Discover If a Bridge Is Right for Your Smile at Our Dentist Office
Missing teeth can deeply impact your self-confidence and your ability to comfortably chew your favorite meals. When looking for reliable replacement options, a customized dental bridge is often a premier choice for restoring both function and aesthetics. Sheldon & Furtado, PLLC has proudly served Melbourne and Brevard County since 1980, providing top-tier restorative care in a welcoming, anxiety-free environment. Led by Dr. Lee Sheldon, Dr. Matt Sheldon, and board-certified periodontist Dr. Michel Furtado, our team combines decades of clinical expertise with advanced technology. Voted Best of Brevard for the eleventh year, our dentist’s office near you has the specialized skills required to evaluate your unique oral anatomy and find the perfect replacement solution.
While a dental bridge is a fantastic option for many individuals, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. A thorough, high-tech evaluation is absolutely necessary to ensure the long-term success of the restoration. If you are missing one or more teeth and want to know your options, call our friendly Melbourne dental team today at (321) 259-8000 to schedule your comprehensive consultation.
Key Indicators of a Great Dental Bridge Candidate
The primary requirement for Dental Bridges is having a gap left by one to three consecutive missing teeth. Because this specific restoration relies entirely on the adjacent natural teeth (known as abutments) for support, the condition of your surrounding oral structures dictates whether a bridge will be clinically successful. Our dentist office utilizes advanced 3D imaging technology to evaluate your jaw, roots, and bite alignment with absolute precision before making a recommendation.
You are likely an excellent candidate for this restorative procedure if you meet the following criteria:
- You have healthy, structurally sound natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth gap.
- You practice excellent daily oral hygiene to prevent future decay around the restoration.
- You are looking for a permanent, fixed solution rather than relying on removable Dentures.
- You want a faster restoration process that does not require months of healing or oral surgery.
The Importance of Strong Abutment Teeth
Unlike independent tooth replacements, a traditional bridge uses the natural teeth adjacent to the gap as structural anchors. To hold the bridge securely in place, these abutment teeth must be gently modified and shaped to accommodate custom Porcelain Crowns. Therefore, these anchor teeth must have exceptionally strong roots and sufficient healthy enamel to support the heavy, daily load of biting and chewing.
If the adjacent teeth are heavily decayed, structurally compromised, or loose, they will not be able to bear the weight of a bridge over time. During your thorough evaluation, our doctors will assess the core strength of these teeth to ensure they can provide a reliable foundation for your new smile. To schedule your structural evaluation, reach out to Sheldon & Furtado, PLLC by calling (321) 259-8000.
Evaluating Your Periodontal Health
Healthy, disease-free gums are just as important as healthy teeth when it comes to successful restorative dentistry. If you are suffering from active gum disease, the tissues supporting your abutment teeth may be significantly weakened, which can eventually compromise the entire dental bridge. Because Dr. Michel Furtado is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, our dentist office provides specialized, expert insight into your periodontal health before any restorative work begins.
If our team detects signs of infection or inflammation, we can provide advanced, non-surgical Periodontal Treatment using the Perioscope to fully restore your gum health first. Establishing a solid, disease-free foundation ensures that your new bridge will last for years to come without complications. Do not let gum issues hold you back from a complete smile; call us at (321) 259-8000 to discuss your periodontal and restorative needs.
When Might Dental Implants Be a Better Choice?
While bridges are an excellent, rapid solution for tooth loss, some patients may find that Dental Implants are better suited to their long-term clinical needs. If you do not have healthy teeth on either side of the gap, or if you simply prefer not to alter your natural adjacent teeth, an implant is likely the preferred alternative. Implants function entirely independently, mimicking a natural tooth root to actively preserve your jawbone density and facial structure over time.
Additionally, if you are missing multiple teeth across a very large span, a traditional bridge may not offer enough stability and could eventually fracture. In these more complex cases, our doctors may strongly recommend an implant-supported bridge or Solid Bite℠ Teeth Replacement to fully restore your bite. To compare all your replacement options with skilled professionals, call our team at (321) 259-8000.