Missing teeth can cause a whole host of problems, from difficulty eating and speaking to poor nutrition and self-confidence. Fortunately, we have several excellent ways of replacing lost teeth. One of the most time-tested techniques is the dental bridge.
At Dr. George P. Cerniglia, we expertly perform dental bridges in Metairie, LA, to resolve tooth loss. Call us today at (504) 454-5880 to schedule a consultation and learn whether dental bridges may be right for you.
Dental Bridges: Trusted Missing Teeth Solutions
A dental bridge is a prosthesis that relies on support from healthy teeth surrounding the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. The healthy adjacent teeth, called abutments, provide support on either side of the gap — just like a bridge spanning a canyon.
Dental bridges act as effective permanent tooth replacements. You may be a good candidate for these dental prosthetics if you have one or more missing teeth but good oral health overall.
How Do Dental Bridges Work?
To fill the gap left by a missing tooth with a dental bridge, we must place supports on either side of the gap. This involves crowning or capping the adjacent teeth just like we would a tooth that has suffered significant decay or trauma.
First, we “prepare” the abutment teeth by removing their enamel, creating enough space for the crown to fit over them while maintaining a realistic appearance. Then, we attach the bridge tooth securing it to the crowns on either side. The false tooth is really just another crown; the difference is that it has no tooth underneath.
Dental bridges are suitable dental restoration options whether you have one or several missing teeth.
- If you have one missing tooth, your bridgework will require three crowns. Two of those crowns will cover teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth.
- If more than one tooth is missing, you will need more crowns to bridge this larger gap. For example, if you have three missing teeth, four abutment teeth may be necessary two on either side of the gap thereby creating a seven-tooth bridge.
Engineering and designing the bridge requires an understanding not only of how to replace teeth, but also of the biology of tooth-supporting gum and bone tissue.
Types of Dental Bridges
The two main types of dental bridges in Metairie, LA, include fixed and removable bridges.
- Fixed bridges involve a permanent bond to the adjacent teeth.
- Removable bridges use metal clasps or precision attachments, and you must take them out each day to clean them.
Aside from these two types, every dental bridge is uniquely customized to the patient. We consider many factors when engineering dental bridges, such as:
- The number of missing teeth
- The amount of bone support on either side of the missing teeth
- Where in the mouth the tooth loss occurred
What To Expect During a Dental Bridge Procedure
Getting bridgework usually takes two visits to our office. At the first visit, we will prepare your abutment teeth, using local anesthesia to minimize any discomfort from drilling. We will then create a model of your prepared teeth using a putty-like impression or digital scanning equipment. These scans allow our laboratory technicians to create crowns tailored to the shape of your teeth.
We will give you a temporary bridge to wear before you leave the office. At your next visit, we may be ready to cement your permanent bridge in place.
We’ll give you all the information you need to take the best care of your new crowns. Brushing and flossing these areas thoroughly and avoiding sticky, chewy foods will help your bridges last many years.
Request a Consultation for Dental Bridges in Metairie, LA, Today!
Tooth loss doesn’t need to permanently impact your life. A dental bridge treatment could pose a long-term or even permanent solution to your missing teeth. Schedule a consultation with Dr. George P. Cerniglia, today by calling (504) 454-5880. We’ll discuss our dental bridges in Metairie, LA, and compare the benefits of dental bridges vs. implants.