What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a custom-made restoration that replaces one or more missing natural teeth by attaching permanently to the surrounding teeth. Unlike removable prosthetic appliances, dental bridges do not require removal and cleaning. They provide a natural and realistic appearance and can last for many years before needing replacement.
Why Might a Dental Bridge Be Necessary?
The most common reason for needing a dental bridge is the loss of a tooth. You may prefer to avoid implant surgery or might not be a good candidate for it. A dental bridge restores the fullness of your smile and enhances functionality. It also helps prevent your adjacent teeth from shifting or becoming misaligned.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for All-on-4 Implants?
Most patients interested in All-on-4 implants are suitable candidates for the procedure. However, it's essential to have healthy bone structure for proper implant bonding. If there’s significant bone loss, a bone graft may be recommended before proceeding with the implants. We'll carefully review your health and medical history before the procedure, ensuring you're in good overall health for optimal results and healing.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
We will assess your teeth to determine if a fixed bridge is the best choice for you. For proper fit and stability, the bridge needs to be anchored to two surrounding teeth. Typically, the larger the bridge, the less stable it may be. If we feel it may not provide enough support on its own, we may suggest using implants for added stability.
What to Expect During the Dental Bridge Procedure?
The procedure begins with a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Then, we reshape and file down the surrounding teeth to make room for the new fixed bridge. Impressions of your teeth are taken, which will be used to create both a temporary and permanent bridge. You’ll leave with a temporary bridge in place and return for a follow-up appointment to have the permanent one fitted.
At your second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed, and the permanent one will be securely bonded using a dental-grade adhesive. We will adjust and polish the new bridge, and provide you with instructions on how to properly brush and floss around it.
If you think a dental bridge might be right for you, contact our office today, and our friendly team will be happy to assist you!