THE DENTAL BRIDGE PROCEDURE

If you have a tooth or teeth that fall out, are knocked out or need to be pulled, it’s extremely important that you replace those teeth as soon as possible. Not only does a gap between teeth look unappealing, but it also hurts the functionality of your mouth overall, and your oral health.
There are a few different tooth replacement options that you can discuss with your dentist to fill the gap where one or more teeth are missing. One popular replacement option for patients is a dental bridge.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are dental appliances that bridge the space between one or more missing teeth. There are different types of dental bridges, as well as different materials that the bridges can be made of. What they all have in common is that they fill the gap and provide additional support.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

One of the most obvious benefits of having a dental bridge placed is the cosmetic one. A dental bridge can easily replicate the look of a natural tooth or teeth—allowing the patient to continue to speak and smile without feeling self-conscious. In addition to the cosmetic benefits, dental bridges also help patients to maintain their oral health, and the functionality of their teeth and jaw.

When patients lose teeth, it can become more difficult for them to eat food like they used to. A patient may also notice changes in their speech patterns, and even a change in the shape of their face! Dental bridges help to provide the support a patient needs to chew and speak much like they did before.

Tooth replacements like dental bridges also help with the maintenance of good oral health. Many patients find that their remaining teeth migrate when they have a gap where teeth are missing. This can lead to infections, decay and disease.

The Different Types of Dental Bridges (and Their Procedures)

There are three main types of bridges, each a little different from the other. Below are the three main types of bridges, and their placement processes:

Traditional Bridges

When people think of dental bridges, they often think of traditional bridges. A traditional bridge involves the reshaping of healthy teeth on both sides of the gap where a tooth or teeth are missing. An abutment is then secured over the healthy, reshaped teeth. This abutment holds the pontic (false tooth or teeth) in place.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are very similar to traditional bridges, except they only involve the reshaping and placement of an abutment of one tooth.

Maryland Bridge

A Maryland bridge is different than the first two, in that a frame with metal or porcelain wings hold the pontic in place.

Is a Dental Bridge Right for Me?

Because there are different tooth replacement options available, you’ll want to speak with your dentist to see if a dental bridge is the right replacement option for you. If so, speak with your dentist about the placement of your dental bridge.

Interested in starting your dental bridge process? Learn more about West Mobile Dental Care, located in Mobile, today.

Interested in learning more about dental bridges in general? Here's details on the differences between dental implants and dental bridges.