If you have one lost tooth or several missing teeth, it is crucial to seek out replacement option. Restoring your smile will benefit your oral health and your appearance. Restorative dentistry options will restore proper chewing function, prevent any remaining teeth from shifting, help maintain the natural structure of your facial, and simply enhance self-confidence. Failing to replace teeth can impact your oral health and overall well-being. Dr. Emily Ann Reece with Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can provide you with a custom dental bridge in Cary, NC if you are missing teeth.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge can be an excellent choice for restoring teeth for a natural-looking and functional smile. It is a fixed dental restoration meaning your dentist will permanently secure it in place and you will not be able to remove it, only your dentist can. It is secured to remaining teeth that located on both sides of gap created by the lost teeth. Called the abutment teeth, these teeth are reduced in size to create room for the fixture.
The bridge itself is comprised of several components. The artificial tooth or teeth, called pontics, will match the natural color and shape of your natural teeth for a seamless look. Located on both ends of the bridge are dental crowns. These are the part of bridge will that will be secured to the abutment teeth to secure the prosthesis in place.
Dental Bridges Can Also Be Secured with Dental Implants
Another way to secure a dental bridge is with dental implants. Dentists use implant supported bridges to replace several missing teeth in a row. This type of fixed bridge does not require the use of healthy adjacent teeth. It involves surgically inserting at least two implant fixtures into the jaw bone where they will fuse to the bone over a period of a few months. This will create a strong foundation where your dentist can attach a custom made dental bridge.
This type of dental bridge offers several benefits. It provides more stability since the bridge is anchored to human bone. The implants act as teeth roots to prevent bone loss in the jaw. This will save you dealing with jaw bone loss which causes a person to look years older than they really are. Also, there is no need to permanently modify healthy teeth secure it. You will only replace the teeth that are missing and no damage or unnecessary stress will be placed on your healthy teeth.
Dental Bridge Treatment
The dental bridge attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments in our Raleigh dental office. At your first appointment, Dr. Reece will prepare the teeth on either side of the tooth gap by removing a portion of the tooth enamel.
She will take dental impressions of your teeth to send to a dental lab where the bridge is constructed to exact specifications. When the bridge is complete, Raleigh, NC dentist Dr. Reece will either place dental crowns on the abutment teeth or bond artificial teeth to the abutment teeth.
Caring For Your Dental Bridge
Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while your custom dental bridge is being fabricated. We use anesthetic, so your tongue, lips, and roof of your mouth may be numb. Do not eat or drink hot foods or beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.
To keep your temporary restorations in place, avoid eating sticky and hard foods. It is important to brush normally but floss carefully. Do not pull up on your floss as this may dislodge the temporary restoration. Pull the floss out from the side. You may experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity but this should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration.
Is a Dental Bridge Right For Me?
Dental bridges are a great solution for the right patient. For instance, they’re recommended over dentures because they’re supported by other teeth or implants and they don’t require adhesive to adhere to the gums. Bridges are one of the quicker options to replace missing teeth as well. Even if your bridge is supported by implants, it’s still quicker than getting full implants.
While bridges supported by dental implants are more stable, traditional bridges are still a great option. If you’ve had a tooth that’s been missing for a long time, the jawbone has probably deteriorated significantly. To get a dental implant, surgical bone grafting would most likely be needed. A bridge allows you to avoid this extensive procedure.
Bridges are also ideal for patients that suffer from gum disease or other persistent issues with their gums. With these problems, implants aren’t a good option because there can be issues with the implant healing and introducing harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Since removable bridges don’t require anything invasive, this isn’t a worry.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Choosing how to replace missing teeth can be overwhelming. A dental bridge is a great choice if you have one or several missing teeth. If you would like to learn more about the treatment, please read through our frequently asked questions section. If you have further questions, please reach out to our dental staff during regular office hours.
How long does a dental bridge last?
A dental bridge can last anywhere from 5-15 years or more. It depends on if it’s supported by natural teeth or dental implants, and also can vary depending on how well you take care of your restoration.
Can I eat with my dental bridge?
You can eat most things with your dental bridge, particularly if it’s a fixed bridge. However, there are some things you should be cautious about. You should avoid extremely sticky foods and foods like apples, that require a lot of pressure to bite into.
How do I clean under a dental bridge?
If you have a fixed bridge, you still want to make sure that you’re cleaning it properly. A water pick is always a good option to clean under a bridge. You can also use super floss, a floss threader, or other methods. We’ll instruct you on how to take care of your dental bridge at your appointment.
Is getting a dental bridge painful?
Getting a dental bridge is typically not a painful process. Your dentist will complete the procedure using local anesthetic so you will not feel any pain. You may experience some discomfort or feel pressure while they are preparing your teeth. This, however, is similar to receiving a dental filling and is most often manageable by patients.
How is a dental bridge different from dentures?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that your dentist will cement to your teeth. A denture is a removable prosthesis that you will be able to remove to clean and maintain. Also, a dental bridge typically is used to replace a single missing tooth or several consecutive missing teeth.
Can a dental bridge cause bad breath?
Yes, a dental bridge can lead to bad breath. Just like your natural teeth, any type of dental restoration that goes in your mouth requires proper cleaning. Food particles and bacteria can build up on it and cause an odor which can lead to bad breath. To avoid this, please follow your dentist’s instructions on how to care for your dental bridge to prevent bad breath.