Dental Bridges

When missing teeth are replaced with a bridge, the adjacent teeth require crowns in order to support the replacement tooth.  When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may drift so it is important to get a replacement tooth as soon as possible.  Leaving the space may cause several problems.  Teeth may drift into space changing your bite.  This may result in sore jaws, gum disease or decay due to more difficult hygiene.   A fixed bridge can replace one or several teeth.  The teeth on either end are used as anchors or abutments.  Bridges are not to be removed.

Procedure for fitting a bridge:

Diagnostic models are taken to study the optimal way to perform this procedure.

Teeth used to attach the bridge are carefully prepared.

Impressions are taken and a temporary acrylic bridge is then cemented into place.

The final bridge is created in the lab and cemented into place.

Any adjustments are made.

Care for bridges:

Brushing and flossing are very important around all areas.  It is not possible to floss between the replacement tooth and the crowns as it is in one piece, however you will be able to floss between the bridge and the gum tissue with special tools.