Missing Some Teeth? An Overview of Dental Bridges

Posted on: 21 December 2015

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If you are missing some of your teeth, then you may want to find a permanent solution that's minimally invasive. A dental bridge may be a good option since it meets this criteria. The information offered below will help you to learn about the process for having a bridge put in, what makes you a good candidate for getting one, and what you can expect after it is put in.

How is a dental bridge made and put in?

A dentist, like Kevin J Owoc, will take an impression of your mouth by having you bite down on a mold. This mold will go to the dental lab where technicians will make the bridge appliance to fit your mouth and keep your natural bite intact.  

The dentist will shave down your supporting teeth to make room for the crowns on the bridge. When the bridge comes in, they will use the bonding material to cement the supporting crowns on your teeth and attach the bridge in place.

What makes you a good candidate for a bridge?

In order for you to be a good candidate, you need to have supporting teeth that are in the proper space and healthy enough to support the weight and stress of the bridge. It's okay for you to have a few cavities in your supporting teeth, since they will be cleaned, shaved, and covered with crowns. However, the cavities cannot be bad enough that they affect the integrity of those teeth. If you don't have good bone structure, you may need a graft before the bridge. If your bones or gums are too weak, you may not be a good candidate.

What can you expect after you have the bridge put in place?

Once the bridge in is, you may be a little sore from keeping your mouth open during the procedure, and there may be a mild amount of discomfort from your teeth being ground down. Your teeth may be sensitive, but getting a bridge won't cause a great deal of pain. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication to help you manage.

You will need to get used to having the bridge in place since you are used to those teeth missing. At first, it will feel like you have a foreign object in your mouth. It will take you a few days to get used to eating and speaking with your new dental bridge. Once you have your dental bridge put in you can enjoy the benefits that come with having a full set of teeth again. Make sure you continue with proper oral hygiene so you can decrease your chances of having any more dental problems in the future.