What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are pontics (false teeth) held in position by the supporting teeth on either side to fill in the gaps in your smile. They are an ideal solution when you have a missing tooth or teeth because they mimic natural teeth shape, function, and appearance and are custom-made for your mouth. Although they can be made from materials like gold, they are mostly made of porcelain to blend in more naturally.
When Would Your Dentist Recommend a Dental Bridge?
Like dental implants, patients who have undergone tooth extraction or loss might need a bridge. Your dentist might recommend dental bridges if your supporting teeth have dental crowns already and if you cannot get implants due to medical reasons. Also, people who cannot stand dentures are good candidates for bridges.
What Does A Dental Bridge Treat or Address?
Teeth should work together, but if one is missing, the neighboring ones tend to move into the space, which results in difficulty chewing, bite problems, and pain. Tooth loss can be caused by:
- Injury
- Old age
- Periodontal disease
A dental bridge occupies the hole left by a missing tooth and keeps your natural teeth in place.
How Are Dental Bridges Created?
The process is relatively simple. On the first appointment, your dentist will inject a local anesthetic to relieve pain. After this, the dentist will shape your abutment teeth by removing some enamel and dentin to prepare them for a crown. A mold is taken of the area along with digital impressions and then sent to a dental lab where the permanent bridge will be created from gold, metal, alloy, or porcelain.
In the meantime, a temporary bridge is fitted to protect the contours and exposed gums until a dentist can set the permanent one with adhesive. If your teeth are sensitive during your second visit, your provider will inject a local anesthetic. Your provider then replaces the temporary bridge with a permanent one and makes the necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
A dental bridge can serve you for five to 10 years with good care. To better ensure the life of your dental bridge, visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and practice good oral hygiene.
What Benefits Do Dental Bridges Have Over Other Options?
Dental bridges are an excellent option for smokers, diabetics, or persons with periodontal disease or who take certain medications because implants are likely to fail for them. A bridge is a better option than dentures because it offers a more substantial bite force and is indistinguishable from your teeth.
Why Choose Castlebury Dental in Eagle, Idaho for Dental Bridges?
Beyond the simple aesthetics of your smile, structural damage and difficulty eating and speaking are expected results of missing teeth. We strongly encourage you to consult with us about getting a bridge if you are missing any teeth.
Castlebury Dental is a cosmetic and general dentistry leader in the Eagle, Idaho region. With many years of experience providing dental bridge treatments to patients, we can assist you in achieving your best even after tooth loss. For additional information on dental bridges, contact us.