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.
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.
Dental bridges can address most of the problems created by missing teeth. Fixed dental bridges have multiple benefits:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Choosing a family dentist is one of your most important healthcare decisions. This professional will likely be your family’s dental home for a long time. It is, therefore, important to choose someone who is professional and personable and whom you can trust with your and your family’s dental health.The best way to start a new…
A dental crown can restore a damaged, worn, or weakened tooth. This restoration can bring back your healthy smile and stable dental function. Knowing the benefits of dental caps can motivate you to set an appointment soon. Here are the benefits of a dental crown that you must consider.Losing a tooth can be annoying, especially…
Preventive dental care from your family dentist is a priority. After all, preventing infections and damage is easier than going through many dental treatments. Having this type of dentist will allow you to have the upper hand when it comes to your oral health. Here are the different preventive dental care options that you can…
There are many benefits to choosing Invisalign® clear aligners over metal braces for teeth straightening, including the ease of cleaning and routine maintenance. While clear aligners are considered more aesthetically pleasing than traditional braces, failing to take proper care of the trays can lead to discoloration or a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Fortunately,…
Choosing a family dentist is one of your most important healthcare decisions. This professional will likely be your family’s dental home for a long time. It is, therefore, important to choose someone who is professional and personable and whom you can trust with your and your family’s dental health.The best way to start a new…
A dental crown can restore a damaged, worn, or weakened tooth. This restoration can bring back your healthy smile and stable dental function. Knowing the benefits of dental caps can motivate you to set an appointment soon. Here are the benefits of a dental crown that you must consider.Losing a tooth can be annoying, especially…