Dental Bridge
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth called pontics, that anchors to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants.
What are the benefits of getting a dental bridge?
Dental bridges offer several benefits, including restoring the appearance of your smile, improving your ability to chew and speak properly, preventing shifting of surrounding teeth, maintaining facial structure, and distributing bite forces evenly.
How do we place a dental bridge?
The placement of a dental bridge usually requires multiple visits to the dentist.
● During the first visit, the dentist prepares the abutment teeth (adjacent teeth that will support the bridge) by removing a portion of their enamel.
● An analogue or digital impression of the prepared teeth is taken during this visit, which is used to fabricate the custom bridge.
● In a subsequent visit, the custom bridge is permanently cemented onto the prepared teeth.
How long does a dental bridge last?
The lifespan of a dental bridge depends on the following factors: –
● longevity of the supporting teeth.
● Oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and the overall health of the supporting teeth and gums can affect the lifespan of the bridge.
● If the supporting teeth are healthy, a dental bridge can last between 5 and 15 years or even longer with proper care.
Is getting a dental bridge a painful procedure?
The placement of a bridge is typically a painless procedure. Dentists use local anaesthesia to numb the area and reduce the pain during the preparation of the abutment teeth. You may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, but it usually subsides within a few days.
How do I care for a dental bridge?
Proper oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity of a bridge.
- Regular brushing and flossing are essential, with special attention given to cleaning the areas around and beneath the bridge.
- Routine dental check-ups are important to monitor the health of the bridge and the supporting teeth.
Can we replace or repair dental bridges if we need to?
In some cases, we can repair dental bridges if minor issues arise, such as a chipped or cracked pontic. However, if significant damage or wear occurs, we need to replace the bridge entirely. Besides, It is important to consult with a dentist for an assessment and appropriate treatment options.
Are there any alternatives to dental bridges?
- Dental implants are one such alternative, involving a surgical procedure to place an implant in the jawbone. They provide a permanent solution for missing teeth.
- Removable partial dentures are another alternative. They can be taken out for cleaning and offer a removable option for replacing missing teeth.
Can anyone get a dental bridge?
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for a bridge. Here are the factors that we will consider: –
- Adequate oral health, including healthy gums and healthy adjacent teeth, is an essential factor to consider.
- Sufficient bone support in the area of the missing tooth is necessary for a bridge to be successful.
- To determine if a bridge is the right treatment option for you, a thorough examination by a dentist is necessary.
Will dental bridges look natural?
Yes, dental bridges closely resemble natural teeth in shape, size, and colour. The dentist will carefully match the colour of the bridge to your existing teeth, In order to ensure a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing result.