Dental bridges are an effective way to replace missing teeth. They provide an affordable option for tooth replacement that can restore your smile and prevent problems such as bite issues, chewing difficulties, and speech impediments. In this article, Broadway Family Dental practitioner Ella Dekhtyar explores how a dental bridge works and discusses some of the benefits of this treatment.
The first step in the procedure is examining your mouth and taking X-rays to determine the best options for replacing your teeth. This can include a variety of solutions, including traditional fixed dental bridges and dental implants. The dentist can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option so that you can choose the right solution for your needs and preferences.
Dental Bridge: A Reliable Solution for Missing Teeth
If the dentist decides that a bridge is appropriate for you, they will prepare the anchor teeth or abutment teeth by shaping them to hold the crowns that will keep the bridge in place. This process is usually done under local anesthetic to increase patient comfort. Once the abutment teeth have been prepared they will be used to make an impression of your bite, which is then sent to a lab to create the crowns and pontics that will complete your bridge. In between visits, the abutment teeth are protected with filling material and can be removed once the final appliance is ready to be placed.
Since a bridge relies on the healthy abutment teeth to support it, it is important that these teeth remain strong and free of decay or damage. If they become weak, the bridge can break. You should brush and floss regularly to remove plaque from the abutment teeth to avoid these complications. If you have trouble keeping these teeth clean, you may want to consider visiting a hygienist more frequently than usual.