_What Is A Dental Bridge_

What Is A Dental Bridge?

Basically, a dental bridge is a crown secured on either side by two crowns placed on adjacent, filed down teeth. Dental bridges consist of two main parts: anchor crowns and pontics (artificial teeth). The anchor crowns affix to abutment teeth (existing adjacent teeth or bridge-supporting implants) which are bound to the pontic or pontics between them.

A dental bridge can have up to two pontics, depending on the space of the gap — or number of missing teeth — between your existing teeth. These pontics can be made of a variety of materials including gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of the three. The abutment teeth can also be replaced, if they are too deteriorated to support the bridge, with dental implants.

Advantages Of A Dental Bridge?

There are two main benefits to utilizing a dental bridge treatment:

1. Restore missing teeth
2. Prevent complications missing teeth cause.

If you have suffered the loss of a tooth, it is imperative that you seek professional help to prevent further oral health deterioration. Missing teeth can cause a variety of complications, most notably tooth migration.

Because of an absence of counter-pressure while chewing, the tooth or teeth above your missing tooth will eventually begin moving down or upward to fill the gap. These displaced teeth have a tendency to develop periodontal (gum) disease around their exposed roots causing acute pain while eating, talking, or chewing. Alternatively, teeth on either side of the gap left behind by the missing tooth (called the edentulous space) will slant inward toward it to fill the gap. In either of these situations, designing and implanting a replacement tooth becomes incredibly difficult, painful, and time-consuming.

Furthermore, missing teeth eventually cause bones to deteriorate, causing your facial features to sag and droop. Replacing the missing tooth will help ensure bone strength and keep the shape of not only your beautiful smile, but your face as well.

_Advantages Of A Dental Bridge_

What Does A Dental Bridge Treatment Involve?

Dental bridge design involves several integrated steps to put your smile back together.

At your first appointment, your dentist precisely reshapes the neighboring teeth to hold a bridge. Your cosmetic dentist makes a model of your teeth to send to our specialty lab for the custom construction of your bridge. You’ll wear a temporary bridge to protect the exposed abutments and gums during the creation phase of your permanent bridge.

After about two weeks, you return to our office to receive your new bridge. Your dentist removes the temporary bridge and checks your new bridge for a perfect fit. Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the final product, we permanently cement the porcelain or metal bridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental-bridges

Can I eat with a dental bridge?

A dental bridge enhances your ability to chew many different foods, however, it is important to consider eating only soft foods until you become accustomed to the bridge. Avoid chewing ice or hard candies, especially if you have a porcelain bridge.

How long does it take to adjust to a dental bridge?

Most patients quickly adapt to a new bridge. Your familiarity with the new bridge may depend on the complexity of your case and the way you personally adapt to change. You can expect little to no pain as everything settles over a period of a few days to several weeks.

How to maintain and care for your dental bridge

Healthy teeth help your bridge last for many years. The bridge relies on the foundation provided by the surrounding teeth. A good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice daily and flossing once a day is a key to long-term success.

Is the dental bridge treatment process difficult?

The dental bridge process is quick, easy, and effective. The process requires only two dental appointments for our dental professionals to properly and safely place the dental bridge. During the first appointment, the teeth are prepared to support the bridge and during the second and final appointment, the bridge is permanently cemented into the mouth.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a crown secured on either side by two crowns placed adjacent, filed down teeth. Dental bridges consist of two main parts: anchor crowns and pontics (artificial teeth). The anchor crowns affix to abutment teeth (existing adjacent teeth or bridge-supporting implants) which are bound to the pontic or pontics between them.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation, Today!

Don’t wait one more second to replace your lost tooth. Call Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry at
(877)858-1624 or our consultation request page to book your appointment today. In the event of a dental trauma or dental emergency, walk-ins are available.

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