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Feel Great About Your Smile And Your Health With Dental Bridges In San Antonio, TX!
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A fixed prosthesis called a bridge might be useful when a person has lost several of their teeth. A bridge serves the precise purpose as its name implies—it bridges the gap created by missing teeth between your healthy ones. However, you need to have strong enough remaining teeth in order to be eligible for a dental bridge.
If you do, we will place dental crowns on those teeth so they can serve as anchors to hold up a gum-colored base that we can use to secure the bridge. Essentially, your remaining teeth provide the support necessary for ensuring your new tooth or teeth stay in place.
Why Do I Need A Dental Bridge?
- Appearance and oral functionality are important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps support your cheeks and lips. Your face may appear older, and your mouth may sink if you lose a back tooth.
- Dental health is the most important reason for a bridge. When teeth are absent, abnormal strains put on the gums and other oral tissues, which can lead to a variety of potentially dangerous conditions.
- Increased risk of gum disease has proven to be one of the worst side effects of missing teeth and can be minimized with a bridge.
- Since many of the sounds we need to talk effectively are made with teeth, missing teeth can lead to speech difficulties.
Types of Bridges
- A traditional or fixed bridge consists of a false filler tooth that is attached to two crowns, which fit over the existing real teeth and hold the bridge in place.
- An implant-supported bridge is, as the name suggests, a bridge that attaches to a dental implant instead of a natural tooth.
How Do Dental Bridges Work?
Step 1: Our dentist in San Antonio will carefully shape the abutment teeth, which are the natural teeth on either side of your missing tooth. In some cases, the gum tissue might also be modified.
Step 2: Next, we will capture a digital impression of the biting surface. That way, your bridge fits in properly with your other teeth.
Step 3: Then, it is off to the lab. Technicians will use the data from our dentist to craft a custom bridge from materials like porcelain, ceramics, and metal.
Step 4: During the fitting process, which may take a few visits, you can also expect a temporary dental bridge.
Step 5: Before we place your permanent dental bridge, we will ensure that it fits correctly. Once we are certain the bridge is positioned and shaped properly, we will cement it in place.
Proper Care For Dental Bridges
All bridges require fantastic oral hygiene and maintenance. Patients with bridges installed using abutments are more likely to suffer gum disease and tooth decay. After being fitted with bridges, it is crucial to brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush regularly. Use the toothpaste recommended by your dentist to prevent plaque, gingivite buildup, and other gum diseases.
Call Or Text Us To Learn More About Dental Bridges
Our team at Life Smiles Dental Studio San Antonio is dedicated to helping you obtain a smile that is healthy and beautiful. Replacing missing teeth through the use of a dental bridge will enhance all aspects of your smile. To learn more about dental bridges in San Antonio, speak with Dr. Hannah Sutherland. If you think you might benefit from a dental bridge, call our office today so that our helpful staff members can further assist you.