Dental Bridges
Dental bridges takes place over 2 or 3 or sometimes more visits to the dentist
During the first visit, the patient receives local anesthetic and the dentist re-contours the abutment teeth so that a crown will fit over them. Teeth impressions are taken during this visit to form a model to assist in the creation of the dental bridge.
The dentist makes and fits a chairside temporary bridge or crown to protect the exposed teeth immediately after the teeth have been filed to protect the teeth whilst the final bridge is being manufactured. The permanent bridge will be made in a dental laboratory by a technician. A second visit is necessary to remove the temporary bridge (or crown) and replace it with the permanent bridge.
More visits may be required between the first and second visit to ensure a proper fit and bite, etc.
With good oral hygiene and dental care, dental bridges usually last between 5 and 15 years but may need to be replaced earlier if a tooth under the bridge becomes poorly, or if the gums recede around the neck of the crown. Adjacent teeth leaning into the a space may alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together affecting speech and the shape of your face. Gum disease and tooth decay will result if food accumulates in the gaps between teeth. It is also really important to know how to take care of your dental bridges.
Dental bridges are recommended when there are one or more teeth missing that affect your smile and appearance. They may be recommended if the bite needs to be elevated to align the teeth and can be placed onto implants as well as natural teeth.
Practice good dental hygiene
Clean the dental bridge everyday and prevent tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease. Clean under the "false" tooth every day using superfloss. Keep the remaining teeth healthy as these serve as the foundation for the dental bridge. Brush twice and floss daily with dental floss. Hold onto the longer piece of superfloss, gently bring it up and pull the pointed end all the way through. Floss using both your hands, moving the floss back and forth under the bridge. Floss the bridge completely from its one end to the other. You dentist will show you how to floss and practise will make perfect!
