A dental bridge is a restoration option used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is a fixed restoration, meaning that it will remain inside the mouth and is not removable. Traditional dental bridges are composed of fake teeth surrounded by a dental crown on either side. These dental crowns are placed over existing teeth in order to support the rest of the bridge. Although traditional dental bridges are the most commonly used type of bridge, there are other types of bridges such as the Maryland Bonded bridge, cantilever bridge, and implant-supported bridge.
Dental bridges combine the best of both worlds to replace multiple missing teeth. These bridges work by using crowns as an anchor point for rows of artificial teeth and therefore blend in with your natural smile. At Sedation Dental Care, we can provide dental bridges and combine your treatments with sedation options to help make your appointments as comfortable as possible.
Did You Know?
Just like dental crowns are made from porcelain, dental bridges also use porcelain for its ability to blend in with natural teeth, as well as its durability and stain resistance.
Conditions That Lead to Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are permanent restorations, with several crowns fused to fit into an open space. As an alternative to partial dentures, dental bridges can help your teeth look better and give your smile back its natural look.
Despite primarily being used for missing teeth, dental bridges can treat many common problems people face with their teeth. In response to this, dental bridges act as a protective barrier for missing teeth, preventing and treating problems such as:
- Gum Disease: Dental bridges can reduce the risk of gum disease, preventing bacteria from entering the gum tissues and protecting the inner space that’s vulnerable to decay.
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay causes missing teeth, and signs of multiple decaying teeth that cannot be restored through usual methods often need to be extracted to remove the risk of further decay. Dental bridges treat this problem by protecting the space where the original problem began and thus can protect your mouth from future dental problems.
- Traumatic Tooth Injuries: Any signs of traumatic injury to a row of teeth must be treated with restorations. Dental bridges help protect those missing or damaged spaces by completely replacing the area with new, undamaged teeth.
- Bite Problems: Bite problems, such as overbites, crossbites, and underbites, can develop when there are missing spaces in your smile. Dental bridges can prevent the onset of bite problems by protecting and restoring the missing space.
- Chewing Problems: Chewing problems caused by conditions such as TMJ disorder, tooth pain, cavities, and other issues can be treated with dental bridges. Having a full set of teeth can reduce symptoms associated with TMJ disorder and protect the jawbone from degeneration.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for a dental bridge?
You may be a candidate for a dental bridge if you have or more adjacent missing teeth surrounded by intact teeth on either side. To determine if a dental bridge is right for you, schedule a consultation with Sedation Dental Care at Raleigh Smile Center today.
What can I expect when having a dental bridge placed?
Dental bridges are usually placed over the course of two dental appointments. The first appointment is necessary to prepare the teeth and obtain a dental impression. To prepare the teeth for a bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap left by missing teeth will need to be slightly reduced in size to accommodate the placement of a dental crown. Once these teeth have been prepared, a dental impression is taken and temporary crowns are placed.
A dental lab will then use the information from the impression to fabricate the dental bridge. This can take about 1-2 weeks, which is why temporary crowns are placed. During the second appointment, the bridge will be checked for fit and then cemented in place. Dental bridges can last several years, however they may need to be replaced at some point due to normal wear and tear.
Can dental sedation be used?
Yes! Dental sedation, also known as anxiety-free dentistry, is ideal for individuals who have dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or for those who simply want to relax during their dental procedure. Your dental sedation options include:
- Valium
- Nitrous Oxide
- Oral & IV Sedation
- General Anesthesia
After Treatment For Dental Bridges
When providing dental bridges, our team works to offer the latest procedures and techniques to give you the most out of your care. This also includes sedation options, such as oral sedation and nitrous oxide, to help you be calm and comfortable. Once your procedure is complete, our dentists will provide after-care instructions for your permanent bridges. For signs of swelling, redness, and soreness, our team can prescribe medications and offer tips to help soothe any pain you may experience. We will also encourage healthy oral hygiene habits to ensure proper tooth care for life and protect your mouth from further tooth loss.
At Sedation Dental Care, we focus on providing excellent oral care through gentle measures. We specialize in sedation dentistry options to make your dental care as comfortable as possible and give you a smile you can be proud to have. For more information, please schedule an appointment with our practice today to learn more about dental bridges!