Dental Bridges
If you have lost one or more teeth, you may be
looking for a tooth replacement procedure. A dental bridge may be your answer
for restoring the appearance and function of your smile. You can find this
treatment at the dentist office of Dr. Alan Pressman DMD in Spring Valley.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthetic that
bridges the gap left behind by missing teeth. It is an artificial tooth that is
supported and secured in place by the adjacent natural teeth. It looks and feels
like a natural tooth and can allow you to eat and chew normally. Dental bridges
help a patient speak properly without any problems as it fills in the gaps
between your teeth, affecting the placement of the tongue positively.
Bridges are of two types, either fixed or permanent
bridges and removable bridges. Fixed bridges involve the placement of crowns on
the surrounding natural teeth or directly bonding to the artificial teeth. On
the other hand, removable bridges are bonded to the teeth with metal clasps.
Benefits of Dental Bridges From Dr. Alan Pressman
DMD
In addition to restoring the look and function of
your teeth, a dental bridge prevents the remaining teeth from shifting into the
space left by the lost teeth. Leaving the gap can cause a change in your bite
and lead to premature aging.
If one or more teeth are missing, you must know
their significance to your dental health and appearance. Your teeth together
work to perform many functions daily, from speaking to eating. It is difficult
with missing teeth to do such things. Replacement of missing teeth should and
can be done as early as you require. Fixed bridges are the best solution to
restore your appearance and dental health without breaking the bank.
Dental Bridge Placement
The procedure to place a dental bridge is not a
surgical one, but it will take at least two appointments to complete. During
your first visit, the teeth supporting the bridge, called the abutment teeth,
will be prepared. This procedure will require them to be cleaned and shaved
down a small portion to fit with a dental crown. Next, your dentist will numb
the area of your mouth that is being worked on using a local anesthetic to
minimize pain and discomfort from the treatment. Once the abutment teeth are
the right shape and size, your dentist will take an impression of them and
measurements of your mouth to send to a dental laboratory where the bridge will
be made. Temporary crowns will be placed onto the prepared teeth at the end of
this appointment to keep them protected until the completed bridge is ready.
When your bridge arrives back from the dental lab,
you will return to have the temporary crowns removed and try on the permanent
bridge. Your dentist will put it in place to check the fit and make adjustments
as needed. It may take a few appointments to get just the right fit. The bridge
will be cemented into place.
To
learn more about this treatment, call the dentist office of Dr. Alan Pressman
DMD in Spring Valley.