Why Do I Need a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a non-removable prosthetic device designed to replace one or more missing teeth and help maintain the natural shape of your teeth and the proper spacing between the remaining teeth. Typically, bridges consist of a false tooth connected to two crowns, which fit over the existing natural teeth adjacent to the gap created by the missing tooth or teeth. When in place, the artificial tooth is fused to the surrounding teeth for exceptional strength and durability.

At Robert, A Saunders DDS PC & Brittany C Krog DDS, it is essential to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. Over time, your jawbone can deteriorate and weaken in the areas where teeth are missing. This can result in additional tooth loss and affect your bite and your ability to chew and speak properly. In addition, the aesthetic appearance of your smile can be affected by losing a tooth or multiple teeth. While other restoration options offer only a temporary fix, bridges provide a permanent solution to help restore your smile and maintain your oral health for years.

The Procedure for Dental Bridges

First, your dentist prepares the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile for the bridge. This involves filing down the teeth that border the gap to make room for the new restoration. Then, the dentist takes an impression of your teeth so the dental lab can custom-craft your dental bridge. In the meantime, the dentist places a temporary dental bridge to protect the area until your final restoration is ready.

The laboratory has crafted your new restoration and sent it to the dentist’s office. After checking it for fit and comfort, your dentist will permanently cement it. Sometimes, your dentist may temporarily place a permanent dental bridge while waiting for the permanent restoration from the laboratory. If this is the case, the dentist will remove the temporary dental bridge when the permanent one arrives. Once it is ready, your dentist will place the permanent dental bridge.

The Advantages of Dental Bridges 

• It does not require altering or shaving the adjacent healthy teeth like a partial denture. 
• It is more comfortable than a complete denture would be. 
• The bone in the jaw can shrink away slowly when a missing tooth is not replaced, which can change the appearance of your face. A bridge can prevent this from occurring. 

For patients interested in replacing a single missing tooth, a crown and a dental implant bridge may be a great option to restore your smile to its full function and beauty! Visit Robert A Saunders DDS PC & Brittany C Krog DDS at 2834 S University Dr, Fargo, ND 58103, or call (701)2939886 to schedule an appointment.