The dental bridge procedure is a tooth replacement option. The bridge covers the gap between the teeth using the healthy teeth present on either side, consequently restoring the function and appearance of the teeth. This article outlines what happens during a dental bridge installation.
The first step in the dental bridge procedure is to determine the need for tooth replacement treatment and whether a dental bridge is the best choice. The dentist will examine the area and may take x-rays of the jaw to make the best choice. The dental professional will discuss the possible options with their patients, the type and design of the dental bridge, as well as the advantages and drawbacks of each option.
Most bridges are anchored to the healthy teeth on the sides of the gap, which are called the abutment teeth. To prepare the teeth for the attachment of a dental bridge, it is necessary to shape them. The dentist will administer a local anesthetic to keep the patient comfortable throughout the process.
The first step is to file the abutment teeth into the correct shape for the crowns that come with the bridge. The dentist will take impressions of the shaped teeth and send them to a dental laboratory to fabricate the bridge. The prosthetic will be matched to the color of the existing natural teeth to make it aesthetically appealing.
There is an option of using a dental implant to anchor the bridge, especially if the teeth on the sides of the gap do not have enough strength to support the bridge independently. The dentist may provide a temporary bridge, which is often made of composite and protects the prepared teeth from damage while the permanent bridge is being made. It will eventually be removed when the final bridge is ready.
The patient will return to the dental office as soon as the permanent bridge is complete and ready for placement. Once again, the dentist will apply a local anesthetic when starting the appointment to keep the patient comfortable.
Before placing the bridge, the temporary one will be removed, and if necessary, the dentist will clean the teeth underneath. Dental cement will then be applied to fix the bridge structure over the abutment teeth. The result will be obvious immediately.
The patient will experience full dental function once the process is complete. The bridge may feel strange in the mouth at first, but this feeling will disappear eventually. The dentist may need to make final minor adjustments to the dental bridge if required.
Aftercare and follow-up appointments are vital in the dental bridge procedure to ensure that patients have a full grasp of what to expect and how to maintain their new dental restoration. The dentist will take the time to explain the workings of the dental bridge, including oral care routine and when to seek dental help. With proper care, a dental bridge can last up to 10 years or more.
Request an appointment here: https://www.oaklandsmiles.com or call Oakland Smile Dentistry at (510) 256-5117 for an appointment in our Oakland office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bridge in Oakland, CA.
It is helpful to understand the different types of dental bridges to determine why your dentist may recommend a specific one. All dental bridges accomplish the same goal, which is to replace a missing tooth or a section of missing teeth. However, depending on the patient’s goals and the status of their oral health, a…
A dental bridge is one of the most popular solutions for lost teeth. According to the American Dental Association, most adults between ages 20 and 64 have at least one or two decayed or missing teeth. Fortunately, with a dental bridge, a dentist can cover the gap between the teeth to restore your smile.The following…
Dental crowns are restorations that can help repair and reinforce your teeth. You may be thinking about getting long-term dental aesthetic enhancement and protection. If you are, you may want to consider getting dental crowns. There are myriad materials available for this type of restoration. Regardless of the number of crowns you want for your…
A dental crown usually lasts for several years, but it can chip or break. Sometimes, a dental crown can be repaired. But this depends on multiple factors, including the amount of damage and the type of dental crown you have. A damaged dental crown needs to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid complications.A…