All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age. But if you do lose teeth, they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
Types of Dental Bridges
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
A dental bridge — a device used to replace missing teeth — attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges) or they can be removable.
- A fixed dental bridge is applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. They are permanently secured and can only be removed by a dentist like Dr. Khanna.
- Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments. As the name indicates, they can easily be removed by the patient.
Why Do I Need A Dental Bridge?
Missing teeth make it difficult to chew, speak and smile. A dental bridge can restore proper function and aesthetics to the smile. Additionally, missing teeth can contribute to a wide range of dental health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, bone loss and TMJ related problems. A dental bridge will fill the space between teeth, promoting better oral health.
About the Dental Bridge Procedure
There are usually two or three visits associated with a dental bridge restoration. At the first appointment, Dr. Khanna will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin. Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to the lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
How Do I Take Care Of My Bridge?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance since the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.