All about Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is one of the common and popular options to replace missing teeth. A missing tooth can have a big impact on one’s ability to chew, speak and smile. If a missing tooth is not replaced, other teeth can shift to that open space and change the normal bite and your ability to chew normally might be compromised.
Dental bridges are a very effective treatment for filling in gaps along the gum line where a few teeth are missing. While the most obvious impact of missing teeth is the aesthetics of your smile, it can have much more adverse effect on speech and bite. Missing teeth can make simple tasks like eating and speaking more challenging. Replacing a missing tooth is critical for both form and function.
Learning more about Dental Bridges
Dental bridges consist of two parts – the abutments, which use neighboring teeth as anchors, and the pontics, the actual prosthetic tooth or teeth. While bridges are usually recommended for cases involving replacing up to only a few teeth. The solution would differ from patient to patient and your dentist will be able to make a recommendation depending on various factors like your oral and overall health. Dr. Xavier has years of experience working with bridges and other options and will be able to guide you in making the right choice.
When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth can shift into that space. This can affect the bite leading to additional problems such as localized gum disease, aesthetics, reduced chewing ability and even the shape of your face. In certain cases, it can cause TMJ ( Temperomandibular Joint ) issues. Replacing the missing tooth by a bridge, or in certain cases by implants or partial dentures, helps to restore the normal balance of your teeth.
Dental Bridges Procedure
To create a bridge, impressions will need to be sent to a dental laboratory, in order to ensure that the bridge is custom-fit to your mouth. The abutment teeth must first be prepared. A mold will then be taken of the prepared tooth and the space where the pontics will fit. While waiting for the bridge to be created by a dental lab, a temporary bridge will be placed on the prepared tooth.
During a separate appointment, after the bridge has come back from the dental lab, the temporary bridge will be removed and replaced with the permanent bridge. Dr. Xavier will make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your bridge fits perfectly.
A dental bridge is indicated if the patient is missing one or more teeth. If the patient is missing only one tooth, a bridge is fabricated with 3 units of crowns bonded together. While there could be options other than a bridge for a single missing tooth, multiple factors such as the patient’s age and health conditions will define the path forward.
Types of Teeth Extractions
In a 3 unit bridge, abutments are the supporting teeth and the pontic will be replacing the missing tooth. At he beginning of the procedure, an impression is taken for the temporary bridge. The abutment teeth are prepared to achieve the required space for the crowns. After recontouring the abutment teeth, a final impression will be obtained for the fabrication of the permanent bridge.
Bridge can be made of whole porcelain or porcelain fused metal crowns. The aesthetic demand of the case will decide the material to be used. The temporary bridge will be placed to maintain the space until the permanent bridge is ready. The bridges are seated permanently only after getting the approval from the dentist and most importantly only after getting the approval from the patients on appearance and occlusion.
A well made and maintained bridge usually can last up to 15 years or more.hin the gum line.
How to take care of a Dental Bridge?
Daily brushing and flossing helps to keep the dental bridges clean. Under the pontic, it is reccomended to use a threader floss to keep the gums healthy. As a part of the post-op process, the dentist will educate you on how to floss under the pontic efficiently and keep the gums and teeth healthy and clean.
Dental Bridge in Sugar Land?
Texan Smile can help. Dr. Xavier at Texan Smile Sugar Land and her team can answer all your questions on dental bridges and offer options that would be ideal for your case. We work with the top labs in the field which ensures you get the highest quality dental bridges.Book your appointment today. Call us today at 832 271 8280.
