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Tooth Replacement - Dental Bridges

What are Dental Bridges?

A bridge is a natural looking replacement for missing teeth that is securely attached to the surrounding teeth. A bridge is dependable, looks great and will restore your natural bite and smile.

The artificial tooth is connected on either side to crowns that are placed on the neighboring teeth.

Why do I need one?

• When a tooth is missing, the biting forces on the surrounding teeth change, making them prone to shifting. Improper chewing forces on shifting teeth can lead to loose teeth and loss of jawbone, especially if any amount of gum disease is present in the mouth.
• An uneven bite makes chewing harder and can lead to grinding and clenching. (Link to TMJ Page)
• The teeth opposite the missing tooth can extrude, or erupt further from the gums, causing them to become loose as well.

What are my Options

• Partial Denture
  A removable appliance that replaces missing teeth. This can be a good option if you are missing several teeth spread throughout your upper or lower jaw. A partial can fill in spaces and restore your bite but has it’s own set of special care requirements. Click here to learn more about partial dentures.
• Implant
  An implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone and then a crown is placed on top of it, requiring no alterations of the surrounding teeth like with bridges. This is the closest option to having your own natural tooth back but does require a more extensive treatment and takes more time to complete than a bridge. Click here to learn more about implants.

What happens at my appointment?

• Once the doctor and you have determined that a bridge is the best choice for your situation and the doctor has performed a thorough exam and reviewed your x-rays, we will begin the two appointment process of making a bridge that will fit into your mouth perfectly.
• At the first appointment we will take an impression of the area of the mouth where the teeth are missing in order to make you a temporary bridge at the end of your appointment. We will then thoroughly numb the affected area of your mouth in order to ensure your comfort throughout the appointment.
• The doctor will shape the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth, removing any decay these teeth may have, if necessary we will place build ups on the anchoring teeth to ensure their strength and stability. (Link to build up page)
• We will take a final impression of the teeth to send to the lab so they can create a model of your teeth and then precision craft a bridge. It usually takes about two weeks for the bridge to come back from the lab for us to permanently cement in place.
• A very small instrument known as a dental file is used to remove the infected pulp of the tooth.
• Lastly we will use the first impression we took and make a temporary bridge to cover and protect your teeth during the time between the first and second appointments.
• At the second appointment we will remove the temporary bridge and check to be sure the fit and aesthetics of the permanent bridge are perfect.
• If necessary, we will numb the affected part of your mouth.
• The tooth is cleaned and then the bridge is permanently cemented in place. Depending on the type of bridge and the kind of adhesive used, your new bridge will be ready for normal chewing anytime from when you leave the office until about 24 hours after you leave. We will advise you about proper care of your bridge to ensure it lasts for years to come.

After your Appointment (Post Operative Instructions)

Temporary Bridges

• Try to avoid eating and or chewing until the anesthetic has completely worn off to avoid biting your tongue or the inside of your cheek.
• Try to avoid chewing anything sticky or chewy on the side of your mouth where the temporary is located. A temporary bridge is just that, temporary and can be dislodged by chewing.
• Floss carefully around the tooth where the temporary is located. Push the floss between the teeth and then pull the floss out the side in order to avoid lifting the temporary off. We can demonstrate proper flossing for the temporary.
• Some sensitivity is normal underneath the temporary and should go away once we place the permanent bridge. Call us if it gets worse as time goes by.
• Your gums may be slightly sore after your appointment. That is normal and gently rinsing with warm salt water should help. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of table salt in 1 cup of warm water and very gently rinse the sore area of your mouth.
• If your temporary comes off you can try to put it back in place yourself. If it goes back into place and seems to be staying then you don’t need to call us but if it keeps coming off or you can’t get it back into place, please give us a call. It is important that the tooth underneath stays protected until the permanent bridge is placed.

Permanent Bridges

• Avoid chewing until the anesthetic has worn off completely to avoid biting your lips and cheek. This can cause painful sores.
• Brush and floss normally once the cement has fully set. We will advise you as to how long this will take.
• If you experience sensitivity in the first day or so that is normal, call us if the sensitivity gets worse or persists beyond several days.
• It is also normal for your gums to be tender around the new bridge, rinsing gently with warm salt water can help keep the area clean and comfortable. Just dissolve 1 teaspoon of table salt in 1 cup of warm water and swish gently.

Call our office if your bite feels uneven, you have sensitivity or discomfort that increases or continues beyond 3-4 days or if you have any questions or concerns.

Before / After

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