DENTAL BRIDGES IN SANTA ROSA, CA
MISSING TEETH SHOULT BE REPLACED TO MAINTAIN PROPER FUNCTION OF YOUR MOUTH
All of your teeth play an important role in speaking, chewing and in maintaining proper alignment of other teeth. Tooth loss doesn’t necessarily have to occur as you age, but if you do lose teeth they must be replaced to maintain proper function of your mouth. Fortunately, there are options for correcting tooth loss.
DENTAL BRIDGE OPTIONS
A bridge is a permanent restoration used to replace missing teeth. Bridges are made by preparing teeth on either side of a missing tooth space for a crown. In the lab, a technician will attach a prosthetic tooth, called a point, to each crown. The pontic “spans” the missing tooth space, that’s why it this restoration is referred to as a bridge.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
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WHY DO I NEED A BRIDGE?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. Anderson will prepare the teeth on either side of the missing tooth space.
Often, a bridge is less expensive than a dental implant and it often takes less time to make and deliver for a patient than an implant crown or bridge.
A bridge is a great fixed restoration that can restore a patient’s smile, increase the ability to function and chew, as well as prevent any movement of the teeth around a missing tooth space.
Missing teeth can impact a patient’s ability to chew and speak. They can also severely impact a patient’s self-esteem and sense of well-being. A dental bridge can successfully address all of these concerns.
HOW IS A BRIDGE ATTACHED?
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment Dr. Anderson will prepare the teeth on either side of the missing tooth space.
Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED?
Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys and high-strength dental porcelains.
HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY BRIDGE?
A strict regimen of brushing and flossing will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. This is of critical importance as the bridge relies on the neighboring teeth for support.
