Dental Bridge
A Dental Bridge is a long-term method of replacing missing teeth with the use of a fixed prosthesis. A bridge spans a space where one or more teeth have been lost in the dental arch. The teeth on either end of the span are crowned, and are referred to as abutments. The false teeth in a bridge that join the abutments are referred to as pontics.
Crowns and bridges are most often made from superior materials such as precious metals (gold), semi-precious metals, porcelain, or a combination of metal fused to porcelain. Both esthetics (appearance) and function are considered when selecting the material most suitable for you.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Losing a tooth can be of social and psychological concern. Teeth are lost for a number of reasons including:
- Dental Decay
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease
- Trauma (Injury or Accident)
When a permanent tooth is lost, the neighboring teeth are affected. Because the support and chewing forces are altered, the remaining teeth will begin to shift. The tooth above or below the one that was lost will begin to move up and out of its socket. This accelerates periodontal (gum) disease and causes further breakdown in the dental arch. If the missing tooth is not replaced, more teeth will eventually be lost, due to the improper forces exerted during chewing.
How is Treatment Performed?
Once the treatment has been determined to be a bridge a series of appointments will be made to properly manage the outcome goals. The overall process involves preparing the supporting teeth (abutments) to receive a crown. A temporary bridge is made to maintain the space and protect the supporting teeth while the lab fabricates the bridge. Depending on the materials used this process can take as little as the same day or as much as 2 weeks. Once the bridge has been made an appointment for seating or placing the bridge is made. At this appointment the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent bridge is cemented in place.
Replacing Missing Teeth:
- Helps to restore and maintain the natural bite
- Prevents unnatural stress on other teeth
- Helps keep opposing teeth in their proper place
- Prevents shifting and tilting of adjacent teeth
- Helps prevent further dental decay and periodontal (gum) disease
- Maximizes your smile, speech, and chewing
A Final Word
Throughout your bridge treatment you may have questions or concerns not covered on this page. We will make every effort to ensure your comfort during treatment. And we are happy to answer any questions you may have. Our concern is your comfort and confidence. Our goal is to help preserve your smile for a lifetime.