Tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma are the three most frequent reasons for lost teeth. Or perhaps you were born without teeth owing to a congenital disorder.
In any of these cases, if you have a lost tooth, dental bridges may be able to assist.
At Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery, Amir Marashi, MD, DDS, FACS conducts a thorough examination and inspection of your dental health to see if you qualify for dental bridges.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is used as a replacement for one or more lost teeth by using artificial teeth to bridge the gap.
A bridge often comprises crowns cemented in place on each side of the missing teeth supporting the pontic (replacement tooth) and dental crowns that have been bonded to each abutment tooth, which hold the tooth in place.
The most common form of dental bridge is a conventional bridge, which can be utilized when you still have healthy teeth on either side of the gap left by your lost tooth.
Dental Bridge Procedure
Unlike dentures, which can be removed, a dental bridge permanently fixes the tooth to the jaw.
The procedure for getting a dental bridge is not as lengthy or invasive as getting a tooth implant which requires drilling into the jawbone.
The dentist will first do a thorough oral examination and ensure that any gum disease or tooth decay is treated. They could utilize equipment to measure the mouth and teeth and take an x-ray.
The two healthy teeth on either side of the gap will often be filed down by the dentist to make room for a dental bridge. The bridge will then be created using a mold.
While you wait for your permanent bridge to be built, you can be offered a temporary bridge. If so, after your permanent bridge has been built, that is removed.
When ready, the permanent bridge is positioned and often secured with dental cement to the neighboring healthy teeth.
The dentist may use a dental implant, which is surgically inserted into the jaw, to support the bridge. Dental implants must be evaluated by the dentist to determine their suitability for you.
Dental bridges can help someone feel more confident about their smile and restore their smile.
Filling the gap created by missing teeth is crucial because, if the gap is not filled, the neighboring teeth may eventually lean into it and alter how someone bites.
Implant-Supported vs. Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge, commonly referred to as a fixed partial denture, can replace just two teeth, or it might extend to cover a complete arch of teeth.
Because the prosthesis in both situations cannot be removed by the denture user, it is referred to as being fixed.
A set of teeth attached to dental implants to form an implant-supported bridge (also known as a fixed denture) cannot be removed by the wearer.
They are comparable to traditional bridges, with the exception that one or more implants support and hold the prosthesis in place instead of natural teeth.
In addition to connecting to multiple implants, bridges can also use teeth as anchor points.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for You?
A dental bridge can seriously help improve the aesthetics and function of your teeth.
However, you will need healthy teeth on each side of the missing teeth to get this procedure. Therefore, it’s best to visit an experienced dentist for a thorough dental evaluation.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
