Dental Bridges

If you are missing teeth, there is a good chance you can benefit from dental bridges. Dental bridges are exactly as they sound: they bridge the space created by a lost tooth. The bridge is comprised of different metals ranging from gold to silver and porcelain. Three crowns are used: two that function as abutments to the adjacent teeth near the gap along with a middle crown that functions as a pontic (meaning false tooth). If you don't have healthy teeth near the gap, dental implants can be added. Once the dental bridge is in place, it is fixed, meaning the crown is permanently connected to the adjacent teeth or an implant.

Dental Bridges do not Require an Extensive Time Commitment

Most dental bridges require two visits with the dentist. The initial dental visit involves the injection of a local anesthetic directly into the teeth that function as abutments. The purpose of applying this anesthetic is to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible. The teeth that function as abutments are carefully prepared through a resizing and reshaping process. The purpose of reshaping and resizing is to ensure the crowns are capable of keeping the pontic permanently in place.

The next step is for the dentist to take an impression of the abutments. This impression is delivered to a dental lab where specialists manufacture customized dental bridges. The final step is to place a temporary bridge that guards the abutments. A second visit is necessary to remove the temporary bridge. A customized bridge is put in place to serve as a replacement. The dentist will ensure the new bridge fits to your liking. Once you are satisfied with the placement, the dentist will permanently cement it in place.

Why so Many Patients Love Their Dental Bridges

Dental bridges have all sorts of benefits aside from the fact that merely two visits are required for their placement. Dental bridges do a fantastic job of replacing missing teeth. Dental bridges restore tooth functionality to permit proper speech and chewing. Furthermore, dental bridges stop the teeth remaining in the mouth from shifting. This protection is essential as shifted teeth will inevitably cause bite issues. Unlike dentures, dental bridges are permanently posited in the mouth so it does not have the potential to move around. The icing on the cake is the fact that dental bridges decrease the chances of bone loss, helping maintain proper facial structure. Dr. McRae adds that many patient like dental bridges is that they are also a very affordable option.

Different Types of Bridges are Available

Implant-supported dental bridges and traditional dental bridges are available. Each has its own unique purposes and advantages. Conventional dental bridges are prostheses comprised of one or multiple artificial teeth secured in place with dental crowns on either side. The visible portion of the missing tooth is replaced. The implant-supported bridge is connected to the dental implants that fuse to the jawbone through a process referred to as osseointegration. The full tooth is replaced, all the way from the crown to the root. Dr. Hastings a Boise dentist adds that using implants to support the bridge you also preserve the jaw bone where the implant-supported bridge is placed.

Meet with your dentist to determine which of these treatment options is ideal for your idiosyncratic mouth. Regardless of which type of bridge you choose, you will find your appearance looks that much better now that the missing teeth have been replaced. You won't have to worry about soft tissue drooping around your mouth.

Most Patients are Good Candidates for Dental Bridges

Thankfully, the majority of those who have one or several lost teeth qualify as candidates for implant-supported and conventional bridges. Those missing between one and three teeth will likely qualify as candidates for both types of dental bridges. If you have periodontal disease, it must be treated before the placement of the dental bridges or any other type of restorative dental procedure. Conventional bridges are anchored to adjacent teeth. These teeth have to be structurally sound and have minimal dental decay or the dental bridge won't prove reliable.

If your dentist believes you are a candidate for dental implants, you are likely a candidate for implant-supported dental bridges as well. However, if your jawbone lacks adequate density at the site of the implant, you might not qualify as a candidate for implant-supported dentures. As long as you meet these requirements, do not smoke, and are in good health, you should give serious consideration to implant-supported dentures. If the dentist determines your jaw bone lacks the density required to support implant-supported dentures, don't fret! You might be an excellent candidate for a sinus lift to build the bone in the area of the implant. Alternatively, a bone graft might suffice.

You can Live a Normal Life With Dental Bridges

Once your dental bridge is properly positioned in your mouth, you will be able to chew and eat with ease. You won't have to worry about whether food will be stuck in the gap between your teeth. The bridge really does help crush through food, ultimately ameliorating the digestion process. Furthermore, your dental bridge will make it that much easier to speak without fear of slurring your words or misspeaking in another manner.

Schedule Your Appointment With Universal Smiles Dentistry

Our dental experts are here to perform a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth and gums. We will evaluate your oral health and determine if you can benefit from dental bridges. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment. We are currently accepting new patients. Orange City residents can reach us at (386) 564-3111. Edgewater residents can contact us at (386) 564-3086.