacent teeth require crowns, while implant-supported bridges allow you to replace teeth without altering healthy neighboring teeth. Cantilever and resin-bonded options are more conservative in select situations but have specific limitations regarding strength and longevity.
Each type differs in how it transfers chewing forces to the mouth, how much tooth structure is involved and how it affects future treatment options. Implant-supported restorations preserve bone by transmitting functional forces into the jaw, but they require sufficient bone volume and a surgical phase. During a consultation your dentist will explain which design best fits your oral health, bite dynamics and long-term goals.
A good candidate for a dental bridge typically has one or more missing teeth and healthy neighboring teeth or adequate bone for implant placement, depending on the chosen design. Candidates should also have controlled periodontal health, meaning gums are free from active infection and inflammation, because stable tissues are essential for a predictable restoration. The condition of adjacent teeth, bite relationships and overall dental hygiene all factor into whether a bridge is the best solution.
Systemic health and lifestyle also influence candidacy; conditions that impair healing, such as poorly controlled diabetes or tobacco use, may require special planning or risk mitigation. A comprehensive exam, digital imaging and periodontal assessment help determine the most appropriate option for each patient. Your dentist will review these findings and recommend a personalized plan that balances function, appearance and long-term stability.
Preparing for a bridge usually begins with addressing any active dental disease, such as decay or periodontal inflammation, to create a healthy foundation for the restoration. If the plan includes implants, evaluation of bone quantity and quality is critical and some patients require bone grafting or minor augmentation to support implant placement. Treating gum disease, completing necessary restorative work and stabilizing bite issues before bridge fabrication improves outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.
You should also share your full medical history and any medications with your dental team so they can anticipate healing responses and modify the treatment plan if needed. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and following preoperative instructions—such as medication adjustments when appropriate—helps streamline the process. Detailed diagnostic records and digital imaging allow the clinical team to design a bridge that harmonizes with your bite, gum contours and smile line.
The traditional fixed bridge process typically begins with preparing the abutment teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to create space for crowns that will support the pontic. Precise impressions or digital scans capture the prepared teeth and surrounding tissues so the laboratory can craft a well-fitting bridge, while a temporary restoration protects the prepared teeth and maintains function during fabrication. The temporary helps you eat and speak normally while the final prosthesis is being made.
When the permanent bridge is ready, the dentist checks fit, occlusion and appearance, then adjusts contacts and contours as needed before cementing the restoration in place. Final adjustments ensure even bite distribution and comfortable function, and the team will review home-care techniques for cleaning around the bridge. Regular follow-up visits allow the dentist to monitor the restoration and the health of the supporting teeth and gums.
An implant-supported bridge begins with surgical placement of dental implants into the jawbone at the sites of missing teeth, followed by a healing period during which the implants integrate with bone. In many cases a temporary prosthesis restores appearance and function during osseointegration so you have usable teeth while healing occurs. Once the implants are fully integrated, abutments are attached and the definitive bridge is designed to connect precisely to those abutments.
The final restoration is secured to the implants and checked for proper fit, bite, and esthetics before being finalized. Implant-supported bridges avoid preparing adjacent healthy teeth and help preserve bone by transmitting functional forces to the jaw. Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to verify healing and long-term stability and will provide care instructions to protect both the implants and surrounding tissues.
Daily cleaning is essential to keep a bridge healthy; brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and use interdental aids such as floss threaders, super floss or interdental brushes to clean beneath pontics and around abutment teeth or implant components. Effective plaque control around the restoration reduces the risk of decay on natural abutment teeth and protects gum tissues from inflammation. Using a fluoride toothpaste and maintaining consistent home care supports the long-term health of the surrounding dentition.
Professional maintenance is equally important: regular dental checkups and cleanings allow the team to remove hardened deposits, examine the fit of the bridge and identify early signs of wear or tissue change. If you have habits such as clenching or grinding, your dentist may recommend a nightguard to protect the bridge from excessive forces. Promptly reporting any looseness, sensitivity or changes in bite helps the practice address issues before they affect the restoration’s longevity.
While bridges are a reliable solution, potential complications can include sensitivity of prepared abutment teeth, decay at the margins if oral hygiene is inadequate, and gum irritation around the restoration. Over time, wear or changes in the supporting teeth and tissues can alter the fit, which is why periodic evaluation is important. In rare cases a bridge may fail due to fracture of the restoration or breakdown of the supporting teeth.
For implant-supported bridges, additional risks relate to the surgical phase, such as infection, delayed healing or failure of the implant to integrate with the bone. Careful treatment planning, thorough diagnostic imaging and attention to systemic health reduce these risks significantly. Your dentist will explain anticipated complications, how they are managed, and the steps taken to minimize the likelihood of problems before treatment begins.
The lifespan of a dental bridge varies with the type of restoration, materials used, the health of supporting teeth or implants, and how well a patient maintains oral hygiene. With good home care and regular professional maintenance many bridges provide dependable service for many years; implant-supported solutions often offer enhanced longevity because they avoid stressing adjacent natural teeth. Factors such as bruxism, poor oral hygiene, recurrent decay or untreated gum disease can shorten a restoration’s functional life.
Routine dental visits allow the team to monitor the condition of the bridge, check for changes in the bite and address early signs of wear or tissue changes that could compromise the restoration. If problems arise, timely intervention—such as repairing damaged porcelain, adjusting occlusion or treating underlying periodontal issues—can often extend the bridge’s serviceability. At Paulussen Dental we emphasize preventive care and regular reviews to help protect your investment in restorative treatment.
Choosing between a traditional bridge and a dental implant depends on clinical factors including the condition of adjacent teeth, available bone, overall oral health and the patient’s long-term goals for function and preservation of natural tooth structure. If neighboring teeth are healthy and you prefer a solution that avoids surgery, a traditional bridge may be appropriate; if you want to avoid altering adjacent teeth and preserve bone, implant-supported options are often preferable. The decision also considers treatment timeline, surgical considerations and the anticipated longevity of each option.
A thorough consultation with clinical examination and digital imaging is essential to compare options objectively and determine the best path forward. Your dentist will review the benefits and considerations of each approach, explain any preparatory procedures that may be needed and outline the sequence of care. If you would like a personalized evaluation, our Hackettstown office can arrange diagnostic imaging and a detailed treatment discussion to help you make an informed decision.
