Replace missing teeth with dental bridges in Chesterland, OH – a guide to your options

Tooth loss does not have to be a part of the aging process. Led by Dr. Brianne (“Dr. Bri”) Fratantonio, Chesterland Family Dental Care works with patients to prevent tooth loss with consistent oral hygiene, at home and via cleanings at our office. Should dental damage not be resolved successfully with root canal therapy, we can still help you maintain a complete smile and the self-confidence that goes hand in hand with it!

Dental Bridges in Chesterland, OH

Our patients love that they have options to rebuild their healthy, stunning smiles. In partnership with you, we may arrive at “conventional” dental bridges to replace a single missing tooth or several missing teeth. Likewise, you may prefer to replace a single tooth or many teeth with an implant supported bridge.

Conventional bridges

A dental bridge is not complete without at least one replacement tooth, or pontic, and at least two abutments. The abutments are the teeth on each side of the gap left by the missing tooth. They support the pontic. To provide adequate strength, these abutment teeth must be crowned. A small amount of natural tooth structure is removed to make room for the crowns. The pontic and two crowns are then fused together as a single piece. This piece is then cemented to the abutment teeth. Once the crowns are fixed to the natural prepared teeth, the pontic fills in or “bridges” the gap between the teeth. We can demonstrate ways to clean well underneath the bridge. We can also suggest products, such as floss threaders, that make this process as easy and effective as possible.

These bridges generally require at least some, remaining healthy teeth to support the pontic(s). We make the bridges from a quality, lifelike materials. So, they are an appropriate option for patients that are missing their front teeth. In that case, two pontics would be needed to replace the central incisors. Two crowns would be placed over the lateral incisors (or abutment teeth).

Implant-retained bridges

Traditional bridges rely on neighboring, crowned teeth for their stability; however, Chesterland Family Dental Care also offers bridges that may be supported with dental implants. Shaped like a cylinder from biocompatible materials, the implant is placed in the jawbone to function like a natural tooth root. The implant naturally fuses to the surrounding bone. So, it effectively becomes a part of your jaw. Once the implant is fully “osseointegrated” into your mouth, the bridge is placed on top and connected to the implant with specialized components (also called “abutments”). Strategically placed implants may be used to replace a single tooth, many teeth, or an entire mouthful of missing teeth.

Learn more about Dental Bridges and other advanced dental care technologies

Call (440) 491-4001 to schedule an appointment

Since these bridges are designed like natural teeth, your underlying bone stays strong. They may also be cleaned like natural teeth, no special tools or care required. Appropriate candidates do need to have sufficient bone to support the implant. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best option to rebuild your smile. Call (440) 491-4001 to schedule an appointment at our Chesterland, OH office, also serving communities in and around Hunting Valley, Gates Mills, Chardon, Munson, Kirtland, Russell, Chagrin Falls, Novelty, and Mayfield.

FAQ

A bridge is used to “bridge” a gap between two or more missing teeth and is supported on either side by two or more dental crowns.

Individuals with insufficient jawbone support for dental implants may benefit from an implant-retained bridge. An implant-retained bridge will distribute the pressure evenly if you grind or clench your teeth.

An implant-retained bridge is less intrusive than other solutions since it does not need us to modify the structure or enamel of any adjacent natural teeth. You’ll be able to eat and talk as usual while enhancing the beauty and health of your smile.

Brianne R. Fratantonio, MA, DMD
Nicholas R. Fratantonio, DDS, FAGD
Daniela Diaz, DMD
Trudy Amstadt, DDS

Brianne R. Fratantonio, MA, DMD, earned her dental degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and her Bachelor of Science and Masters in Biology from John Carroll University. She is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Ohio Dental Association (ODA), American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Straight Wire Orthodontic Studies, Engel Institute of Dental Implants, and Dental XP Externship. She is passionate about providing general dentistry services and building lasting patient relationships.

Nicholas R. Fratantonio, DDS, FAGD, received his postgraduate training at Case Western Reserve University Dental School. He is a member of the ADA, ODA, Northeast Ohio Dental Society, International Association of Orthodontics, American Orthodontic Society, American Association of Functional Orthodontics, and International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics, a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and a Past President of the Northeastern Ohio Neuromuscular Study Club.

Daniela Diaz, DMD, earned her doctorate from Case Western Reserve University and took part in an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship at MetroHealth Medical Center. She keeps updated with the latest technologies and follows various continuing education courses to expand her skills. Dr. Diaz is a member of the ADA, ODA, American Association for Women Dentists, Hispanic Dental Association, and Greater Cleveland Dental Society (GCDS).

Trudy Amstadt, DDS, is a graduate of the School of Dental Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. She has followed advanced courses in cosmetic dentistry, dentures, crowns and bridges, occlusion, and neuromuscular dentistry. She has memberships with the American Dental Society, ODA, GCDS0, and various study clubs.