What is a Dental Bridge and What is it Used for?

If you have a gap in your teeth, you know how uncomfortable and inconvenient it can be. Not only do missing teeth make eating difficult, but they often can make people feel self-conscious about their smile as well. Fortunately, there is a solution available with a dental bridge in Jackson, MS, 39216.

What is a dental bridge?

A bridge is made up of two parts: the false tooth or teeth, called the pontic, that is attached to the abutment teeth, usually crowns that are placed on either side of the gap. It can be made of porcelain, gold, or alloys.

There are three main types of dental bridges in Jackson, MS, 39216: traditional, cantilever, and Maryland-bonded. Traditional bridges span the gap of missing teeth by creating anchors (abutments) on either side of the gap. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the gap (usually at the back of the mouth), and Maryland-bonded bridges involve attaching a resin-bonded bridge to the teeth on opposite sides of the gap.

Benefits to replacing missing teeth

When a tooth is lost, the remaining teeth have room to move along the gum line. If the space is left open, the teeth will shift into that space, potentially changing your bite. Additionally, the bone underneath the missing tooth can begin to shrink, altering the jawbone and potentially affecting the way your chew or speak. It can also affect facial structure and lead to temporomandibular joint disorder. Using a dental bridge prevents these issues from occurring. It also restores function back to your teeth, allowing you to speak and eat as before.

What to expect when getting a bridge

Getting a bridge placed will take at least two visits to the dentist, one of which will be a consultation to assess the area in the mouth to be treated. Dental bridges are custom-made from impressions taken of the mouth. The teeth will first be cleaned, and the abutment teeth will be prepared to receive a crown. This involves a small portion of the enamel to be removed so that the crown can fit. The impressions are then taken of the prepared teeth and gap. It can take up to a few weeks for the bridge to be completed. In the meantime, a temporary bridge will usually be placed to keep the prepared teeth protected.

Once the completed dental bridge arrives from the dental laboratory, the temporary bridge will be removed and the permanent bridge bonded to the prepared teeth. Adjustments can be made, if necessary, to achieve just the right bite and fit.

There is little to no pain or discomfort involved with having a dental bridge placed, and there are many benefits.