Dental Bridges FAQS
Missing teeth affect not only your dental appearance but also your structure. Gaps in between your teeth can weaken your dental structure by causing the surrounding teeth to shift. Not replacing your teeth will also lead to the reabsorption of the alveolar bone in the body, further weakening your dental support.
Therefore, it is important to replace your teeth to preserve your oral health and improve your appearance. Fortunately, we offer dental bridges in Ajax, ON, to help replace and restore your teeth.
What are Dental Bridges?
A tooth bridge is a false tooth that is anchored by two dental crowns. For dental bridges to be fixed, you need to have healthy teeth that can support the crowns. We offer several types of dental bridges based on the location and the number of missing teeth.
- Traditional bridges. These are the common type and are used when you have one or more missing teeth. The bridges are supported using two dental crowns that are placed on the adjacent teeth.
- Cantilever bridges. They also use dental crowns for support, but they are only using one tooth for support. Because of their design, the cantilever bridges are only fixed on front teeth.
- Maryland dental bridges. They are similar to the traditional ones, but they use a metal framework to anchor the teeth.
- Implant-supported bridges. These fixed bridges use metal posts for support. The metal screws are fixed on the jawbone. These bridges are strong and durable, but you need to have sufficient bone density to fix the implants. These bridges come in handy when you have multiple teeth missing because they are used to support dentures.
Dental Bridges vs. Implants
Dental bridges and implants address the same issue. Plus, they restore your smile and prevent jaw bone deterioration. However, the bridges are non-invasive and need only two dental visits (which are done in about four weeks).
Implants are durable than dental bridges and tend to mimic your natural teeth. However, they need a surgical procedure to be fixed. Moreover, you need to have sufficient jaw bone to have them fixed. The dental implant surgery also takes months to be completed.
Consult our Ajax dentist to find out more about the difference between dental bridges and dental implants and which one is suitable.
What is The Process of Fixing the Tooth Bridge?
Dental bridges require at least two visits, and the process takes a few steps:
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- Dental examination
The dentist begins by first doing a comprehensive dental assessment using an x-ray and other tests. He will examine your jaw and the extent of bone loss. He will then take you through the process and choose a suitable dental bridge.
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- Tooth preparation
Your teeth require reshaping to make room for the dental crowns. The dentist will numb your gums and trim off the enamel. Your dental impression is taken to create the dental bridge in a process that lasts for two to three weeks. As you wait, the dentist will cover the reshaped teeth with temporary bridges to shield them from sensitivity.
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- Fixing the tooth bridge
During the second dental consultation, the dentist will replace the temporary bridges with the permanent ones. Teeth cleaning may be done before the bridges are fixed. The bridges are finally cemented in place using a special block of cement.
A follow-up dental visit may be scheduled to examine the bridges.
What to Expect After the Bridges Are Fixed?
You may experience soreness and sensitivity as the anesthesia begins to wear out. The discomfort will clear in a few hours, so no need for medication. You may also experience slight difficulty eating food, so eat soft foods in the first few days until you get used to wearing the bridges.
Take Away
Dental bridges can last for 15 years with proper dental care. Therefore, ensure you maintain proper dental health to keep the teeth healthy. Avoid consuming too much coffee, wine, and tea to prevent the bridges from discoloring because they cannot be whitened once they are fixed. Visit Rossland Landing Dental Care for more information on the dental bridges.