Complete Your Smile With Dental Bridges
When it comes to living with missing teeth, the negative effects can range from difficulty eating and speaking to a drop in your self-confidence. Dental bridges are a convenient solution to restoring your smile’s beauty and functionality.
At River Birch Dental, we don’t want our patients’ oral health and smile appearance to suffer due to lost teeth. That’s why Dr. Vargas recommends long-lasting dental bridges. Discover why this treatment is a trusted solution to tooth loss by reading our guide below.
Replace Missing Teeth and Fix Your Smile
When it comes to living with missing teeth, the negative effects can range from difficulty eating and speaking to a drop in your self-confidence. Dental bridges are a convenient solution to restoring your smile’s beauty and functionality.
At River Birch Dental, we don’t want our patients’ oral health and smile appearance to suffer due to lost teeth. That’s why Dr. Georgie Vargas recommends long-lasting dental bridges. Call (715) 646-2161 to learn more.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges, also referred to as fixed partial dentures, are prosthetic appliances designed to “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. These restorations consist of pontics, which are artificial teeth and are anchored or supported by adjacent natural teeth, known as abutment teeth. Unlike removable dentures, dental bridges are fixed in place, providing a stable and functional replacement for missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
The advantages of opting for dental bridges extend beyond mere aesthetics. Here are some key benefits:
- Restoration of Smile: Dental bridges effectively restore the appearance of a complete smile, boosting self-confidence and improving facial aesthetics.
- Improved Functionality: They enable better chewing and speaking abilities by replacing missing teeth, allowing for a more natural oral function.
- Preservation of Oral Health: Dental bridges prevent neighboring teeth from shifting positions, maintaining the alignment of your bite. This stability helps prevent potential issues related to misaligned teeth, such as jaw problems or further tooth loss.
- Enhanced Facial Structure: By replacing missing teeth, dental bridges can help maintain the natural shape and contours of your face, preventing a sunken appearance often associated with tooth loss.
Candidacy for Dental Bridges
Determining candidacy for a dental bridge involves an assessment by a qualified dentist. Potential candidates typically include individuals with:
- Missing Teeth: Those with one or more missing teeth may benefit from a dental bridge.
- Healthy Adjacent Teeth: Presence of healthy teeth adjacent to the gap for dental bridge support.
- Good Oral Health: Patients wanting a dental bridge should have overall good oral health without significant issues.
Patients seeking dental bridges should consult with Dr. Vargas for a thorough evaluation and personalized recommendation. She’ll evaluate your oral health to determine which restorative procedure best meets your needs.
The Dental Bridge Placement Process
Initial Consultation and Examination for a Dental Bridge
The process begins with an initial consultation. Dr. Vargast assesses your oral health, discusses your dental history, and examines the missing teeth and adjacent teeth. X-rays or impressions may be taken to get a detailed view of the remaining teeth and dental structure and aid in planning the bridge.
Tooth Preparation for a Dental Bridge
If you’re a suitable candidate for a dental bridge, the next step involves preparing the adjacent teeth (abutments) to support the bridge. Dr. Vargas carefully reshapes the abutment teeth by removing a small portion of enamel to make room for the bridge. Precise impressions of the prepared teeth are taken to create a custom-fit bridge.
Temporary Bridge Placement and Bridge Fabrication
While the permanent bridge is being fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary bridge might be placed to protect the exposed teeth and maintain functionality. The impressions and specifications of natural teeth are sent to a dental lab where skilled technicians craft the custom dental bridge to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and color.
Final Bridge Fitting and Placement
Dr. Vargas checks the fit of your dental bridge, making necessary adjustments for comfort and proper alignment. Once satisfied with which side of the gap will fit, the bridge is cemented or bonded onto the prepared teeth, securing it in place.
Post-Placement Instructions and Follow-Up
Our Centuria dentist provides detailed post-procedure care instructions on how to care for the bridge and maintain good oral hygiene. Schedule periodic check-ups to ensure the bridge functions well and remains in good condition.
Caring for a Dental Bridge
Caring for a dental bridge is essential to ensure its longevity and maintain optimal oral health. Here’s how to care for dental bridges:
- Brushing: Brush your teeth, including the bridge, at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use gentle, circular motions to clean the bridge and surrounding teeth thoroughly.
- Flossing: Regular flossing is crucial. Use floss threaders or special floss designed for bridges to clean underneath the bridge and around the supporting teeth.
- Antibacterial Mouthwash: Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque and bacteria.
- Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods: Minimize consumption of sticky or hard foods that can damage the bridge or cause it to become dislodged.
- Schedule Routine Visits: Visit our Centuria office regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. This allows the dentist to monitor the condition of the bridge and ensure its proper function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental bridges, with proper care and maintenance, can last several years. Their lifespan often ranges from five to 15 years or more. Be sure to visit your dentist twice a year and maintain good oral hygiene to preserve your new bridge.
The cost of a dental bridge can vary depending on various factors, including the type of bridge, materials used, and your location. Consult your dentist’s office for more information about the cost and financing. It’s also advisable to contact your insurance provider for more information about your coverage.
Typically, after a tooth extraction, it’s advisable to wait for about five to six months before getting dental bridges. This duration allows for proper healing of the extraction site, ensuring a more successful and comfortable bridge treatment.
While discomfort during the procedure is possible, modern techniques and anesthetics ensure that patients are kept comfortable throughout the dental bridge process. Afterward, mild discomfort is manageable with prescribed medication and tends to subside quickly.