Living with a severely damaged or missing tooth can have negative effects on your oral and overall health. In addition to taking away from the beauty of your smile, a missing tooth can lower your self-confidence, make talking and eating difficult, and lead to other dental problems, such as shifting. The good news is that improving the health and beauty of your damaged smile is simple with a dental bridge. Check out these facts about how a dental bridge could benefit your oral health before scheduling a free consultation with the trusted team at Walnut Creek Dental.
We can’t wait to see your smile!
A dental bridge is a restorative dental appliance that is used to “bridge” the space left behind from one or more missing teeth. They work by attaching two dental crowns to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth/teeth as well as a prosthetic tooth between them, also known as a “pontic.” Pontic teeth can be created from a variety of different materials, depending on where the missing tooth is located. Porcelain crowns are most commonly used on front or visible teeth due to their natural appearance. The best candidate for a dental bridge is someone with a significantly damaged or missing tooth who has otherwise healthy teeth and gums.
If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge can provide many benefits, including:
Getting a tooth bridge will require a few visits to the dentist. During your first appointment, the dentist will prepare the teeth that will support the bridge by carefully removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crowns that will cover them. Then, he will take impressions of your mouth to send to the lab where your bridge will be made. In the meantime, a temporary bridge will be placed in your mouth. After your permanent bridge is finished, you can come back for your last appointment where the permanent bridge will replace the temporary one. A follow-up appointment may be necessary to ensure the bridge fits your mouth perfectly.
The best way to keep your bridge in tip-top shape is to practice excellent oral health habits every day and visit the dentist twice a year for regular check-ups and professional cleanings. With good at-home dental care, it’s common for bridges to last as long as 15 years without needing to be replaced.
The cost of your dental bridge will depend on the type of bridge you get and what dental insurance plan you have. For more information on what your dental insurance covers, please contact our office.
Achieving the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve doesn’t have to be complicated. At Walnut Creek Dental, you can improve the appearance, comfort, and health of your smile in as little as two convenient dental appointments with a dental bridge. Dr. Pappas and our compassionate dental team are well-equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, extensive experience, unparalleled service, and a relaxing office setting to ensure that your dental bridge procedure goes as smoothly as possible. Contact us today to learn more about your teeth replacement options, including dental bridges, and schedule an appointment. You won’t believe how simple gaining the healthy, radiant smile of your dreams can be!
Call 614-864-2466 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
