Restoring Dental Health
When teeth are missing, a series of changes that can impact your overall dental health and jaw function may be initiated. The adjacent teeth may start to drift or tilt into the space, and teeth in the opposing jaw may start to shift toward the area of the missing tooth. It is therefore important to replace the single tooth or multiple teeth that have been lost. One of the best options to prevent the consequences of shifting teeth and to restore full function to a small edentulous section in the mouth is a dental bridge.
A dental bridge replaces the missing teeth with artificial teeth called “pontics,” and is supported on the ends by prepared natural teeth. Once fabricated and fitted a dental bridge will be permanently “fixed,” or cemented into place. Like crowns, bridges can be made of either porcelain baked on to a metal substrate or many of the new ceramic materials that have been developed.
Why do we need dental bridges?
If you have a tooth that is missing and want to avoid dental implant surgery or are not eligible for it, you may want to consider getting a dental bridge as a great alternative. A dental bridge can effectively bring back the look and function of your smile, while also preventing nearby teeth from moving or becoming overcrowded.
Candidate for Dental Bridge
Our dental team will assess your teeth to determine if a fixed bridge is suitable for you. The bridge will be carefully positioned over two adjacent teeth to ensure a perfect fit and secure placement. Typically, larger bridges tend to be less stable. In the event that we find the bridge alone may not provide sufficient stability, we may suggest using implants to support it.
Dental Bridge Procedure Overview
To begin the procedure, we will apply a local anesthetic to numb a specific area of your mouth. This will ensure your comfort throughout the process. Following that, we will shape and file down the surrounding teeth to create enough space for the new fixed bridge. Impressions will be taken during this step to create both a temporary and permanent bridge.
Once the shaping and filing are complete, you will leave with the temporary bridge in place. To have the permanent bridge installed, you will need to schedule a second appointment. During this appointment, our team will remove the temporary bridge and securely place the permanent one using a dental-grade adhesive. We will also take the time to polish the bridge and make any necessary adjustments for a perfect fit.
Furthermore, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to properly care for the bridge. This will include guidance on brushing and flossing techniques to ensure the longevity of your new bridge.