If you are one of many individuals who are living with at least one missing tooth, you may be wondering how you can easily restore your smile without invasive surgery. By receiving a dental bridge from Time To Care Dental Group in West Edmonton, you can receive a customized restoration that uses your natural, healthy teeth to sit firmly in place. This would give you improved functionality and a natural-looking smile. At Time to Care Dental Group, our team of experts can discuss whether a traditional or implant bridge is right for you and put you on the path to achieving your dental health goals.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A traditional dental bridge is a fixed device that is placed in your mouth to close the gap left behind by a missing tooth. It permanently anchors an artificial tooth (or teeth) to the adjacent, existing teeth. A dental bridge can be critical in preventing teeth from drifting into the missing space and causing problems with your bite.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are three viable options for a dental bridge:
Traditional Bridge: A traditional bridge uses the two teeth on either side of the missing tooth as anchors for a false tooth that fills that space.
*Maryland Bonded Bridge: A Maryland Bridge is a popular choice as it requires very little preparation to the neighbouring teeth. It is somewhat of a more cost-effective solution than others.
*Cantilever Bridge: A Cantilever Bridge is an option used when there is only one tooth adjacent to the missing tooth, supporting the false tooth only on one end.
*It’s important to note that the Maryland Bridge and Cantilever Bridge are not as strong as a Traditional Bridge. Ask your dentist about which dental bridge option makes sense for you.
When meeting with your dentist in West Edmonton, the two of you will discuss your medical history as well as the goals you hope to achieve by replacing your missing teeth. There are two different types of dental bridges: one held into place using natural teeth and another that is secured into place using dental implants. After a thorough examination, one of our team members will inform you of which solution will work best for your individual needs.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Dental Bridge?
By choosing a dental bridge, you are committing to taking better care of your smile. Tooth loss can wreak havoc on your ability to eat, speak, and smile; however, with the help of a traditional or implant bridge, you will notice a dramatic difference that comes with many great benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of dental shift because the bridge helps to keep your natural teeth in position
- The opportunity to eat the foods you love and speak clearly
- A minimally invasive solution (traditional bridge)
- A permanent method to replace your missing teeth (implant bridge)
- A prosthetic that can last 5-10 years (traditional bridge) or 30+ years (implant bridge)
- Greater confidence because of your full, complete, and more youthful smile
What Steps Are Involved in Preparing a Tooth for a Bridge?
Excellent oral hygiene is required before the placement of any major restoration. If you have not been to our office for your regular hygiene visit, we will schedule you in for a visit before diagnosis. Our doctors will advise what oral hygiene steps are required prior to commencing treatment.
Upon completion of your consultation with our doctors, you will be scheduled for a bridge preparation appointment. At this visit, the tooth/teeth will be prepared, an impression will be taken, and a temporary bridge will be created in-office and cemented on to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. This impression is then sent to a lab to create your permanent bridge.
At your follow-up appointment, our doctors will cement your permanent bridge, and you will leave with your new bridge and completed restoration.
How Should I Care for My Temporary Dental Bridge?
Because temporary dental bridges are just an interim fix until your permanent bridge is ready, we suggest that a few precautions be taken:
*Avoid chewy and sticky foods which can pull off or dislodge the bridge.
* Avoid food and beverages that are known to stain (for example, blueberries, red wine, coffee, grape juice, etc.) as temporary bridges are more porous and stain easily.
* Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that has the temporary bridge.
* Avoid chewing hard foods – doing so could break or dislodge the bridge.
* When flossing, slide out rather than lifting out. Even though you normally lift the floss out, you run the risk of pulling off the temporary bridge.
* In the case that the temporary bridge does come off, please call the clinic so we can book an appointment to re-cement it back on.
* The success of a dental bridge is highly predicated on the health of your surrounding teeth; therefore, it’s critical that you keep your remaining natural teeth healthy and strong!
Questions about our dental bridge procedure? We’re only a phone call away – 780-484-5918!
Dental Bridge FAQs
If you have an unsightly gap in your smile, a dental bridge may be the solution you’re looking for. However, when it comes to choosing a tooth replacement option, it pays to be well informed, so we’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we are asked about dental bridges in Edmonton. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, just give us a call. We’d be happy to answer your questions and get you started with an initial consultation.
Can You Take a Dental Bridge Out?
No, dental bridges are designed to remain in your mouth for many years after being placed. You shouldn’t be able to take it out on your own. Only a dental professional can. In some cases, dental providers may call partial dentures “removeable bridges,” but this can be misleading. Partials may be similar to bridges, but one of the key differences is that partials can be removed by a patient at any time while bridges cannot.
Is Getting a Dental Bridge Painful?
Before preparing your teeth to support a bridge, your dentist will begin by numbing the teeth that they’ll be working on. While the procedure itself won’t be uncomfortable, the underlying teeth are likely to feel sensitive for a few days. Fortunately, this is temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If discomfort worsens, let us know so we can help. Since bridges keep your remaining teeth from drifting out of place, they can prevent discomfort later on caused by dental drift.
How Many Teeth Can a Dental Bridge Replace?
Depending on the patient’s needs, a dental bridge can replace anywhere from one to four missing teeth in a row. However, in most cases, bridges are used to replace only one or two teeth. The longer the bridge extends, the less stable it may become, especially if the natural teeth supporting the bridge aren’t strong and healthy. Ultimately, it becomes riskier to have a bridge replace three or more teeth. Implant bridges can lower this risk since implant are as strong and secure as natural teeth.
Can Dental Bridges Get Cavities?
It is impossible for a bridge itself to develop cavities, but the natural teeth underneath it still can. Food debris can become trapped beneath the bridge or in the space that the crowns meet the gums, attracting harmful bacteria that may result in cavities or even gum infections. This can be avoided by keeping up excellent oral hygiene and attending regular cleanings and checkups. You should be cleaning under and around your bridge every single day.