What Happens During A Dental Bridge Procedure?
A dental bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial (false) teeth. A bridge is usually cemented in place and is composed of dental crowns on either side of your missing tooth or teeth that support the pontic (false tooth).
The most common causes of missing teeth include tooth decay, gum disease, and injury. In addition, you may have been born with a missing tooth due to a congenital condition. Healthy teeth on either side of your missing teeth are required for a dental bridge. The following article describes the procedure for installing a dental bridge.
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- Assessment
The first step in dental bridge placement is to determine whether or not restorative dental treatment is required to replace missing teeth and whether or not a dental bridge is the best option. Dental crowns and implants are other restorative dental treatments that may also be used in this case.
To understand the situation and make the best decision, your dentist at Stunning Smiles of Somerset will examine the area where there is a missing tooth and take X-rays of the jaw. It is critical to discuss the various options with their patients, including the type of bridge and the design of the bridge, so that they understand the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
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- First Appointment: Teeth Preparation and Temporary Bridge Installation
Abutment teeth support most bridges, and these are healthy teeth on either side of your gap. To prepare the teeth for the placement of a dental bridge, they must be shaped for the bridge that will be fitted. A local anesthetic is used throughout the procedure to keep the patient comfortable.
The first step of getting a tooth bridge in Raritan, NJ, is to shape the abutment teeth so the bridge can be installed. After that, impressions of the shaped teeth are taken and sent to a dental laboratory for bridge construction.
For aesthetic reasons, the prosthetics should be colour-matched to the surrounding natural teeth, so a sample shade color should be determined at this point. In other cases, a dental implant may be required to anchor the bridge, particularly if teeth on either side of your gap are not strong enough to support the bridge on their own.
Some patients may be given a temporary bridge, which is typically made of filling material and serves to protect the shaped teeth from damage. In contrast, a permanent bridge is being built. This is removed when the permanent dental bridge is ready to be placed in your mouth.
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- Second Appointment: Permanent Bridge Installation
The second appointment of getting dental bridges in Raritan, NJ, may be scheduled as soon as the custom appliance is completed and ready for placement. A local anesthetic is usually administered at the start of this appointment to increase patient comfort.
The temporary dental bridge should be removed before the permanent one is installed, and the underlying teeth should be cleaned if necessary. The dental bridge can then be secured to the abutment teeth with dental cement.
The results can be seen, and the patient can feel what it’s like to bite the teeth together gently. While it is normal for the bridge to feel strange at first, this usually wears off quickly. In some cases, the bridge may require a few final adjustments.
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- Follow Up
Aftercare and follow-up are critical components of the dental bridge procedure to ensure that you understand what to expect during a bridge procedure and how to care for your new dental bridge. As a result, the dentist should take the time to explain the specifics of the dental bridge, such as recommended oral care and when to seek dental advice. A dental bridge can last for more than ten years if properly maintained.
The Benefits and Risks Of A bridge Placement procedure
Dental bridges help to restore a person’s smile and prevent them from feeling self-conscious about missing teeth. In addition, they improve your chewing and speaking and build your confidence. Bridges can last for many years if properly maintained. However, the bridge may fail if the surrounding teeth decay or the cement deteriorates. If the bridge becomes loose while the supporting teeth remain healthy and intact, your provider may be able to reattach it with new cement.