A dental bridge serves as a permanent restoration designed to replace one or multiple missing natural teeth. Unlike removable prosthetic appliances, the bridge is securely anchored to adjacent teeth, eliminating the need for removal and cleaning. Custom-crafted for each patient, bridgework offers a seamless and lifelike appearance. With proper care, most fixed bridges boast a long lifespan, often lasting for many years before requiring replacement.
Why would a dental bridge be needed?
A common indication for a dental bridge is tooth loss, particularly when avoiding surgery for dental implants or being ineligible for implant placement. Bridgework effectively restores both the aesthetics and functionality of your smile. Additionally, by filling the gap caused by a missing tooth, a bridge helps prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, reducing the likelihood of crookedness and crowding.
Who is a candidate for a dental bridge?
At Sapphire Dental Home, our team can conduct a thorough examination of your teeth to assess whether a fixed bridge is the appropriate solution for your dental needs. To ensure proper fit and stability, the bridge typically relies on adjacent teeth for support. However, larger bridges may present challenges in terms of stability. In such cases, we may recommend dental implants as a means to secure the bridge more effectively and ensure optimal functionality and longevity.
What happens during the dental bridge procedure?
The process commences with the administration of a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Next, the surrounding teeth are carefully shaped and filed down to create space for the new fixed bridge. Impressions of your teeth are then taken to fabricate both a temporary and permanent bridge. Following this, you’ll leave our office with the temporary bridge in place and return for a subsequent appointment to have the permanent one fitted. During the final appointment, the temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is securely attached using a dental-grade adhesive. Our team meticulously polishes and adjusts the new bridge to ensure a perfect fit and provides you with comprehensive instructions on proper oral hygiene practices for maintaining optimal oral health around the bridge.
