Dental Bridges
At Keystone Dentistry, we believe that the best teeth are your own teeth and our team will do all they can to make sure that you keep your teeth. But sometimes, a tooth is badly damaged or lost. Few are aware that without a dental bridge, their remaining teeth can drift out of line and cause other dental problems. One or more missing teeth can adversely affect the appearance and functionality of your smile. Missing teeth can cause a change in bite, shifting of the teeth, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), speech impediments, an increased risk for periodontal disease and a greater chance of tooth decay.
The good news is that a dental bridge can restore a badly damaged tooth or even replace a lost tooth. A classic dental bridge consists of an artificial filler tooth that is attached to two surrounding dental crowns called abutments. Those abutment crowns fit over the teeth adjacent to the missing one with as many fake teeth between them as is needed to fill the gap. Once the tissue where the tooth used to be has healed completely, the first appointment at our office consists of preparing the site for the bridge.
After you are numbed, we will shape the adjacent teeth and remove cracks, decay and anything else we do not want. Then what is left is modified so that the abutment crowns can fit over the top like a helmet. There can be times when so much of a tooth needs to be removed that we must “build up” the tooth with filling material first before we do the final shaping of the crown. Once the teeth have had all final adjustments, an impression is taken and sent to the lab where the crown is fabricated over the next 2-3 weeks. In the interim, your teeth are covered in a temporary bridge for esthetics, but most importantly to prevent sensitivity and keep the teeth moving.
At the second appointment we will remove the temporary, try in the dental bridge, make any final adjustments and cement the bridge to your teeth. Typically this appointment is short and you will not need to be numbed. Our lab has been in business for many years and has taken time to understand our practice’s standards and wishes. Their ceramists are just as particular as we are in making the shape, color and fit perfect for your individual tooth, but just incase your expectations are different, before the bridge is cemented you are able to view it and verify that you are happy with the final product.
If you have questions concerning dental bridges and if they are right for you, please contact our office to inquire.