Dental Bridges
- Services
- Dental Bridges
What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are used to replace a missing tooth, except bridges are supported by the teeth on either side called abutment teeth. Missing teeth can have a major effect not only on your smile, but also on your overall dental health. Specifically, missing teeth can lead to:
- Loss of adjacent teeth
- Shifts in the alignment of your teeth
- Increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease
- Increased risk of tooth decay
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
What are the benefits of bridges?
They are more than a cosmetic procedure, they actually serve a very functional restorative purpose as well. Bridges can make chewing easier, improve your speech, as well as improve your smile! According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, dental bridges are shown to dramatically reduce the risk of losing teeth that are adjacent to a missing tooth. Dental bridges also can help keep your jaw and face from changing shape, as they tend to do when a person has missing teeth.
Cantilever bridges are used to replace a tooth that does not have supporting teeth on both sides of the affected area.
Traditional bridges are the most common, and literally bridge the gap of an empty tooth space by securing a false tooth using crowns on the teeth on either side.
A dental bridge installation in Roseville, MN is typically completed in just two visits. First, Dr. Hunt will determine if you are a good candidate for a dental bridge, and if so, your teeth will need to be prepared by reshaping or reconstructing the decayed or damaged areas. Afterward, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth, which is then sent off to a dental lab where it is cast into a mold, and give you a temporary bridge to wear. At your second visit, this mold will be fitted to your teeth, and any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable fit.
How long do dental bridges typically last?
Dental bridges can last from 8 to 15 years and can last even longer if you maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
For dental bridges in the Roseville, MN area, call Personal Care Dentistry at (651) 615-0777 today.
