GENERAL DENTISTRY
DENTAL EXAMS & CLEANINGS | DENTAL X-RAYS | FILLINGS | WISDOM TEETH / EXTRACTIONS
ROOT CANALS | CROWNS | BRIDGES | SEALANTS | PREVENTION
BRIDGES
What is a Bridge?
A dental bridge is used to bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Bridges are anchored by two crowns which go over the teeth on either side of the gap. Known as "abutment teeth," these crowned teeth are used to support a false tooth or teeth that sits in between them. These false teeth called "pontics" can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials.
When do I need a Bridge?
A Bridge may be needed in several different situations:
- To fill a space created by a missing tooth or teeth
- To maintain the structure of the mouth and prevent teeth from drifting into empty spaces
- To restore comfortable chewing and speaking
- To ensure the correct distribution of biting throughout the mouth
- To bring back a beautiful smile
What is the procedure for getting a Bridge?
The area is numbed with an anesthetic and then a portion of the enamel is removed and the teeth are recontoured to allow room for a crown to be placed over them.
During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth to support the bridge. The area is numbed with a anesthetic and the teeth are then a portion of the enamel is removed and the teeth are recontoured to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Your dentist will then make impressions of your teeth. These impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory and used to create a custom bridge. At the end of the visit, you dentist will make a temporary bridge for you to wear while your bridge is being made.
When your permanent bridge is ready, a second visit will be needed. During this visit, your temporary bridge will be removed and the new, permanent bridge will be checked and adjusted for proper fit. Additional visits may be required to check the fit of the bridge's framework and ensure comfortable biting. In some cases, your dentist may temporarily cement the bridge in place for a couple of weeks to make sure it is fitting properly. Once a comfortable fit is ensured, the bridge will be permanently cemented into place.