Smiling woman on phone after dental bridge placement

Dental Bridges

If you have missing teeth, you may have trouble with simple tasks like eating, speaking, and smiling.  Dr. David J. Tasch and Dr. Mike Meek can replace your missing teeth and improve your quality of life with a natural-looking dental bridge. Learn how our Austin, TX, dental practice can use the latest in dental bridge technology to transform your smile.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are designed to replace one to three missing teeth. A traditional bridge consists of pontics (artificial replacement teeth) held in place by crowns attached to the abutment teeth (the natural teeth on either side of the gap). Bridges can also be supported by dental implants.

A Smile Transformation With a Traditional Dental Bridge

Before Dental Bridge
After Bridge
A traditional bridge restored this patient's smile and oral health. Their two front teeth were lost due to periodontal disease, and the subsequent bone loss did not make them a candidate for dental implants. The team at our Austin, TX, dental office used a six-unit fixed bridge to address the loss of each tooth. They prepared the two surrounding teeth for dental crown placement to hold the pontics. Once the bridge was in place, this patient had a healthier, natural-looking smile. 

Superior Restorative Dentistry The 38th Street Dental Approach

Restorative dentistry can be complicated, so it is important to seek treatment from skilled, detail-oriented professionals. Drs. Tasch and Meek are known for their exceptional level of high-quality care. If you are ready to stop suffering with an incomplete smile, contact our Austin, TX, practice today. You can request a one-on-one consultation with our dentists by sending us a message online, or by calling:

(512) 458-6222

Dr. Tasch and Dr. Meek
38th Street Dental merges the best aspects of modern dentistry with tried and true techniques to produce beautiful, long-lasting restorations.

 
1

Gwen Phone

Austin, TX

2023

Google logo

38th Street Dental is the best! Dr. Meek and staff always make you feel welcome. They don't treat you like the typical no-name patient; they treat you like one of their own and make you feel special! They have state of the art equipment which makes treatment plans spot-on and more efficient and effective... I highly recommend 38th Street Dental... Great Job Dr. Meek and Team!

View on Google
1

Ashley Bush

Austin, TX

2023

Google logo

I was recommended this office by a coworker. I was so nervous because I don’t like the dentist and I had not had a cleaning in a while. From the front office staff to the hygienists to my dentist I felt a very warm welcome! Regina gave me the best cleaning I’ve ever had! The whole experience was pain free and all of my questions were answered. If you have dentist anxiety this is the place for you, trust me! :)

View on Google

Why Visit Us for Your Dental Bridge Placement?

Advanced Technology

Our Austin, TX, office strives to stay on the cutting edge of dental technology to provide the best outcomes. Our 3D computed tomography (CT) scanning technology allows us to get precise images of your teeth, soft tissues, and nerves in a single scan. These images are much more detailed than a traditional X-ray. We use the highest quality materials to create dental crowns, bridges, and dentures that seamlessly blend with your smile.

Our Dentists

Both our dentists pride themselves on providing the most advanced treatments to help you achieve your oral health and cosmetic goals. They use their experience and state-of-the-art tools to enhance and restore your smile's look, health, and function. In addition to providing high-quality treatments, Dr. Meek and Dr. Tasch care about their patients and their oral health goals. They take the time to understand your concerns to help create your dream smile.

Customized Treatments

We offer multiple treatment options to get your smile looking and functioning at its best. Our dentists can create a customized treatment plan to address every oral health or cosmetic concern. We offer traditional and advanced implant-supported restorations to replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth. Our dentists will consider your oral health and cosmetic goals to determine which dental bridge option will achieve the best results.

Dental Bridge Candidacy

During your consultation at our Austin office, we will assess several factors to help determine the type of bridge that's right for you:

Extent of Tooth Loss

First, we will talk about options for the number of teeth you are missing. If you have more than three missing teeth, a partial denture may be a better form of treatment. If you have one missing tooth, we may recommend an implant-supported crown rather than a traditional bridge.

