Unfortunately, tooth loss is a part of life for millions of Americans. If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be wondering what to do next. At South Reno Dental, we specialize in a number of tooth replacement solutions, including dental bridges. Regardless of which restoration you choose, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. A missing tooth can lead to more serious complications later down the line. Your remaining teeth may shift out of their proper position to accommodate the open space, leading to a malocclusion, or misalignment in your bite.
The process of receiving a traditional dental bridge is similar to that of a dental crown. The procedure is usually broken down into two appointments: one for preparation and one for placement.
During your first appointment, we will prepare the adjacent teeth, known as abutment teeth, to receive two dental crowns. This means we will completely recontour the enamel to accommodate the shape of the crowns. Once the teeth are reshaped, we will take an impression of the area.
The impression is sent to our dental laboratory, where our technicians will use it to fabricate your new restoration. This process typically takes a couple of weeks or so to complete. We may give you a temporary bridge in the meantime to protect your newly reshaped teeth.
During your second appointment, we will remove the temporary bridge and place your permanent one. We may need to make some final adjustments to achieve the proper fit. Once we are satisfied, we will secure the bridge in place using special dental cement.
Your new bridge will restore your smile to a more beautiful, aesthetically-pleasing state. Most bridges are fabricated using porcelain or some other ceramic. These materials offer unmatched cosmetic advantages. Ceramic can be color-matched to your remaining teeth, and textured to mimic the appearance of natural enamel. It also possesses the same light-reflective properties as natural enamel. As a result, your new restoration will be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. A bridge also prevents your remaining teeth from shifting out of their proper position, while equally distributing the forces of your bite. If you want to restore your ability to chew and speak properly with a beautiful restoration, a dental bridge may be right for you!
