Dental Bridges

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.