Fixed dental bridges is a dental restoration procedure used by the dentists to replace a missing tooth.
If there is missing teeth. Bridge can be attached to an existing tooth or to a dental implant.
A dental bridges can be a permanent dental bridge or a removable dental bridge.
Permanent bridges are cemented with glue to the tooth. Removable bridges are not cemented and it is easier to remove and clean.
A dental bridge can be made out of good quality full ceramic material or with a metal substructure to the bridge.
Dental Bridges are commonly used, when one or more teeth missing and needs to be fixed. Tooth bridges are very popular because it is a fixed solution and cheaper in cost.
Dental Bridges can be a better option, when there is good spacing and support to hold the bridge.
Why Dental Bridges?
- Prevents the teeth from drifting
- Improves the shape, colour and angle of the teeth
- Restores the chewing and talking function
- Improves the taste
- Improves the self confidence
A dental bridge may need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years. The drawbacks with dental bridges are, the bridge requires tooth reduction, which is potentially destroying the original tooth.
Good oral hygiene and regular check ups with the dentist will help to keep the teeth and the dental bridge in good condition. The uses of floss or inter dental brushes are essential to prevent any periodontal disease or dental caries from occurring.
Dental Bridge Process
Once the dentist and the patient have decided on doing a dental bridge work, an x-ray will be essential to assess the health of the tooth and the surrounding areas for any infection, gum disease and bone loss. Impressions of upper and lower teeth are taken to make a temporary dental bridge so that when the tooth is cut down, it can be replaced.
Two dental appointments are required with the dentist to make a dental bridge. In certain cases, the colour of the dental bridge needs to be selected with the dental technician. Sometimes the cut tooth may need to be modified, so another impression may need to be taken and resent to our dental lab.
Dental Bridge First Appointment
During your first appointment with dentists local anaesthetic is given to the area where the teeth are going to be cut, then the teeth are cut down and aligned according to the bridge requirements.
The amount of tooth to be reduced is determined by the position of the tooth and the material used for the dental bridge. The teeth which are cut down will depend upon the length of the dental bridge. In general, the longer the dental bridge, the more teeth needs to be cut down.
An impression is taken using rubber based material, which is a highly accurate material and another impression is taken of the patients bite. The impressions are sent to our local dental laboratory.
A temporary dental bridge is made from the impression taken at the initial dental appointment and the patient wears the temporary bridge for 8 to 10 working days, then the patient is sent to our dental lab so the technician can pick the colour of the dental bridge.
Dental Bridge Second Appointment
During the second dental appointment for the dental bridge, the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent bridge is tried in for shade, bite and fit.
Any adjustment that is required is done on the spot and the dental bridge is cemented with permanent cement to the patients tooth.
In complex cases, the dental bridge is cemented in using temporary cement and then later on with the permanent cement.
If you need any cosmetic dental treatment like dental bridge, please call our dental clinic in Geelong to discuss the costs and treatment process.
Book your next dental bridge appointment whether partial or full with our experienced cosmetic dentists doing dental bridge work at Geelong