Dental Bridges

When you need to replace a tooth, it’s important to get the right treatment. A bridge replaces a missing tooth with an artificial one and can be used for several reasons. Dental bridges are a great option for people who have lost teeth in an accident or because of decay. They can also help treat conditions like gum disease, bone loss around the mouth, or facial deformities such as crooked teeth or uneven gaps between teeth.

Creating a Bridge

dental bridgeYou’ll need to consult with your dentist first to determine whether you’re a candidate for dental bridges. The process is fairly simple.

Your dentist will remove the worst of your old teeth and create an impression of them in wax or clay. This is used to create a custom-fitted bridge that matches your jawbone’s shape and size.

Your dentist will then build the bridge by using metal or porcelain material that matches the shape of your old teeth. In this dental procedure, two crowns will be placed over healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Those healthy teeth are referred to as abutment teeth. The two teeth at the top of your jaw become supports for a third crown placed in between them. That third crown is called a ‘pontic’, which simply means it’s a synthetic tooth. It will be fitted onto the inside of your mouth behind those missing teeth so that it looks like one continuous tooth when viewed from above!

There are a few factors that influence the number of abutment teeth needed to support missing teeth. For example:

  • The number of missing teeth
  • Origins size and length, and position on the mouth.

Caring for Your Crowns & Bridgework

Crowns and bridges require the same attention as natural teeth. Be sure to brush and floss between all of your teeth, restored and natural, every day. The goal is to reduce build-up of plaque which can be harmful to both types of teeth. When you have crowns and bridges, it’s absolutely crucial to maintain your regular schedule of cleanings at the dental office.

Caring for your crowns and bridgework doesn’t have to be difficult. Our team at Sun City Dental El Paso will help make sure all of your appointments are organized and easy to follow through with. We’ll also help keep track of appointments so that there’s always someone available when you need them most!