How Do You Place A Dental Bridge?

Placing dental bridges in Arlington Heights ILWhen we have missing teeth, the health and appearance of our smile suffers. In order to correct the issue, we may recommend a dental bridge, which replaces between one and three lost teeth in a row. How do we create and place a dental bridge? What benefits does this prosthetic offer?

Frequently Asked Questions About Placing Dental Bridges

Question: Can addressing tooth loss improve my oral health?

Answer: Yes! When you have a gap in your smile, adjacent teeth can drift and become misaligned. An uneven smile then increases the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. Not to mention the fact that the pressure placed onto the jaw joints by uneven teeth or gaps in your smile can increase the likelihood of TMJ disorder and bruxism forming.

Question: How do you create a bridge?

Answer: We will first need to prepare the natural teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. We remove a small amount of structure. We then take detailed impressions, which will be used to design the new prosthetic. The bridge consists of the new teeth (also known as pontics) with a crown on either end. We place the crowns on the prepared teeth, anchoring the new ones firmly in place.

Question: How do you maintain one?

Answer: You will need to continue brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every night. You will also need to clean the space between the top of your gums and the bottom of the prosthetic. We will provide detailed instructions on caring for your new prosthetic, which can help ensure it lasts for many years to come.

Question: Can you support them with dental implants?

Answer: We can! With multiple dental implants, we can secure one without losing surrounding tooth structure. Dental implants also last longer, meaning your prosthetic can last for decades as opposed to just 10 to 15 ears.