In dentistry, a dental bridge is one of the popular options for closing the gap left by a lost or extracted tooth. Bridges are typically made up of crowns on the sides of the gap, which cover adjacent health teeth, called the abutment teeth. These teeth support the replacement teeth, which could be one or more. For fixed prosthetics, the bridge is cemented permanently onto the healthy teeth, thus literally bridging the gap left by the lost teeth.
When it comes to using a dental bridge for tooth replacement, there are three major options. The materials used for fabricating the bridge typically include metal and porcelain. The dentist will determine the type of bridge that best addresses the needs of the patients and discuss these options before commencing the process. The types of dental bridges include:
There are many benefits to enjoy with dental bridges. They can help to strengthen damaged teeth, as well as enhance the appearance, alignment, bite, and shape of the teeth. By filling the gap left by the lost teeth, patients can prevent the existing teeth from shifting out of place. The bridge also stays securely in place and does not move around in the mouth. If the nearby teeth are decayed or damaged, the crown that comes with the dental bridge will cover and fortify them.
The dental bridge placement procedure is a multi-stage process that requires more than one dental appointment. In the first step, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic into the gum tissue before proceeding to reshape the teeth that will hold the crowns. Tooth preparation requires filing down part of the enamel layer to make the crowns fit securely.
After shaping the teeth, the dentist will make impressions of the lost tooth and the nearby teeth. The impression is forwarded to a dental lab to produce a bridge that fits the patient correctly. Until the final bridge is ready, patients will get a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and cover the gap in the smile.
The permanent bridge should be ready in a few weeks, after which the patient will return to the dental office for placement. The dentist will check the bridge to ensure it aligns well with the remaining teeth and the bite.
If you have a missing tooth and think you might benefit from a dental bridge, book an appointment with our dentist for a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.longmeadowsdentistry.com or call Long Meadows Family Dentistry at (832) 595-9000 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridges in Richmond, TX.
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