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.
Dental crowns, sometimes also called caps, are small, tooth-shaped covers that are placed over a natural tooth. These prosthetics extend to the gum line, covering the affected tooth from top to bottom.
A well-made crown looks just like a natural tooth and allows you to chew food the same way you would with your original dentition. This makes crowns an excellent solution for both aesthetic and functional oral issues. You can learn more about this time-tested dental care option in the guide below.
Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, are the cause of one of the most common dental problems – cavities.
Dental caries originate from several strains of mutans streptococci bacteria. When these bacteria consume sugars from the food you eat, they secrete acid that breaks down your tooth’s protective enamel structures. Your saliva naturally repairs some of this damage, but if too much harm is done before your saliva can counteract the problem, a cavity begins to form.
If you believe that you have a cavity, please call our office at 647-371-1894 to book an appointment. Our team will be able to examine the area of concern and recommend appropriate treatment. If caught early, some cavities can be repaired without the need for anesthetic, so be sure to visit as soon as possible!