Dental Bridges
A dental bridge, also known as a pontic, is simply a false tooth which is fused between two porcelain crowns in order to fill in an area left by a missing tooth. When two crowns hold the dental bridge in place that are attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth is known as a fixed bridge. Both dental bridge procedures are used to replace one or more missing teeth however, it is important to know that fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth as you might do with removable partial dentures.
In areas of your mouth that are under less stress, such as your front teeth, a cantilever Dental Bridge may be used instead. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the open space as opposed to two. Bridges are very helpful because they can reduce your risk of gum disease, help correct some bite issues and even improve your speech. However, it is important to know that bridges require your commitment to serious oral hygiene, good oral habits will allow dental bridges to last as many ten years or more.
During the bridge treatment, your dentist will prepare your teeth on either side of the space for the false tooth. Patients will be given a mild anesthetic to numb the area, and the dentist will remove an area of each abutment (teeth on either side of the space) to accommodate for the thickness of the crown being placed in the space. If these teeth already have fillings, part of the filling may be left in place to help supply a foundation for the crown.
Once the space is made, your dentist will then make an impression which will serve as the model from which the bridge, false tooth and crowns will be made by a dental laboratory. A temporary bridge will be placed in the space while your bridge is being made. Until your next visit this temporary bridge will serve to protect your teeth and gums from any bacteria that may lead to infection. When you return for your second appointment, the temporary bridge will be removed and your new permanent bridge will be fitted and checked and adjusted for any bite discrepancies. Your new bridge will then be cemented to your teeth and will become a permanent fixture in your smile. |
