Dental Bridges

bridge

Bridges are necessary to replace missing teeth from both aesthetic concerns and chewing ability. A bridge is retained in the mouth by two or more teeth on either side of the missing tooth(teeth) and is cemented to those teeth. This allows for a natural looking replacement for an unsightly missing tooth.

THE DENTAL BRIDGE PROCEDURE

There are several steps that are taken in order to create a bridge:

  • First Step: The adjacent teeth must be prepared. This involves removing some of the enamel to allow room for the crown to be placed over them.
  • Second Step: Impressions of the teeth are made. These will be sent to a laboratory so a bridge, a false tooth or pontic, and crowns can be created to fit the unique configuration of the patient’s mouth. During the 2 to 3 weeks while the bridge is being manufactured, the patient will be given a temporary dental bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums.
  • Third Step: During the next dental visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and replaced with the new, permanent bridge. The doctor will make sure the bridge fits properly and cement it to the teeth.