When you’re missing between one and three teeth in a row, we may suggest a very specific dental prosthetic. A bridge can literally bridge the gap, filling it with a lifelike tooth and protecting your smile from the complications related to tooth loss. How do we place a dental bridge?
Frequently Asked Questions About Placing Dental Bridges
Question: How will a missing tooth impact my smile?
Answer: Without treatment, a gap in your smile can led to natural teeth drifting from position, causing misalignment (which alone leads to a greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease). Losing teeth can also mean pressure on the jaw joints, increasing the likelihood of TMJ disorder and/or bruxism forming.
Question: How do you create the prosthetic?
Answer: We will first prepare the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile, so they will hold the abutments (crowns). We then take detailed dental impressions of the area, which will be used at a dental lab to design and fabricate the prosthetic. The bridge will be custom-made to ensure a comfortable fit and lifelike appearance.
Question: What does placing one involve?
Answer: The completed prosthetic will have two abutments, or dental crowns, on either side of the pontics, or replacement teeth. We place the crowns on the prepared teeth to anchor the new teeth in place. We use a powerful bonding agent to ensure the new prosthetic remains firmly in place.
Question: How do I keep the bridge secure?
Answer: You will need to clean the abutments and pontics by brushing your teeth twice a day. You will also need to clean the space between the bottom of the prosthetic and the top of the gums. We will provide detailed care instructions to ensure you keep your new teeth healthy and free of plaque.
DO YOU HAVE A LOST TOOTH?
At Vi Mai-Truong, DDS, we can create and place a lifelike and custom-made dental bridge. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese. To schedule an appointment, call our Garland, TX office today at (972) 530-0552.
