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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Dental Bridges in Jarvis
A fixed bridge can fill the gap left by a missing tooth. Jarvis patients can learn at our Port Dover office how bridges compare with implants and what upkeep is involved.
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Seeing Jarvis patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Jarvis patientsClosing the gap
A bridge relies on the teeth beside the space.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with an artificial tooth held in place by crowns on the neighbouring teeth. Once cemented, it does not come out. Bridges can restore chewing, help keep nearby teeth from drifting and improve the look of a smile, but they also place demands on the supporting teeth.
If you live in Jarvis and are missing a tooth, our Port Dover office can assess whether a bridge is a good option for you. The dentist will compare it with alternatives and explain what is involved.
Why replace it
A gap can affect more than appearance.
What happens after a tooth is lost
When a tooth is missing, nearby teeth may tilt into the space and the opposing tooth may drift. Chewing can become uneven and food may trap in awkward places. These changes happen gradually and vary between people. Replacing the tooth can help maintain the position of surrounding teeth and the function of your bite.
Timing after an extraction
If a tooth was recently removed, the gum and bone need time to heal before a permanent bridge is made. A temporary option may be available in visible areas. Ask the dentist about the expected healing time and what to do in the meantime so the space is managed appropriately.
Compare choices
Look at each option on its own merits.
Advantages of a bridge
A bridge is fixed, does not require surgery and can usually be completed in a few visits. It can feel natural to chew with. If the neighbouring teeth already have large fillings or need crowns, a bridge can serve two purposes at once by restoring them while replacing the missing tooth.
Implants and partial dentures
Bridges require reshaping healthy neighbouring teeth, which is a trade-off if those teeth are intact. An implant replaces the tooth without involving neighbours but involves surgery and healing time. A partial denture is removable and less costly. The dentist will explain the pros and cons for your situation.
Getting the bridge
Treatment typically spans two main appointments.
Preparation and impressions
At the first visit, the supporting teeth are numbed and reshaped to make room for crowns. Impressions or scans are taken, and a shade is selected. A temporary bridge is usually placed to protect the prepared teeth. Be gentle with it, avoid sticky foods and call the office if it comes loose.
Fitting the final bridge
When the permanent bridge is ready, the temporary is removed, and the new bridge is checked for fit, bite and appearance before being cemented. The dentist may make small adjustments so it feels comfortable. You will be shown how to clean underneath the replacement tooth before you leave.
Bridge care
The supporting teeth need extra attention.
Cleaning under the bridge
Food and plaque can collect under the false tooth. Use a floss threader, special floss or interdental brushes to clean beneath it every day. Brush around the crowns carefully at the gumline. The hygienist can show you techniques and suggest tools that make cleaning easier for your particular bridge.
Monitoring supporting teeth
Decay or gum disease around the supporting teeth is a common reason bridges fail. Regular checkups and cleanings allow early problems to be found. If you notice bleeding, a bad taste, looseness or pain around the bridge, contact the office for an assessment.
Planning your appointment
Discussing a bridge from Jarvis
Call our Port Dover office to book an assessment for a missing tooth. Let us know how long the tooth has been missing and whether you have considered other options.
Bring any X-rays or treatment notes from previous dentists, especially if the tooth was removed elsewhere.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Dental bridge questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
How long does a dental bridge last?
Many bridges last for years with good home care and regular checkups. Their lifespan depends on the health of the supporting teeth, your bite and hygiene habits.
Does getting a bridge hurt?
The teeth are numbed during preparation. Some sensitivity or gum tenderness afterward is common for a short time. If discomfort persists or the bite feels uneven, contact the office.
Is an implant better than a bridge?
Neither is better for everyone. Implants avoid reshaping neighbouring teeth but involve surgery. Bridges can be quicker and suit cases where neighbours need crowns anyway. The dentist will compare them for you.
Can I eat normally with a bridge?
Most people return to a normal diet once the bridge is placed. Avoid very hard or sticky foods that could stress it, and keep up daily cleaning underneath the replacement tooth.
What if a supporting tooth gets a cavity?
Decay around a bridge needs prompt attention. Depending on its extent, it may be repaired or the bridge may need replacement. Regular checkups help catch problems early.
Other ways to replace teeth
General Dentistry →Dental Implants →
Implants replace missing teeth with a post anchored in the jaw. Jarvis patients can learn how candidacy, healing time and long-term care are assessed before deciding.
Dentures →
Removable dentures can restore chewing and appearance after tooth loss. Jarvis patients can see how fit is assessed, what adapting takes and how to care for dentures.