If you have one or more missing teeth, your dentist may fill the gap using a dental bridge. It is an artificial tooth (called a pontic) that is anchored into place using each adjacent tooth on the side of the gap. The procedure is quick and takes only two dental appointments, making it a highly convenient tooth replacement choice.
There are several reasons why a dentist may recommend a bridge as the best option. This article discusses it in detail.
Your dentist may recommend a dental bridge when you have one or more missing teeth due to gum disease, severe decay, or mouth injury. The missing teeth may also be due to a genetic condition.
It is essential to have healthy teeth on either side of the gap to get a dental bridge. Here are some situations when this might be the right solution for you.
Your health is crucial in determining a suitable treatment for your missing teeth. Here are some of the medical conditions when your dentist may recommend a dental bridge:
Bridges are the best option for those who want a fast, reliable and less invasive replacement for their missing teeth. The procedure restores your aesthetically pleasing smile in two appointments, unlike dental implants, which take a minimum of two months to restore your natural smile. It involves integrating false tooth roots into the jawbone using a surgical procedure.
If you have no more than three teeth missing in a row, the dentist might suggest getting a crown. For a dental bridge, you must have strong teeth on either side of the space for adequate support. In addition, the bridges are usually preferred for the front row of teeth as they can withstand the force of biting and chewing and will never slip out of place.
Crowns are an essential part of the dental bridge procedure. A bridge consists of two crowns attached to the teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth) and supports the pontics, filling the gap.
During your first appointment, the abutment teeth are trimmed to make room for the bridges. Then impressions and moulds are taken of your teeth to build a custom bridge with crowns that perfectly fit your trimmed teeth and are attached using dental cement.
As local anesthetic is used before the procedure, you should not feel the pain. But you will need to keep your mouth open for a few hours, which may make you feel discomfort and soreness in your jaw. Over-the-counter pain relievers will usually take care of it, and placing an ice pack outside your jaw will also help.
A major advantage of a dental bridge is that it requires minimal recovery. You can normally eat soon after the bridge placement, and most patients do not experience any trouble adapting to the bridge.
Partial dentures are removable, whereas bridges are fixed into place as a permanent replacement for natural teeth. Here are some of the benefits of bridges:
Dental bridges are a long-term solution, and they can stay in place without any problem for 5 to 15 years. A few factors can reduce the comfort and effectiveness, which include:
You must contact your dentist as soon as you experience:
Your dental care specialist will assess the issue and recommend a plan of action. It generally involves just an adjustment or minor repair. If the bridge is broken or has a problem with the abutment teeth, you may have to replace it with a new one. It is crucial to visit your dentist to prevent the problem from worsening.
Trillium Smile Dentistry provides a full range of dental care services with the primary objective of helping patients preserve their oral health, teeth longevity, and naturally pleasing smile. If you are searching for an expert dental bridge service or “cosmetic dental crowns near me,” Trillium Smile Dentistry is the place to go. When you visit our clinic, we will walk you through the process to put you at ease. You can rest assured that our expert dentists will deliver transformational smile makeovers.
Contact us today to learn more about our dental care services or to book an appointment. We will be glad to answer any queries you may have.
Tooth loss is an extremely common dental problem for Canadians, especially older individuals. Unfortunately, this loss can lead to many other problems, including difficulty speaking and eating as well as low self-esteem.
A dental bridge is a versatile, visually impressive, and cost-effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. Our guide to dental bridges will tell you everything you need to know, including whether you might benefit from getting one.
Dental bridges are dental prostheses that are used to disguise missing teeth in a person’s mouth.
Dental bridges look like small rows of false teeth. They may be made from porcelain, ceramic fused to metal, or other materials. The teeth on each end of the row are hollow and resemble dental crowns. These false teeth are called retainers and are fitted over your natural teeth to keep the bridge in place. The teeth they are fitted to are called abutment teeth.
The teeth in between the retainers are solid and do not connect to the teeth or gums below them. These teeth are called pontics. Depending on your needs, there may be just one false tooth on your bridge’s pontic or many.
A permanent dental bridge is almost indistinguishable from the teeth around it. It should fit into your natural alignment and look just like the teeth it has covered and replaced, matching their colour, shape, and other attributes.
Most people will never know that a bridge is not a real row of teeth unless you tell them. You can smile with confidence and trust your bridge to help you make a winning first impression.
Dental bridges are never necessary, but they can significantly improve a person’s quality of life. Using them to replace lost teeth allows you to speak and chew the way you did before those teeth were missing. They may also boost your self-confidence and help you feel at ease when smiling and laughing.
Bridges are particularly recommended for people who are not good candidates for implants due to gum disease, bone loss, and other problems. A bridge helps these people regain some lost aesthetics and function without compromising their dental or overall health.
Your dentist may also recommend a bridge if you have teeth on either side of your missing tooth that would benefit from being crowned. By choosing a bridge, you can protect those weaker teeth while also replacing the missing one.
When looking to get a bridge, there are four main types.
Getting a dental bridge often involves two steps.
The procedure for implant-supported bridges is a bit different. Instead of getting your teeth prepared for placement, you will need to undergo implant placement surgery. Once your new implants have healed, your bridge can be attached to the screws. This process usually takes a few months from start to finish.
You can avoid dental bridge problems by:
Dental bridges and implants are both possible options for replacing a missing tooth. Which is better? This depends on your needs.
Dental bridge costs vary depending on your dentist, the materials used, and the type of bridge you select. Maryland bridges are typically the most affordable, while implant-supported bridges are the most expensive. Ask your dentist about the different dental bridges and how much each option might cost you. They will be happy to help you fit the cost of this treatment into your budget.
If you are interested in replacing one or more missing teeth, Trillium Smile Dentistry can help. Let our experienced team install a beautiful new dental bridge or implants that will restore your dental functions and your confidence. Contact us today at 905-828-9894 or online to request your first appointment and get the process started.