What Happens During A Dental Bridge Procedure?

According to the ADA, an average adult has more than one decayed or missing tooth. Unfortunately, significant teeth damage or loss can affect your smile and quality of life in multiple ways. For instance, you may be unable to pronounce certain words correctly or experience severe discomfort or difficulty eating tough foods like nuts and apples.

You can replace lost or severely damaged teeth with restorative dental procedures like dental bridges. Read on to learn more about dental bridges and what you can expect during the treatment.

What are dental bridges?

A dental bridge, or fixed denture, is a dental prosthesis comprising one or more artificial teeth. The artificial teeth cover gaps left by one or more missing teeth. Unlike overdentures, you can’t remove dental bridges even when sleeping. The prosthesis is secured onto the surrounding teeth or jaw. It’s essential to have healthy gums and teeth to get a bridge.

The artificial teeth in a bridge are customized to blend naturally with your natural teeth in size, shape, and color. These artificial teeth are known as pontics. They are secured in place by dental crowns or frameworks attached to nearby healthy teeth (abutments) or dental implants.

Dental Bridge Procedure

If you’re considering teeth bridge in Merrimack, NH, the first step should be to schedule a consultation with our dentist in Merrimack, NH. The dentist will review your oral health and goals to determine your eligibility for the procedure. You can get alternate treatments like dental implants or dentures if you still need to.

If you’re eligible, the dentist will take the necessary impressions or digital scans of your teeth or mouth to prepare the necessary components of your bridge. The main procedure for getting a bridge will depend on the bridge you’ll get.

Below are the four most common types of bridges and their procedures:

• Traditional or Cantilever Bridges

Traditional and Cantilever are the most common types of bridges. Traditional bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth supported by dental crowns attached to adjacent teeth on both sides of the gap. In a Cantilever bridge, the artificial tooth or teeth are supposed by a dental crown attached to a single tooth on either side of the gap.

Getting a traditional or cantilever bridge typically requires about two dental appointments. The steps include:

• The dentist will inject your gums with a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure.
• Next, the dentist prepares the abutment tooth or teeth by shaving a minor portion of their enamel. It is crucial to create enough room for a crown to fit perfectly.
• The dentist takes impressions or digital scans of your teeth and other records and sends them to a dental lab to make the custom bridge.
• The dentist will prepare and place a temporary bridge or crown to protect the prepared teeth.
• The dentist will remove the temporary bridge or restoration on the second appointment. The custom bridge is tested for a perfect bite and fit. If necessary, the dentist makes adjustments.
• If all is as expected, the bridge is cemented in place.

• Maryland bridges

A Maryland bridge contains one or more artificial teeth secured by frameworks attached to the back of the nearby teeth. The necessary impressions or scans of the teeth are taken and sent to a dental lab. During installation, the abutment teeth only require minor etching on the back to help the bridge wings bond easily. Once the bridge is tested for proper bite and fit, it’s secured.

• • Implant-supported bridges

As the name implies, these bridges are secured in place by dental implants and not your natural teeth fixed. The dentist uses surgery to place dental implants in the jawbone. The jawbone must heal and bond with the implant before a bridge is placed. It can take about 3 – 6 months. The dentist will prepare a temporary bridge to wear until the implant heals. Once the implants have healed, the dentist will attach the bridge. While implant-supported bridges take longer to place, they offer excellent stability, strength, natural appearance, and durability.

Dental Bridges Aftercare

Proper care and maintenance allow your bridge to last 10 – 15 years. Use the following tips to care for your mouth and bridge:

• Brush and floss daily.
• Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush.
• Avoid abrasive dental products.
• Schedule routine dental checkups and cleanings.
• Eat healthily and stay hydrated.
• Avoid hard, chewy, crunchy, and acidic foods and beverages.
• Avoid tobacco.
• Notify your dentist immediately if your bridge is damaged, dislodged, or ill-fitting.

Are you interested in Dental bridges in Merrimack, NH?

Are you ready to improve your oral function and smile with dental bridges? Contact Yelena Popkova, DDS – Merrimack, to schedule your consultation today.