Fixed Dental Bridge to Replace a Missing Tooth

A missing tooth can diminish the appearance of a person's smile, make it more difficult to chew food, cause other teeth to shift out of position, create bite problems and even lead to challenges speaking. A fixed dental bridge may prevent or minimize these potential problems.
Fixed dental bridge
A fixed dental bridge is two or more crowned teeth on either side of a missing tooth with one or more false teeth between them. The crowned teeth, which can be natural teeth or implants, anchor the bridge and provide support. The false tooth or teeth can be made from a variety of materials, such as gold, alloys or porcelain, and are designed to look and function like natural teeth.
Benefits of dental bridges
Dental bridges can address most of the problems created by missing teeth. Fixed dental bridges have multiple benefits:
- Improve the appearance of the smile
- Maintain the shape of the face
- Correct bite problems
- Restore the ability to chew and speak
- Prevent adjacent teeth from moving out of position
Process of getting a dental bridge
Most people can get a bridge done by a regular dentist; however, there are also dentists, called prosthodontists, who specifically work with restoring missing teeth. The first step is to prepare the teeth, called abutment teeth, that will anchor the bridge. The preparation process involves removing a portion of the enamel on these teeth to make room for the crowns that will be added.
Next, impressions are made of the teeth. These impressions are then sent off to a lab to be used as a model for the bridge. The dentist will provide the patient with a temporary bridge to protect the exposed gum and teeth while the permanent bridge is being made.
Once the bridge is made, the dentist will replace the temporary bridge with the permanent bridge and make any necessary adjustments. The process of achieving a proper fit may take multiple visits. When a good fit is achieved, the dentist will then permanently cement the bridge into place.
The recovery process
Patients may experience mouth pain and sore or bleeding gums after getting a dental bridge. These symptoms usually resolve after a few days, but it may take a few weeks for the gums to completely heal. Most patients can return to work or school the day after the procedure.
Taking care of a dental bridge
Maintaining the health of the abutment teeth is critical to maintaining the integrity of the bridge. Following the advice of a dental professional and getting regular dental checkups can help to maintain the health of these teeth. Early treatment can prevent many oral health issues from getting worse, so it is important to promptly report any problems with the bridge or surrounding teeth to a dentist.
Conclusion
A missing tooth can have serious consequences on the appearance and health of a person's teeth. Replacing missing teeth with a fixed dental bridge can improve the look of the smile and avoid many oral health problems caused by missing teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.northside-dentalcare.com or call Northside Dental Care, PC at (978) 206-7077 for an appointment in our Peabody office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
All-on-4® dental implants can replace an entire set of teeth in a way that looks and feels natural. Commonly provided by general, cosmetic, and family dentists, this smile restoration has become a trusted and popular option among patients. With careful planning and professional care, the All-on-4 approach delivers predictable, stable, and natural-looking results for qualified…
Dentures are a viable replacement option if you are missing one or multiple teeth. If you are looking for a permanent solution, consider implant-supported dentures. These restoratives are a favorite among dental professionals, as they are known for their durability and long-lasting results. However, patients will need to be able to commit to the somewhat…
It can be easy to fix broken dentures, especially with the assistance of a dental professional. Further, acting fast when it comes to repairs can help these dental prosthetics last longer, restore their functionality, and improve your overall comfort. Check out this guide on denture repair to get started.Dentures are known to be durable, lasting…
A missing tooth can create more than a cosmetic concern—it often leads to long-term complications if not addressed promptly. Whether caused by injury, decay, or periodontal disease, the absence of a single tooth disrupts the function, structure, and balance of the mouth. Acting quickly to replace a missing tooth helps prevent further damage and protects…