Mount Prospect Family Dentist Explains Uses for Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are an important dental restoration used at the Mount Prospect Family Dentist office. Bridges have a long-standing history of being effective for restoring functionality after a tooth has been lost. The traditional bridge usually involves two crowns that are secured to adjacent teeth and are then attached to an artificial tooth called a pontic. This creates a “bridge” that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
You and your dentist may decide on a fixed bridge for any of the following reasons:
- Fill space of missing teeth.
- Prevent drifting of remaining teeth
- Restore the ability to chew and/or speak clearly
- Upgrade from a removable partial denture
Placement of a fixed bridge will generally require two or more visits. The two anchoring teeth will be prepared by removing a portion of enamel, allowing room for a crown. The Mount Prospect Family Dentist then takes impressions of your teeth.
The impressions are used to create a mold that will be sent to a dental lab, where a custom-fit bridge will be created specifically to fit your teeth and accommodate your bite. At the conclusion of your first visit, you will leave with a temporary bridge created by your dentist.
Your second appointment takes place once the permanent bridge has been created. At this point, your dentist will carefully check and adjust the crown to make sure it fits properly. It is important that we take special care with this step to ensure that your dental bite lines up perfectly. The bridge is then permanently cemented.
At the conclusion of this visit, we will provide you with instructions on how to properly care for your new permanent bridge. The life of your new bridge will be extended greatly by following proper brushing and flossing techniques and scheduling regular dental visits.
Please contact our office for more information about bridges or other tooth replacement options.