What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge can be used to replace one or more lost teeth. The bridge is made up of a pontic (artificial tooth or teeth) in the middle and two or more crowns covering the teeth on either side of the gap. The crowns act as anchors to keep the pontic in position and produce a functional and natural-looking substitute for the missing tooth or teeth.
At Carrville Family Dentistry we provide numerous different kinds of dental bridges near you. Our expert dentist near you can assist you in choosing the option that is appropriate for your particular requirements because each style of the bridge has its own distinct advantages.
What are the Types of Dental Bridges in Richmond Hill?
Depending on your particular requirements and oral health, your dentist might suggest one of the following four dental bridge types:
- Traditional Bridges: The most popular type of bridge, this one includes sandwiching an artificial tooth, or pontic, between two dental crowns that are affixed to the teeth on either side of the gap. Conventional bridges can replace missing teeth with a natural-looking alternative composed of porcelain or ceramic.
- Cantilever bridges: They are comparable to regular bridges, except they only require one abutment tooth as opposed to two in traditional bridges. When there is only one tooth next to the lost tooth or teeth, this form of bridge is frequently employed.
- Maryland bridges: Often referred to as resin-bonded bridges, Maryland bridges feature a metal or porcelain framework that is glued to the teeth next to them on the rear. As opposed to conventional bridges, this kind doesn’t necessitate extensive tooth preparation for the abutment teeth, making it a more conservative option.
- Bridges with implant support: Dental implants that have been surgically inserted into the jawbone are connected by bridges with implant support. Patients with several missing teeth or whose nearby teeth are too weak to sustain a standard bridge are frequently advised to get this kind of bridge.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge normally requires numerous visits to the dentist over the course of several weeks to finish the operation. The following is a basic outline of events:
- Consultation and Examination: On your first visit, your dentist will look at your teeth and gums, assess your oral health, and decide whether a dental bridge is the best option for you.
- Tooth Preparation: Should you decide to move forward with a dental bridge, your dentist will prepare the teeth next to it by lightly buffing away some of their enamel. This is done to make room for the dental crowns that will secure the bridge in place.
- Impressions: When your teeth have been cleaned and prepped, your dentist will use a putty-like substance to take imprints of your teeth. These impressions will be used to make a bridge that is specially tailored to fit your teeth.
- Temporary Bridge: Your dentist will place a temporary bridge in your mouth to protect the abutment teeth and give you a useful replacement for the lost tooth or teeth while your permanent bridge is being created.
- Fitting and placement: This process will take place in your dentist’s office after your permanent bridge is complete. The permanent bridge will be inserted into your mouth after your dentist removes the temporary one. They will examine your bite to make sure everything is in the right alignment and modify the bridge as necessary to create a comfortable fit.
Depending on how soon the dental laboratory can create your custom bridge, the entire procedure for getting a dental bridge normally takes two to three weeks. But, if further dental treatment is required or if there are issues with the procedure, it could sometimes take longer. Based on your unique requirements and circumstances, our dentist near you will be able to provide you with a more precise schedule.
Contact Us to Get Started
Are you ready to book an appointment? You can reach us via phone, email, or coming into our local dental practice and talking with a member of our team in person. We look forward to working with you!