Dental Bridges Fixed Restorations to Replace One or More Missing Teeth

Teeth Bridges are permanent restorations helping replace one or more missing teeth. Mimicking the appearance, shape and function of natural teeth is a feature of dental bridges. Bridges are custom-created for every patient.

In severe cases, you may need multiple dental bridges from the dentist in Salem, MA, in a process called full mouth rehabilitation. If you have several teeth missing, the dentist may recommend dentures instead of bridges.

Porcelain helps make most dental bridges. The bridges are attached to a metal structure for support. You can also have all-ceramic bridges, a combination of porcelain and various other materials similar in appearance. Before placement of dental bridges, the Salem dentist must remove some tooth structure from the abutment teeth to support the dental bridge from each side. The tooth structure removal is similar whether you need dental bridge front teeth or even the molars.

When Does a Dental Bridge Become Necessary?

Tooth loss is standard among Americans, with almost 70 percent of adults between 35 and 44 have lost at least one tooth because of gum disease, tooth decay, or root canal failure. Bridges for missing teeth are recommended by dentists if you already have dental crowns on the abutment teeth. Bridges are also a standard option if you cannot have dental implants for medical reasons.

You may require a dental bridges in Salem, MA, after tooth loss or dental extraction because of severe tooth decay, periodontal disease, aging, trauma or injury, and medications.

Types of Dental Bridges You Can Have

There are four types of dental provided by mass Bay dental. They are:

• Traditional dental bridges, the most common variety, consist of ceramic or porcelain fused to metal or all metal. Conventional bridges have one artificial tooth called Pontic held by dental crowns in place on either side. Suppose you receive traditional dental bridges the dentist files and shapes the two adjacent teeth next to the artificial tooth. The filing and reshaping ensure two dental crowns fit over the abutment teeth correctly. Traditional bridges are durable and last for a long time with proper dental care.
• Cantilever bridges are similar to the traditional variety because they are created from porcelain fused to metal. If you have merely one natural tooth next to the edentulous gap, the dentist recommends a cantilever bridge where a dental crown is placed over the abutment tooth adjacent to the missing tooth.
• Maryland bridges are non-invasive, unlike traditional bridges consisting of a fake tooth supported by a metal framework. In addition, Maryland bridges do not require extensive tooth structure removal because they attach to the back of the front teeth next to the missing tooth.
• Implant-supported bridges receive the support they need from dental implants instead of metal frameworks or dental crowns. As a result, implant-supported bridges are the most durable and suitable for molars and premolars. However, they require surgery and healing for many months before you can have an artificial tooth over them.

The type of bridge you can have depends on your oral health, budget, and how many teeth you want replacing.

The Dental Bridge Procedure

During your first visit to the Salem dentist, you receive local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and feel no pain during the procedure. The dentist files and shapes the abutment teeth to prepare them for a dental crown. Extensive tooth structure removal is necessary to accommodate the dental crown.

After filing and reshaping, the teeth impressions are taken and dispatched to a dental laboratory to custom create your dental bridge. While the laboratory makes your permanent restoration, the dentist provides a temporary removable dental bridge to protect the newly shaped teeth and the gap between them.

You must revisit the dentist after two to three weeks when the dental lab returns your permanent bridge. During your second visit, the dentist removes the temporary bridge to clean your teeth. Next, the dentist takes x-rays of the bridge to ensure it fits correctly. After that, the bridge is bonded to your teeth using special dental cement.

Caring for Dental Bridges

Caring for dental bridges is similar to caring for dental crowns. However, you must adopt oral hygiene practices after getting a permanent bridge placed over the prepared teeth. The gap where the artificial tooth rests on the gums is challenging to clean and results in plaque buildup.

You must brush twice a day and floss beneath the bridge, and use a mouthwash for rinsing. Adopting these strategies reduces inflammation and prevents cavities near the edges of the bridge. In addition, you must purchase floss threaders to floss between dental bridges.

If you care for the dental bridges appropriately, they last you for over a decade, proving as suitable replacements for one or more missing teeth.