Abutment Teeth

Next, our dentist will assess the condition of your natural teeth. The teeth on either side of the gap in your smile need to be strong enough to support a traditional bridge. If these teeth are severely compromised, we may suggest extractions and an implant-supported partial denture instead.

Jawbone Density

Implant-supported bridges require a strong, healthy jawbone to be successful.  If you have suffered jaw recession due to long-term tooth loss, you may be better suited for a traditional bridge than dental implants. However, it may be possible to restore your candidacy with bone grafting, which we can coordinate with an oral surgeon. It is important to note that even traditional bridges can require bone grafting if the bone recession is advanced.

Overall Health

Implants involve a surgical procedure. If you smoke or suffer from conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, you may be at an increased risk for complications during treatment. Our dentists will review your medical history so we can determine if an implant-supported or traditional bridge will be right for you.

Find Out If You're a Candidate Contact Our Austin, TX, Practice

When left untreated, a missing tooth can lead to multiple oral health issues and decreased functionality of your teeth and jaw. Our dentists can assess your oral health needs and goals to determine if you're a dental bridge candidate during your consultation. The quicker a missing tooth is addressed, the less damage it can cause.

Don't wait for your oral health to worsen if you're missing a tooth or multiple teeth. Contact our Austin, TX, practice today to request your dental bridge consultation.

(512) 458-6222

1

M. Manley

Austin, TX

2023

Google logo

Everyone at 38th Street is so professional and kind. They always listen to my concerns, and give me the BEST treatment plan, that I can afford.

View on Google
1

Donna Baldinell

Austin, TX

2022

Google logo

I received fantastic care from the first contact by phone, and then from moment I walked in through the door until I left... I received wonderful care and attention throughout my visit. 5++stars

View on Google

Placing a Traditional Dental Bridge

Here's what to expect when receiving a bridge at our practice:

Our bridges are handcrafted from premium materials to mimic the color and shape of your natural teeth.
Our bridges are handcrafted from premium materials to mimic the color and shape of your natural teeth.

Tooth Prep

Dr. Meek or Dr. Tasch begin your treatment by preparing your natural teeth. After administering local anesthesia to prevent you from feeling any pain, we will remove some of the surface enamel to reshape the abutment teeth. If you are particularly nervous or sensitive about dental treatment, we can provide sedation to ensure your comfort. 

Impressions

After we contour the abutment teeth in preparation for crowns, we will take impressions of your smile. The impressions are sent to our trusted lab and used to create the permanent crowns and pontics. In the meantime, our dentists will place a temporary bridge to protect your teeth while the prosthetic is being prepared.

Placement

In two to three weeks your dental bridge will be ready, and you can return for your final appointment at our Austin office. Our dentists will remove the temporary bridge and inspect the appearance and fit of the permanent version. After making any necessary adjustments, we apply dental cement to the enamel of the abutment teeth and attach the crowns. The adhesive is cured under a special light, fixing the dental bridge in place. 

Excellent Results Using Dental Implants

Before an implant-supported bridge
Before an implant-supported bridge
After an implant-supported bridge
After an implant-supported bridge
If you are interested in an implant-supported bridge, your treatment will look much different. We will coordinate the initial portion of the procedure with a trusted local oral surgeon to ensure the most successful implant results. After you recover from the first phase, our Austin dental office will take over the design and restoration aspect of your treatment, providing you with a stunning, custom-made bridge. 
1

Perry Fowler

Austin, TX

2022

Google logo

As a patient for almost 12 years I could not be happier with the service and people at 38th St. Dental!!

View on Google
1

Antonio Stephens

Austin, TX

2023

Google logo

Knowledgeable and professional staff (both administrative and technical staffs).

View on Google
The team at 38th Street Dental

38th Street Dental

38th Street Dental in Austin, TX, utilizes the latest proven technology to provide you personalized dental care. Dr. Meek and Dr. Tasch are members of local and national dental associations, including:

  • The American Dental Association
  • The Texas Dental Association
  • The Academy of General Dentistry
  • The Capital Area Dental Society

To schedule an appointment, call us at (512) 458-6222 or contact us online today!

Get In Touch Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite