Durable, Functional Tooth Replacement: Dental Bridge at Kind Smiles

At Kind Smiles, we provide dental bridges as a reliable restorative solution to fill the gaps left by one or more missing teeth. Our dental bridge treatment is designed to restore stability to your bite, protect the surrounding teeth, and improve overall oral health.

A dental bridge can offer a long-lasting fix if you have lost a tooth due to decay, trauma, or gum disease. Under the experienced care of Dr. Shashank Reddy Gattumeedhi, we make the process efficient, comfortable, and tailored to your specific needs.

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What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a custom-made prosthetic to replace one or more missing teeth. It contains false teeth or pontics anchored in place by a crown on adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. This fixed restoration bridges the space, ensuring continuity in both appearance and function.

The bridges are made from strong, durable materials such as porcelain or ceramic, which are attached to the metal, matching the look of natural teeth and providing reliable performance in daily use. Restoration is safely cemented, making it a stable and reliable solution.

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Why Choose a Dental Bridge?

Loss of teeth affects more than aesthetics - this can cause your bite to weaken, your jaw, and your remaining teeth to get out of alignment. A dental bridge addresses these concerns:

• Restoring functionality: It chews and speaks more naturally and efficiently.
• Stop shifting: It holds the neighboring teeth in their right positions.
• Distributing cutting forces: It ensures that the pressure is equally distributed to your teeth.
• Supporting oral health: It helps to maintain your facial structure and reduces bone damage in the jaw.

Without timely replacement, the intervals left by the missing teeth can give rise to future complications. A dental bridge prevents these issues and helps preserve your long-term oral health.

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What is expected during the process

Getting a dental bridge usually involves two to three appointments.

• Initial consultation and evaluation

Dr. Gattumeedhi will conduct a broad oral examination to assess your eligibility for a dental bridge. X-rays and digital impressions can be taken to evaluate the surrounding teeth and bone structure.

• Tooth preparation

The teeth adjacent to the gap are said to have been removed to support the bridge. These teeth are gradually reduced to accommodate crowns that will protect the bridge.

• Imprint and temporary bridge

The detailed impression is taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom bridge will be created. A temporary bridge is placed to protect the area until permanent restoration is ready.

• Bridge placement

Once the Custom Bridge is completed, Dr. Gattumeedhi ensures a proper fit and cutting alignment. The bridge is then cemented in place. Final adjustments are made for optimal comfort and function.

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Who is a good candidate?

Most patients with one or more missing teeth are candidates for a dental bridge, assuming that the surrounding teeth are sufficient to support the restoration. If there is significant damage or decay in adjacent teeth, additional treatment may be required before bridge placement.

Transplantation-supported bridges can be an option for patients without appropriate adjacent teeth.

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Care of Your Dental Bridge

A dental bridge, with proper care, can last up to 10–15 years. We recommend:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing around the bridge daily using a floss threader or interdental brush
• Visiting Kind Smiles for regular cleanings and exams
• Avoiding hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the bridge

Consistent oral hygiene is important to protect the bridge and supporting natural teeth.

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Expert Care You Can Trust

Dr. Shashank Gattumeedhi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Kind Smiles. He earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Vokkaligara Sangha Dental College and Hospital in Bangalore, India. He practiced dentistry for three years before moving to the United States. After completing his MBA in Healthcare Administration from Wilmington University, he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the New York University College of Dentistry.

Dr. Gattumeedhi is certified in Laser Dentistry and Invisalign and remains committed to staying updated on the latest clinical advancements. His patient-first philosophy ensures that each visit is focused on comfort, precision, and personalized care.

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Payment and Financing Options

In a kind of smile, we are committed to making dental care accessible. We accept most of the major PPO insurance schemes, including:

• Delta dental
• Solidarity
• United Concordia
• Signa
• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Humana
• Careington
• Connection dentistry
• Dentinch
• Gayha
• Medicaid

Please note: We do not accept HMO plans.

We provide an in-house dental plan for patients without insurance to make treatment more affordable. We also work with CARECREDIT, a third-party Health Service Financing Provider that allows you to spread your treatment cost over time with manageable monthly payments.