Losing a tooth can impact more than just your smile; it can affect your ability to eat and speak properly, as well as your confidence. A dental bridge is a reliable solution to restore your smile’s function and appearance. Understanding the dental bridge procedure can alleviate any anxiety and help you feel more comfortable and informed. At Radiance Artistic Dental & Wellness Center, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the dental bridge procedure, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
It consists of a false tooth (or teeth) called a pontic, which is held in place by two or more abutment teeth – the natural teeth adjacent to the gap.
These abutment teeth are fitted with dental crowns to support the bridge.
Bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain, alloys, or a combination of both, to match the color and appearance of your natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Bridges:
- Restores your smile
- Maintains the shape of your face
- Distributes bite forces properly
- Prevents remaining teeth from drifting out of position
- Restores chewing and speaking ability
Types of Dental Bridges
Several types of dental bridges are available, each suited to different needs and situations.
Traditional Dental Bridge
The most common type, a traditional dental bridge, involves creating a crown for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth (abutment teeth) and placing a pontic in between.
This type of bridge is effective when you have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
Maryland Dental Bridge
A Maryland bridge is a less invasive option primarily used for replacing front teeth.
It consists of a pontic with metal or porcelain “wings” that are bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth.
Maryland Bridge Procedure Specifics:
Instead of crowns, a Maryland bridge uses metal wings, which are bonded to the adjacent teeth, requiring minimal alteration.
- Advantages: Less invasive, preserves more of the natural tooth structure, generally quicker.
- Disadvantages: May not be as strong or durable as traditional bridges. The Maryland bridge may last 5-15 years.
- Ideal Candidates: Suitable for patients with healthy abutment teeth and in areas of the mouth with less bite force.
Cantilever Dental Bridge
In a cantilever bridge, the pontic is supported by a crown on only one abutment tooth.
This type is used when there is only one adjacent tooth next to the missing tooth gap.
However, because it places extra stress on the supporting tooth, it’s not recommended for areas of the mouth that experience high biting forces.
Implant-Supported Dental Bridge
As the name suggests, implant-supported bridges use dental implants instead of natural teeth to support the bridge.
One implant is surgically placed for each missing tooth, and these implants hold the bridge in place.
This option is more stable and doesn’t rely on adjacent teeth, but it requires a more involved and lengthy procedure.
The Dental Bridge Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide
The dental bridge procedure typically requires two to three visits to Radiance Artistic Dental & Wellness Center. Here’s what you can expect at each stage:
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Examination
Your first visit will involve a comprehensive examination by Dr. Radip Uprety. This initial consultation takes 30-60 minutes.
During this appointment, Dr. Uprety will:
- Evaluate your overall oral health.
- Assess the health of your abutment teeth.
- Take X-rays to examine the underlying bone structure.
- Discuss the different types of bridges available and recommend the best option for your specific needs.
- Answer any questions you may have about the procedure, cost, and aftercare.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation (Abutment Teeth)
The abutment teeth need to be prepared to support the bridge.
This involves reshaping these teeth by removing a portion of the enamel to allow room for the crown to fit over them properly.
Abutment teeth preparation takes approximately 60 minutes.
- Local anesthesia will be administered to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Dr. Uprety will carefully reshape the abutment teeth using specialized dental instruments.
Step 3: Impressions and Temporary Bridge
After the abutment teeth are prepared, impressions of your teeth will be taken.
- These impressions will be sent to a dental lab, which will create your custom-made permanent bridge.
- A temporary bridge will be placed to protect the prepared abutment teeth and maintain your smile’s appearance while the permanent bridge is being fabricated.
Step 4: Permanent Bridge Fabrication
The dental lab will use the impressions to create a bridge that precisely fits your mouth and matches the color of your natural teeth. This process typically takes one to two weeks.
Step 5: Permanent Bridge Placement and Cementation
Once the permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to Radiance Artistic Dental & Wellness Center for the final placement.
Permanent bridge fitting and placement takes 30-60 minutes.
- Dr. Uprety will remove the temporary bridge and carefully fit the permanent bridge onto the abutment teeth.
- Adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable and proper fit.
- Once the fit is perfect, the bridge will be permanently cemented into place using a strong dental adhesive.
Step 6: Maryland Bridge Procedure Specifics (if applicable)
For a Maryland bridge, the procedure varies slightly:
- The back surface of the adjacent teeth is etched to create a rough surface for bonding.
- The metal or porcelain wings of the Maryland bridge are then bonded to the etched surfaces using a resin cement.
- A special curing light is used to harden the resin and secure the bridge in place.
Step 7: Aftercare and Maintenance
Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the longevity of your dental bridge.
- Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss daily, paying special attention to the area around the bridge. Use a floss threader to clean under the pontic (false tooth).
- Dietary Recommendations: Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage the bridge or dislodge it.
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups with Radiance Artistic Dental & Wellness Center to monitor the health of your bridge and abutment teeth.
Potential Problems and Solutions
Like any dental restoration, bridges can sometimes encounter problems.
- Sensitivity: Some patients may experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after the bridge is placed. This usually subsides over time. Use desensitizing toothpaste to alleviate discomfort.
- Loosening: If the bridge becomes loose, it’s important to seek immediate dental attention. A loose bridge can lead to decay in the abutment teeth.
- Damage: Bridges can be damaged by trauma, such as a fall or blow to the face. If your bridge is damaged, contact our office for repair or replacement.
Cost of Dental Bridge Procedure
The cost of a dental bridge varies depending on several factors:
- Type of Bridge: Maryland bridges are generally less expensive than traditional or implant-supported bridges.
- Materials Used: Porcelain, alloys, and composite materials have different costs.
- Location: Dental fees vary by region.
Radiance Artistic Dental & Wellness Center can provide a detailed cost estimate during your initial consultation.
We also offer various insurance and financing options to make dental care more accessible.
Conclusion: The Dental Bridge Procedure Begins Here
A dental bridge is an excellent solution for restoring your smile and improving your oral health after tooth loss. By understanding each step of the dental bridge procedure, you can feel confident and prepared throughout the process. At Radiance Artistic Dental & Wellness Center in Boulder, Colorado, Dr. Radip Uprety and our dedicated team are committed to providing personalized, high-quality dental care.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover if a dental bridge is right for you.
FAQs
How long does a dental bridge last?
With proper care, a dental bridge can last for 5-15 years or even longer. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining its longevity.
Is the dental bridge procedure painful?
No, the dental bridge procedure is generally not painful. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area during tooth preparation and bridge placement. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How do I clean under a dental bridge?
Use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean under the pontic (false tooth) and around the abutment teeth. This helps remove plaque and debris that can accumulate in these areas.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
While you can eat most foods with a dental bridge, it’s best to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage or dislodge the bridge. Cut food into smaller pieces and chew carefully.
