Bridge Works
A dental bridge is a device that creates a permanent bridge between two teeth. It is used for patients with missing teeth to replace the one that has fallen out or has been removed. It can also protect the shape of your face from changes and further deterioration that can occur due to missing teeth.
Consider the benefits:
- Makes eating and speaking easier
- Improves your smile
- Prevents the shift and misalignment of your existing teeth
- Maintains and improves your bite
Preparing and Placing your Dental Bridge
When getting your mouth ready for your procedure, your dentist will use enough local anesthetic to achieve numbness. During this procedure, the area is completely anesthetized. The teeth are prepared to accept a bridge involving cleaning and filing. They are shaped so that the bridge will fit easily onto each of the teeth involved in the procedure.
Your dentist will then make an impression of the area and send it to the lab to fabricate your bridge. He or she will make a mold of your teeth and you will be fitted with a temporary bridge.
This serves as a template for the final restoration while the permanent bridge is being prepared. X-rays are also taken in order to make the necessary adjustments and test the structure to assure the pieces are placed as close as possible, without causing discomfort.
The material is pretty much the same as what is used for a crown, which are metal, porcelain, or zirconium.
Your dentist will recommend a suitable material for your case.
The final step is to remove the temporary piece and replace it with the permanent one. This typically takes place on subsequent visits.
Your dentist will instruct you to schedule an additional appointment to check on the bridge after a week or so to ask you how it is feeling. If necessary, adjustments will be made by your practitioner. Once your mouth is stable again, you will likely be advised on how to practice good oral hygiene to maintain healthy teeth and gums and extend the life of your bridge work.