Missing teeth in Newcastle is a common problem that can impact self-confidence and make speaking and eating tricky. Several solutions are available to replace missing teeth, but a dental bridge is one of the most reliable.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth, filling in the gap. It is supported by natural teeth called abutment teeth.
These abutment teeth are generally on either side of the gap and are reshaped and covered with dental crowns. The crowns support the replacement tooth, which is called a pontic, between them. The pontic looks like a real tooth and rests on the gum underneath. If you are missing two teeth that were originally adjacent to each other, you may be able to have a dental bridge to replace both teeth.
A Natural Looking Restoration
Understandably, most people are concerned about how a bridge will look. You can rest assured that we can design it to look and feel natural and blend in beautifully with your real teeth.
We use the latest ceramic materials; your bridge can be entirely metal-free. It is made from a strong ceramic called zirconia. The material is strong, durable and looks natural, so the result should be teeth that look like yours.
What Is the Process for Having a Dental Bridge?
You will need several visits to our dental office.
Initial Visit
The process begins with a dental consultation at West Bowmanville Family Dental. Our dentist will need to assess your mouth to ensure the abutment teeth are strong enough to support a bridge, and if so, how many teeth need to be replaced with pontics.
We also need to decide which type of bridge is most appropriate and the number of abutment teeth required. For example, if you need several teeth replaced, we may use more abutment teeth for support.
Preparing Your Teeth
The next stage is to prepare your teeth for the crowns. We must remove some tooth enamel to create enough room for the dental crowns to fit comfortably. We must ensure they look natural and are not too big and bulky.
Once these teeth are prepared, we take a detailed digital dental impression. Digital dental impressions in Clarington are accurate and far more comfortable than traditional tray impressions.
Our dentist will check the digital impression on the screen in your treatment room before sending it to our dental lab, where they will make your bridge to our prescription. While your bridge is made, we will fit a temporary restoration to protect your prepared teeth.
Fitting Your Bridge
Once your bridge is complete, you return to our dental office so we can remove your temporary restoration and try in your new bridge. We need to check that the fit is precise, that your bite is correct, and that your bridge looks good.
The final stage is to cement your bridge in place, and you are ready to enjoy your new restoration.
Looking after Your Bridge
A good oral hygiene routine in Courtice will keep your bridge looking good and prolong its life. After we fit your bridge, we can discuss cleaning it properly and underneath each pontic. A good daily oral care routine will help prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments are equally important. Our skilled hygiene team can check the condition of your bridge and clean it professionally.
If you are missing teeth, visit our dental office to discover if a dental bridge can help. If you lack enough natural teeth for support, we can discuss another option, such as a dental implant bridge.
