If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge is a good way to bring both function and aesthetics back. A dental bridge is a custom appliance used to fill missing teeth. If you are considering a dental bridge in Calgary, below is a step-by-step guide on what you can expect.
1. Set Up a Consultation with Your Calgary Dentist
The first step in obtaining a dental bridge will be to consult aCalgary dentist. During the appointment, your dentist will do the following:
- Conduct a complete examination of your teeth and gums.
- Take X-rays as needed to assess the health of your adjacent teeth and bone structure.
- Discuss which type of dental bridge will be the best choice; a traditional bridge, a cantilever bridge, a Maryland bridge, or an implant-supported bridge.
It is also at this time that you will discuss the treatment process, the benefits, and any questions or concerns you may have in the meantime. As an aside, if you are looking for a dental clinic, Inglewood Family Dental is a dental clinic near you, where you can receive great care for all your dental needs.
2. Preparing the Abutment Teeth
After deciding on a type of bridge, the next step is preparing the abutment teeth—those two adjacent healthy teeth that will support the bridge. The preparations involve the following:
- Reshaping the abutment teeth: The dentist will reshape the two adjacent teeth by trimming down the enamel, thus providing adequate room for the crowns that will be placed on them.
- Taking impressions: After the teeth have been prepped, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and gums to fabricate your custom dental bridge.
In a few instances, your dentist may place temporary crowns on the abutment teeth while your dental bridge is being fabricated.
3. Creating the Dental Bridge
Once we’ve taken impressions, we’ll send them to a dental lab to custom-make your bridge. In the lab, they will create:
- The Pontic: The gap fills due to a false tooth.
- The Crowns: The caps that sit on top of the abutment teeth to secure the bridge.
This takes about 1-2 weeks while your dentist may want to see you back for follow-up appointments. During this time, you will have temporary crowns.
4. Fitting and Adjusting the Bridge
After the bridge is made, you will return to your Calgary dentist for it to be fitted. At this point, your dentist will:
- Check the fit: Place the bridge over the abutment teeth to ensure the bridge fits comfortably.
- Check your bite: Ensure your bite lines up properly and make any adjustments if needed.
Once you’ve individually checked the bridge together, the dentist will bond the bridge in place. Minor adjustments may be needed, but this will be done in visit 2.
5. Finalizing the Bridge
Your dentist will then make a final examination to make certain that you are comfortable once the bridge is secure. There can be a certain amount of initial sensitivity or discomfort, although it normally should clear in a few days. Also remember to take the instructions of your dentist regarding care of your bridge.
A few tips would be to maintain great oral health and to visit your dentist on a regular basis to be sure that your bridge is lasting.
How Dental Bridges Work
A dental bridge replaces a gap in which you lost a tooth. Crowns are used to fix the bridge onto the neighboring teeth (the abutments) and an artificial tooth (the pontic) is placed in the gap that is formed by your lost tooth. Eventually it will just merge with your own natural teeth and gums, so the bridge will become natural.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of dental bridges, and your Calgary dentist will help determine the best one for you:
- Traditional Bridges: This type consists of crowns placed on each abutment tooth with an artificial tooth (pontic) in the space created by the missing tooth/teeth. This is the most common type of bridge.
- Cantilever Bridges: A cantilever bridge is mostly used where there’s an abutment tooth only on one side of the space.
- Maryland Bridges: These bridges are less invasive because the pontic is supported by a framework of metal or porcelain that is bonded to the back of the abutment teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Implant-supported bridges involve being anchored to dental implants for a permanent solution to missing.
Dental Bridge Treatment Process
The dental bridge procedure typically involves 2-3 sessions with your local dentist near you. After your first visit, the process would go as follows, the teeth in the abutment would be prepared, impressions would be taken, the dental bridge would be manufactured, and the bridge would be fitted. The duration of the treatment is normally 1-2 weeks long, starting at the first appointment till the completion of the treatment, and the bridge could have follow-up visits to make adjustments.
Conclusion
To conclude, dental bridge is a recommended procedure in order to replace the appearance and functionality of your teeth. It will need several weeks of work, though, under proper care, your bridge will last many years. Inglewood Family Dental is located in Calgary, and in case you are thinking about getting a dental bridge, it is us who will show you all the steps of getting your bridge. Today we are open to book a consultation and find the ideal solution to your smile.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of a dental bridge?
A dental bridge typically lasts between 5 to 15 years depending on the individual’s oral hygiene and the type of bridge used.
Are dental bridges painful?
You may experience some discomfort when you first receive your bridge, but this will go away after the mouth has adjusted to the new prosthesis.
How do I take care of my bridge?
Practicing good oral hygiene is very important. You should brush and floss regularly, as well as visit your dentist for a regular check-up to ensure the bridge is in good condition.
Can a dental bridge be removed?
No, a dental bridge is considered a permanent fixture, and the only way they would be removed is by a dentist, only if they are going to repair or replace the bridge.
