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What You Should Know Prior to Having Dental Bridges

Jul 01, 2023

Missing one or several teeth affects your chewing and speaking abilities. It also impacts your oral health, smile, facial appearance and self-confidence. Therefore, you should visit a dentist for a teeth replacement procedure. One of the procedures dentists perform is dental bridges. Read on to learn important things before getting dental bridges in Providence, RI.

  1. What Are Dental Bridges?

They are teeth replacements that resemble standard bridges. Dental bridges consist of artificial teeth that replace the missing teeth attached to dental crowns. The crowns are attached to teeth surrounding the gap while the artificial teeth rest in the hole. They support the bridge, ensuring it functions properly and looks natural. A bridge can also be anchored with dental implants.

  1. Types of Dental Bridges

There are different types of bridges suitable for replacing teeth in various positions in the mouth. They include the following:

  1. Traditional fixed bridge: It consists of artificial teeth and crowns fixed on the teeth on both sides of the gap. Dentists recommend fixed bridges when teeth on either side of the gap are healthy and robust.
  2. Cantilever bridges: They are used if the patient has teeth only on one side of the gap.
  3. Maryland bonded bridge: They contain a metal frame and are ideal for replacing front teeth.
  4. Implant-supported bridge: This type is supported by a dental implant.
  1. Are You a Good Candidate for Tooth Bridges?

Dentists do not recommend dental bridges for every person. Instead, they evaluate to determine if you can benefit from bridges or require an alternative treatment. Below are some qualifications for suitable candidates for dental bridges in Providence, RI.

  • Missing teeth

Dental bridges are ideal for people missing consecutive teeth due to their structure. A single bridge can replace between one and four teeth in an arch. However, they are not used for non-consecutive missing teeth. Instead, the dentist in Providence will recommend dental implants.

  • Healthy and strong surrounding teeth

Certain dental bridges are supported by teeth on either side of the gap in the jaw. The dentist places a dental crown on the teeth on both or adjacent teeth. Therefore, your teeth must be healthy and strong enough to support the bridge. Decayed or damaged teeth can cause the tooth bridge to fail.

  • Sufficient jawbone density

Implant-supported dental bridges must be surgically fixed into the jawbone for adequate support. Therefore, you must have sufficient jawbone density for the procedure to be successful. If you do not, the dentist can increase the quantity and quality of the jawbone through bone grafting.

  • Maintain good oral hygiene

Proper oral hygiene will help your dental bridge last longer and prevent disease. So, you should be committed to brushing and flossing daily. In addition, you should visit a dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

  1. The Procedure for Getting Dental Bridges

The procedure varies based on the bridge type being placed. However, there are general steps during the dental bridge process at Drs. Rubinstein & Ducoff. Below are some of them.

First, the dentist will examine the mouth and ensure you do not have tooth decay or gum disease. Then, they will take X-rays and scans. This helps determine if you have sufficient bone and if the teeth on either side are strong and healthy.

Next, the dentist will prepare your teeth for a dental bridge. They will administer a sedative and anesthetic first. Next, the experts file down the healthy teeth adjacent to the hole. It helps them accommodate the crowns without appearing bulky.

If you get an implant-supported bridge, they will surgically place the implant inside the jaw. Then they will suture your gums and allow the post to fuse with the bone. Next, they will take a mould or scans of the gap and surrounding teeth. The images or impressions help them prepare a custom-made dental bridge. They are usually made from porcelain and metal.

The CEREC method allows the dentist to create the bridge as you wait. However, if they do not have the CEREC system, it will take a week to make it. Therefore, your dentist in Providence, RI will place a temporary bridge on the gap while the permanent bridge is being fabricated. Once the new bridge is ready, the dentist will fix it in place and ensure you have a comfortable bite.

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