A dental bridge is a prosthetic that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of the false tooth/teeth, called the pontic, which bridges the gap and is anchored to neighboring teeth which are called abutment teeth. Lutke Dental provides this tooth replacement option in Plano, TX.
Benefits of dental bridges
- Restores the appearance to a smile
- Restores the function of a smile, enabling normal chewing and speaking
- Prevents the remaining teeth from changing position and moving into the gap
- Helps to maintain the shape of the face
- Distributes biting forces more evenly, reducing wear on the teeth
There are three types of bridges available. The type used for you will depend largely on the location of the missing teeth.
Procedure
It usually takes at least two visits to Lutke Dental to have a bridge made and placed. During your first visit, the abutment teeth will be prepared to support the crowns that anchor the bridge. A small portion of the teeth will be removed to make room for the dental crowns to fit. An impression will then be taken of the teeth and the gap, which will be sent to a dental lab where the bridge is made. A temporary bridge will be placed at the end of this appointment to keep the prepared teeth and gums protected.
When the bridge has been completed, you will return to your dentist in Plano to have the temporary bridge removed and replaced by the permanent one. Your dentist will first put the bridge in place to check the fit. Adjustments can be made as needed before the bridge is cemented into place. It may take more than one visit to make sure that the fit of the metal framework and your bite is just right. With good care, a dental bridge can be expected to last over 10 years.
If you have missing teeth and are tired of dealing with the gap, make an appointment at Lutke Dental. We can evaluate your teeth and make a recommendation on the best type of bridge for your situation in Plano.
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