Dental Bridges: Types, Installation Procedure and After-Care Tips

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that closes the gaps from missing teeth on your jawline. It is known as a pontic. Abutments on either side of the gap hold the pontic in place. Abutments are dental crowns that anchor the weight of the false tooth. Dentists use an array of materials to make bridges, including some metals like gold. The primary material is porcelain since it reflects light, just like your natural teeth.

There are four types of dental bridges:

• Conventional bridges– It is the most popular and comprises a pontic attached to dental crowns placed on abutment teeth. It is only viable when natural teeth surround the gap.
• Cantilever – It is created just like the traditional dental bridge. However, one side of the missing tooth has natural teeth. The bridge is attached to a dental crown on one side. The other side has to have at least one natural tooth at the tip of the gap. It is rarely used as it can cause damage to healthy teeth.
• Maryland (Also known as the resin-bonded bridge) – Like conventional bridges, this type includes two abutment teeth on either end of the gap. However, instead of the dental crowns, a metal or porcelain structure is cemented to the abutment teeth’ back. Natural teeth on all ends of the gap are necessary.
• Implant-supported – These bridges rely on dental implants. An implant surgically replaces every missing tooth. Another option may be to place the false teeth between two dental crowns attached to implants. It is the most robust and m sturdy type.

When Should I Get a Dental Bridge?

You should consult a dentist on dental bridges near you if your missing teeth affect you in the following ways:

• Hindering your speech and pronunciation
• A sagging mouth structure
• Labored chewing
• Having a split smile

Missing teeth trigger the movement of the remaining teeth from their appropriate position to distribute bite pressure. Getting bridges prevents this defect.

What to Expect at the Dentist

The first visit involves the preparation phase. The clinic for Dental Bridges in Paramus will check on your oral condition and discuss teeth replacement options with you. They will consider your input on bridge design for an individualized treatment plan.

The actual treatment starts with the formulation of the abutment teeth. It involves shaping the teeth by extracting a part of the enamel to make room for fitting a crown.

Afterward, an impression of your teeth is taken to act as a model for creating the crown, pontic, and bridge. A temporary bridge might be provided to protect the exposed gums. The third visit includes the removal of the temporary bridge and installation of the permanent one. The dentist will examine the fit and make any adjustments required.

To ensure the bridge’s bite is not problematic, a fixed bridge may be placed temporarily for trial before being permanently cemented. Keep in mind that the implant-supported bridge needs two different surgeries. One to fix the implants and the other to place the bridge. This respective procedure will take a considerable amount of time.

How Do I Take Care of a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges can serve you for several years. To maintain their longevity, proper oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash.

Bridges can get damaged as a result of:

• Fractured or decayed abutment teeth
• Breaking of the metal underneath or the false teeth.
• Discoloration
• Loosening over time

Repairing the dental bridge depends on the cause of the problem. If the abutment teeth are the source, the bridge will be removed to treat them. A new bridge will be installed after treatment. Decay can damage the abutment teeth, which implants will replace to hold the new bridge. The dentist can quickly repair a fracture on the pontic teeth.

Contact a dentist near you if you experience the following:

• Sensitivity to cold or hot beverages
• Severe pain when brushing or chewing
• Chips or cracks on the bridge

If you need Dental Bridges in Paramus, NJ, consider Paramus Park Mall Dental. We utilize our skill and knowledge to deliver on our patient’s bridge needs.