TREATMENTS

Dental Bridges

All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing, and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. If a tooth is lost, it is important to replace the tooth to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are several options for correcting tooth loss, including: dental implants, fixed bridges, and removable partial dentures.

A fixed bridge is a device used to replace missing teeth that attaches artificial teeth (called pontics) to adjacent natural teeth (called abutments). Fixed bridges are then permanently cemented, using the crowns on abutment teeth for support.

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 to perform many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it can be difficult to do these things. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.

Why do I need a bridge?

Oral functionality and appearance are important reasons for choosing a bridge. A bridge helps support your lips and cheeks and maintain the shape of your face.

Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. Teeth were designed to complement each other. When teeth are missing, unusual stresses can be placed on the other teeth, the gums, and other oral tissues. A bridge can reduce these stresses by replacing the missing tooth or teeth.

How is a bridge attached?

A fixed bridge usually takes two appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. Goode or Dr. Johnson will prepare the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth 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 a lab where the bridge will be constructed.

At the final appointment, the fixed bridge is tried in to ensure an accurate fit. Then the bridge is cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. These adjacent natural teeth (abutments) provide support for the bridge.

What materials are used?

Bridges can be constructed from porcelain, gold alloys, non-precious alloys, or a combination of these materials. Frequently, porcelain fused to metal (PFM) is used, where porcelain is bonded to either a precious or non-precious metal.

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 as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support. It is especially important to clean under the bridge using a floss threader or other flossing aid.