Dental Bridges
In Oklahoma City, OK
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restoration designed to replace one or more missing natural teeth. It attaches permanently to the surrounding teeth, eliminating the need for removal and cleaning like a prosthetic appliance. Custom-made for each patient, dental bridges provide a natural and realistic appearance. Most fixed bridges can last for many years before they need to be replaced.
Why Would a Dental Bridge Be Needed?
The most common reason for needing a dental bridge is the loss of a tooth. You may wish to avoid surgery for an implant or may not be a suitable candidate for implant surgery. A dental bridge helps restore the fullness of your smile while improving functionality. Additionally, having a bridge in place helps prevent your surrounding teeth from becoming crooked or crowded.
Who's a good candidate for All-on-4 Implants?
Most patients who desire All-on-4 implants can safely undergo the procedure. It's important to note that implants require healthy underlying bone mass for proper bonding. If there is bone loss, we may recommend a bone grafting procedure before implant surgery. We will review your health and medical history prior to placing the implants, and you should be in good health to ensure a successful procedure and healing process.
Who is a candidate for a Dental Bridge?
We can examine your teeth to determine if a fixed bridge is the right option for you. For the bridge to fit properly and securely, it needs to be anchored to two surrounding teeth. Generally, the larger the bridge, the less secure it may be. If we believe it wouldn't be stable enough on its own, we may recommend using implants to provide additional support for the bridge.
What happens during the Dental Bridge Procedure?
The procedure begins with a local anesthetic to numb the area of your mouth. Next, we shape and file down the surrounding teeth to create space for the new fixed bridge. Impressions are taken, which will be used to create both a temporary and a permanent bridge. You'll leave with the temporary bridge in place and will need to return for a second appointment for the permanent one.
During your follow-up visit, the temporary bridge will be removed, and the permanent one will be securely placed using a dental-grade adhesive. We will polish and adjust the new bridge and provide you with instructions on how to brush and floss around it.
If you think you might benefit from a dental bridge, call our office today, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!