What is a Dental Bridge Procedure?
A dental bridge can assist restore the appearance and functionality of your teeth if you have missing teeth, including your front teeth. Dental bridges are an alternative to partial dentures and are the permanent appliance that replaces a missing tooth or missing teeth. They improve your ability to chew and communicate and restore the appearance of your teeth. They are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Gold, alloys, porcelain, and other materials are a few examples of materials that can be used to create the bridge. Porcelain is frequently chosen as the material for front tooth replacements because it can be matched to your natural tooth color.
Who needs a dental bridge?
If you have a case of a lost tooth or teeth, dental bridges may be able to help. Tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma are the three most frequent causes of lost teeth. Or perhaps you were born without teeth due to a congenital disorder. It would be best if you had healthy teeth on either side of the missing teeth to acquire a dental bridge.
Why do I need a dental bridge?
To get the job done, your teeth need to work together. The nearby tooth will shift into the empty space if any teeth are missing. Your opposite jaw’s teeth can also move up and down toward space. This can result in:
- Bite problems
- Difficulty in chewing
- Pain due to undue pressure on the teeth and jaw
- Unconfident in your appearance
Assessment
The first step in the procedure is to understand whether or not restorative dental treatment is required to replace missing teeth and whether or not a dental bridge is the best option. Dental crowns and dental implants are two other restorative dental treatments that may be more appropriate in some cases.
To gain a complete understanding of the situation and make the best decision, the dentist will inspect the area and take X-rays of the jaw. It is critical to discuss the various options with the patients, including the type and design of the bridge, so that they understand the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
Initial Consultation
Abutment teeth support most bridges, with healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Your dentist will shape the teeth for the bridge to prepare them for bridge placement. A local anesthetic is used throughout the procedure to keep the patient comfortable.
The first step is to shape the abutment teeth so the bridge can be installed. After that, impressions of the shaped teeth are taken and sent to a dental laboratory for bridge construction. For aesthetic reasons, the prosthetics should be color-matched to the surrounding natural teeth, so a sample color is taken.
After understanding the case, your dentist might suggest a dental implant to anchor the bridge, mainly if the teeth on either side of the gap cannot support the bridge on their own.
Some patients may be given a temporary bridge, typically made of filling material, which protects the shaped teeth from damage. This can be removed when the permanent bridge is ready to be placed in the mouth.
Second appointment
The temporary bridge will be removed during the second visit, and the new dental bridge will be seated and adjusted to achieve a proper fit. Multiple visits may be required to ensure that the framework and bite fit.
Once the procedure is completed, the patient can feel what it’s like to bite the teeth together gently. While it is normal for the bridge to feel strange at first, this usually wears off quickly. In some cases, the bridge may require a few final adjustments.
If you would like to learn more about the dental bridge in Ottawa, or if you are interested in one of the dental services in Ottawa (general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and pediatric dentistry), The Smile Doc is one of the leading dental clinics with years of experience.